Finding History and Nature in Gorgeous Gotland

In my last post I write about Visby, a perfectly preserved medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Swedish island of Gotland; but the colourful labyrinthine alleys of this Baltic-blasted, cobbled town are not the only thing worth exploring.

Skeletons and Stones in Gotland Museum

Gotland Museum is a fascinating museum that is well worth spending a couple of hours in.

The entire first floor of the museum is dedicated to huge Viking stones that have been collected from all across Sweden and are dated between the 5^th and 11^th Centuries. Unlike rune stones these stones are beautifully inscribed with depictions of scenes from Norse legend; including longboats, warriors, and horsemen.

Other things that can be found in the museum are hoards of Viking silver, gruesome accounts of medieval execution, ancient skeletons, and the chance to try on chain mail.

Exploring Gotland’s Dramatic Coastline

Being an island, you are never very far from the coastline on Gotland, and there are some pretty beaches and shorelines to be found. We took to public transport (not recommended – hire a car) to visit Farö a tiny islet off Gotland’s north coast. With a population of only 600, and few public services – there are no banks, post offices, police, taxis or medical services – it is a great place to truly escape from it all amongst a beautiful nature reserve for a while.

Infact, Farö feels surprisingly rustic at times, almost mediterranean even. It is easy to forget that you are in Sweden.

We also spent a day at Högklint Nature Reserve, which offers spectacular coastline and great views of Visby from across the bay

Would you like to visit Gotland? Please let me know in the comments below.

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