Tingstäde – Fortress, Church and Nature at Tingstäde träsk

Fortress, Church and Water Landscape

Tingstäde combines an impressive fortress history with church architecture, nature experiences and activities on the water. The historical focal point is Tingstäde Fortress, which consists of five redoubts. Redoubt 1 has many rooms and long underground passages. The fortress was completed in time for the First World War.

Historical Traces in the Village

Tingstäde Church is also one of the area's defining sights. Its tower was completed around 1300 and is 55 metres high. Tingstäde was also home to the historic courthouse for northern Gotland. The church was one of three asylum churches on Gotland where a person who had killed someone could receive protection for 40 days. The courthouse and asylum church thus represent different historical functions in Tingstäde: administering justice for northern Gotland and providing time-limited protection. This distinctive feature gives the church, in addition to its architectural significance, an unusual historical dimension.

Other sites focus on different eras and ways of life. The Gotland Defence Museum is now housed in several buildings at Förrådsgården. Havremagasinet was built in 1902 as a grain store. Polhemsgården was the childhood home where the inventor Polhem spent his early years. Danielssons Torp is a restored poorhouse with origins in the early 18th and 19th centuries. Tingstäde is considered an ancient cultural landscape.

Nature at Tingstäde träsk

On the eastern shore of Tingstädeträsk lies Grodvät, a 37-hectare nature reserve and Natura 2000 site. Natura 2000 is a European network of protected areas for specific habitats and species. The eastern side of Tingstäde träsk also offers favourable growing conditions for 27 orchid species. Those who want to explore the natural and cultural landscape on foot will find a practical starting point at Polhemsgården: a nature trail to the Kutkäldu spring begins behind the farm. Kutkäldu itself is a natural spring with a shelter.

Swimming, Boats and Visible Traces in the Lake

The bathing area at Tingstäde träsk has a short sandy beach and a jetty. Kayaks and boats can also be rented in Tingstäde to explore Tingstäde träsk. Another distinctive feature is the wooden remains of Bulverket, which can be seen from the surface of the water and from the air. At the lake, the bathing area and historical traces come together: a short sandy beach and a jetty at the bathing area, as well as the visible wooden remains of Bulverket. The lake experience therefore ranges from spending time at the bathing area to observing historical traces in the water.

Getting Around and Other Places to Choose From

For regional travel, bus route 20 towards Visby and Fårösund is relevant. It can be accessed via three bus stops in Tingstäde. As another place to consider, you can include Stenkyrka.

For the main travel overview: Gotland.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Vamlingbo, Hejdeby, Fleringe, Lau, Lojsta, Slite, När.