Ljugarn: Sandy Beach, Coastal Trails and Maritime Culture

Ljugarn between Sandy Beach and Coast

Ljugarn combines an approximately one-kilometre-long sandy beach with coastal trails, nature experiences and an unusually rich collection of maritime culture. The village was Gotland’s first seaside resort. At Ljugarn Campsite, a wheelchair ramp leads down to the beach. This means that beach access at this location is also specifically described for visitors who use wheelchairs.

Coastal Hikes and Nature Around Ljugarn

Different distances are available to help you plan your hike. The coastal hiking section between Ljugarn and Folhammar is approximately 12 km long. The 73-km-long Östkustleden coastal trail also passes through Ljugarn, following the coast between Anga and Närsholm. Within the village, there are four local hiking trails ranging from 3 to 9 km in length, as well as a shorter 1.7-km loop. Benches and, in some places, picnic tables are provided along the trails; they are easy to walk and suitable for all hikers.

In the wider area around Ljugarn, the Folhammar Nature Reserve lies just over a kilometre to the northeast. There, a 500-metre-long rauk field stretches along the coast, with numerous rauks up to 6 metres high. A paved path is accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair. Adapted barbecue areas provide access to the rauks at close range. This gives Ljugarn several clearly distinct options when choosing between the beach, coastal hiking and a rocky natural landscape.

Harbour, History and Museums

Four small museums are located around Ljugarn harbour. Strandridarebostället is a listed state heritage building and houses a customs museum. Strandridaregården was probably built in the 1720s and is the last Strandridaregård on Gotland preserved in its original condition. Its upper floor houses Sweden’s only permanent customs museum.

The Strandbygdsmuseum is housed in a former large harbour warehouse belonging to Gotländska Lantmännens Centralförening, built in 1896. The permanent exhibition displays photographs taken by Gotland researcher Mathias Klintbom in the parish of Lau in the early 20th century, as well as objects from coastal fishing. The Fossilmuseet contains a unique collection of Gotland fossils.

Historical traces can also be found outside the museums. The post mill on Lotsbacken stands at the highest point of the headland. It was built in 1828 and was intended for use by the pilots. Together with the harbour, the customs museum and the fishing artefacts, it tells the story of Ljugarn’s connection to the coast and seafaring.

Further Activities

Surfing is also one of the activities offered in Ljugarn. Ljugarns GK is a nine-hole woodland golf course designed by architect Jan Sederholm. Water sports and golf thus complement the beach- and hiking-related options with two additional forms of active leisure.

For further orientation within the wider destination area, you can also choose Stånga, Romakloster, Vamlingbo, Fleringe, Ronehamn, När, Väskinde and Hejdeby.

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