Visby: Hanseatic city, city wall and routes through Gotland

Visby combines the history of an important Hanseatic city with a well-preserved medieval urban structure and a variety of routes through the city and surrounding area. From the 12th to the 14th century, Visby was the most important centre of the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea region. The Hanseatic city is also an outstanding example of a northern European medieval walled city, whose form and function from the late 13th century have been remarkably well preserved.

City Wall, World Heritage and Museums

The Hanseatic Town of Visby World Heritage Site encompasses the city wall, the entire area within the wall and the surrounding parks, covering a total of approximately 77 hectares. The ring wall is 3.6 kilometres long; construction probably began around 1250. It is considered the best-preserved city wall in Northern Europe and shapes orientation in Visby as much as the city’s historic atmosphere.

A central address for the cultural history of Gotland is Fornsalen in the heart of Visby, the island’s oldest cultural history museum. Fossils dating back 430 million years and outstanding ecclesiastical art are on display there. The Gotlands Konstmuseum complements this historical focus with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, crafts and design. It also presents exhibitions from its collection relating to Gotland, ranging from the early 19th century to the present day.

Visby Cathedral, Sankta Maria, is also part of the city’s long history. Construction began towards the end of the 12th century. In summer, it becomes a pilgrimage destination for visitors. The cathedral is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a few exceptions. The Sankta Maria Pilgrim Park also offers a pilgrimage trail through the cathedral grounds.

Art, Pilgrimage Trails and Walks

Those wishing to explore Visby on a themed tour can follow the approximately 5-kilometre city walk “Konsten i världsarvet”. It features 18 selected works of art in an outdoor historic cultural landscape. Several providers also offer tours of Visby and its history.

For longer stretches, the Sankt Olofsleden runs from Sankt Olofsholm in Hellvi to Visby. The pilgrimage trail can be walked from beginning to end or divided into several sections. It is marked on posts with the pilgrim cross; near junctions, additional orange ribbons on trees indicate the route.

Hälsans Stig in Visby is a 7-kilometre circular route. It runs through Strandgärdet, Norderstrand, Flundreviken, Kärleksstigen and Nordergravar. Another historic stop is the medieval gallows on Galgberget. They were probably erected as early as the 13th century and are now the oldest surviving medieval gallows in Scandinavia.

DBW’s Botanical Garden was established in 1855. Its special features include plants that are unusual in Sweden, such as figs, mulberries and handkerchief trees. The garden thus complements the city’s stone-built history with a botanical setting of its own character.

Getting to Visby and Finding Your Way Around

For air travel, Visby Airport is 3.5 kilometres from Visby and about five minutes from the city centre. Ferry services connect Visby with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn. The high-speed ferries to Visby take just over three hours.

When finding your way around, bear in mind that central Visby is situated on hilly terrain and has cobblestone streets. The Medieval Week on Gotland has been held since 1984; most activities take place in Visby. The programme includes events in ruins, on streets and in parks, as well as in museums, churches, conference halls and medieval taverns.

To the overarching travel overview: Visby.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Gotland: Baltic Sea holiday in Sweden with Visby and the coast.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Barlingbo.