Katthammarsvik: Coast, Culture and Hiking Trails

Harbour, bathing spot and industrial limestone history

The harbour and bathing spot are among Katthammarsvik’s present-day landmarks. At the same time, the history of the place stretches back many centuries. Katthammarsvik was a workers’ settlement of the limestone industry. Several old lime kilns stand at the foot of Östergarnsberget, opposite the turn-off to Katthammarsvik. The harbour, bathing spot and lime kilns thus represent different sides of the area: spending time by the water today and the historic work with limestone.

The maritime character is also evident in the local cuisine. Katthammarsviks Rökeri is a fish smokehouse with an adjoining restaurant in Katthammarsvik. Its menu includes, among other things, fish platters, the smokehouse’s fish soup and smoked prawns. Anyone who values a harbour atmosphere, a bathing spot and fish cuisine when choosing a destination will therefore find several distinct points of reference here for planning their stay.

Manor house, historic buildings and culture

An important historical point of reference is Katthamra Gård. Peder Fleming was the first known owner and acquired the farm in 1652. Parts of the buildings date from the Middle Ages; Katthamra Gård is also considered the only manor house on Gotland. Another historical year is associated with Annas Nöje: the building was constructed in 1798. The medieval sections of the buildings and the year of construction, 1798, thus represent different building periods.

Contemporary culture is represented by the Östergarns Bygdegård cultural centre in Katthammarsvik. It offers cinema, theatre, lectures, music and other cultural activities. In summer, the cultural centre regularly hosts discussion evenings on Tuesdays, summer cinema on Thursdays and matinees for children on Sundays. The cultural offering thus ranges from historic buildings and traces of the limestone industry to changing events for different interests.

Nature trails, hillfort and landscapes in the surrounding area

In the vicinity of Katthammarsvik, Grogarnsberget combines alvar and rocky landscapes with pine woodland, small wetlands and open pebble beaches. The remains of Gotland’s second-largest hillfort can also be found on Grogarnsberget.

In the vicinity of Katthammarsvik, the Östergarnsberget nature reserve offers a six-kilometre nature loop around large parts of the reserve. For a longer hike, the Östkustleden is also available. At 73 kilometres, it is Gotland’s longest hiking trail. A day trip on this trail leads from Katthammarsvik to Herrvik and back, covering a total of 14.5 kilometres. The six-kilometre nature loop is shorter than the 14.5-kilometre day trip. The day trip, in turn, remains well below the total length of 73 kilometres. The two shorter hiking options differ in form: the nature loop runs around large parts of the reserve, while the day trip connects Katthammarsvik and Herrvik.

Getting there by bus and further landmarks

Bus route 41 runs from Visby and stops in Katthammarsvik. Katthammarsvik can be reached from Visby on this bus route. To get a sense of the surrounding area, you can also consider other destinations from the same overarching destination selection: Havdhem, Hejdeby, Hejde, Ronehamn, Vamlingbo, Väte, Stånga and Hemse.

To the overarching travel overview: Gotland.