Visby is a fabulous city of roses. The historic city in the Swedish archipelago is at its best during the summer when roses bloom.
Northern archipelago paradise
Visby is the lively center of Gotland, Sweden ’s largest island . Also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby is a living piece of history: it has been in place for hundreds of years and the city’s oldest buildings date back to the 12th century. The unique milieu with its nubile stone streets and perimeter walls will charm travelers of all ages.
In Visby, history and nature are never far away. As a travel destination, this archipelago idyll especially enjoys the popularity of families. There is plenty to do in a compact city and everyone will become familiar with archipelago life.
Where adults enjoy the rich cultural offer, the little ones in the family can try and explore, for example, on exciting medieval tours of the Viking village and guided adventures in the unique nature of the area.
Sweden’s sunniest island
Visby, like a typical archipelago city, has a slightly milder climate than the mainland. Summer begins a little later than in mainland Sweden, but continues further into the fall.
Visby’s famous roses bloom through the summer, each variety in turn. The fresh breeze of the sea breeze keeps the suffocating heat away even on the hottest days of summer.
During the summer, Gotland comes to life, and May to August is the most favorable time to travel if you want to enjoy the island in its heyday. Gotland is home to many plants that are exceptional in its latitude – such as endangered palms and wild orchids – which add to the area’s natural uniqueness.
History in the heart of nature
Visby combines both city adventure and beach holidays. The picturesque little town charms with its historic atmosphere, and the barren archipelago offers great terrain for nature walks.
The whole family relaxes on the island’s numerous beaches. Beaches can be found for every taste, from rocky beaches to soft white sand. The beaches of Visby are known for their sea-polished limestone formations, or rafts, which rise on the oldest beaches.
Visby’s old wooden and stone houses are charmingly a little whimsical and the blooming roses smell intoxicatingly through the summer. Cafés and restaurants offer uncomplicated archipelago food at affordable prices. Small boutiques invite you to wander around and make interior discoveries, for example. At the end of the walk, it’s nice to sit back to rest in one of the city’s many parks or hop on a small tourist train.
A Finnish tourist can hardly experience cultural shock in safe Visby. Like the Swedish people, the people of Visby are friendly and helpful, and English and basic Swedish vocabulary are sure to do well.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN VISBY
Arriving by plane or sea
Visby can be reached from Finland either by plane or by sea. Flights from Helsinki to Visby Airport take an hour, and flight prices range from one hundred euros to five hundred.
Traveling by boat is also convenient – for example, Silja Europa makes trips to Gotland for a few days. There are also ferries from Stockholm to Visby. Of course, you can come to the city with your own boat, but then you should take into account the July congestion in the guest harbor.
Uncomplicated accommodation
Visby has a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to archipelago cottages and campsites. The inn hotels are cozy but offer everyday luxury for a summer trip. In many hotels, it is also possible to book a family room with a slightly larger travel party.
With a rental bike crossed
By renting a bicycle, you can explore the area in many ways. Good filling routes and flat shapes of the terrain guarantee a comfortable cycling experience. You can also take over the island conveniently by renting a car.
If you spend more time in Visby and there is enough interest, you can head to the nearby islands of Lilla and Stora Karlsön for a day trip.
VISITS OF VISBY
Visit Pep in the summer
Visby is also home to the fast-paced summer world of Kneippby, an absolute destination for those traveling with children. Here you can find, for example, the Huvikumpu and water park used in the original Peppi Pitkätossu’s original location. The youngest members of the family will also get their heads on a bike in a few amusement park equipment, trampolines and a carting track.
Peppi herself performs every day, and the plays are easy for everyone to follow, even if you can’t find your Swedish language skills. There is also a large campsite in the area.
Fascinating stalactite caves
The ancient beaches of the island are rich in caves of various sizes. The best known of these is the Lummelundagrottan stalactite cave , located about ten kilometers north of Visby.
The cave has a special story: two schoolboys discovered it by chance in 1948. In the caves you can adventure and admire ancient fossils on either an hour or a three-hour tour, for which it is also possible to get a guide in Finnish.
On the Viking journey in the village of Tofta
The village of Tofta offers visitors a unique experience: there is a real Viking village . Centuries ago, Gotland has served as a base and trading port for the Vikings, and the greatest archaeological finds from the Viking Age have been made here.
The Viking village founded in Tofata truly shows what the village might have looked like in Viking times. Various guided tours lead you to the Viking world, and in addition to touring the village, you can try Viking-era sports and games, for example.
THE BEST OF VISBYN
The most amazing historical sights
- Mary’s Church
- Lummelunda stalactite cave
- Almdalen Historical Park
- Gotlands Fornsal Provincial Museum
The funniest activities for kids
- Kneibbyn
- Medieval weekend with tournaments in August
- The Viking village of Tofta
- Guided vossikka ride
Disadvantages of Visby
- Short travel season
- Higher price level
- In July, the city is filled with Swedish tourists