If you are thinking of taking a tour to visit Sweden, you cannot miss making a stop in Visby, the most beautiful walled city in the country, located on the island of Gotland.
To visit the island and the city of Visby I recommend that you invest 2 days. In this post I talk about how to get to Gotland, what to see in Visby and where to stay. If you want to know the most beautiful places to see on the island of Gotland, I will explain it to you at this link.
Let's start!
Visby is a small city that you can visit in one day. The city is full of cobbled alleys, it has more than 90 churches and a lot of curious places to visit.
WHAT TO SEE IN VISBY, SWEDEN
Walk the Visby wall
Visby's wall dates from the 13th century and is still in very good condition today. On the outside, the wall is largely surrounded by parks and forests. There are sections that you can climb and cover from above. Inside, the wall coexists with hundreds of medieval houses and cobbled alleys.
Some of the towers are accessible and are a good place from which to enjoy the sunset.
Tour the inner city and marvel at Visby's medieval buildings
In the inner city of Visby you will find more than 200 well-preserved medieval buildings. The streets of Visby are full of shops: antique shops, designer shops, souvenir shops, small cafes, restaurants, clothing stores...
Many of Visby's churches are in ruins and it's a lovely contrast. Personally, I think it gives a very special touch to the city. In several of them, you will be able to access without problem and in others you will only be able to see them from the outside.
Visby cathedral
Visby Cathedral is probably the most impressive building in the city. Undoubtedly an architectural jewel dedicated to Santa María dating from the 12th century and which was reformed several times until the 16th century. It is built in white stone, although depending on the time of day, the sunlight makes it look different shades.
Admission is free and it is also worth a visit inside to admire the stained glass windows, the vaulted ceilings…
Activities and events in Visby
Visby is a city that you can visit at any time of the year, although the city is at its best in summer. During the first week of July, the so-called Political Week is celebrated in Almedalen, in Visby. This is a major event where politicians, journalists and advocates come together to promote, discuss and examine the Swedish political landscape.
In August, Medieval Week is celebrated on Gotland. In this week, Visby transforms the current city and becomes the Visby of medieval times. People dress in medieval clothing, there are different events, markets, concerts, shows, theater...
Guided tours in Visby
If you are interested in knowing a little more about the city in Visby there are no face-to-face guided tours, there is only one type of exclusive tour for cruise ships, but if you have the opportunity to take a walking tour with an audio guide of the witch trials in Visby . It is an enjoyable activity that lasts 1 hour and a half and will allow you to learn a little more about some of the history of the city.
With this audio guide you will learn the story of three women accused of Witchcraft in Visby, while you get to know some of the historical and important places in the city.
WHERE TO STAY IN VISBY, SWEDEN
If you are thinking of taking a short tour of the island of Gotland, you can stay in different places. Although the island is not excessively huge, from one end to the other you have a 3-hour drive. A good option is to always stay in Visby, since it is more or less in the middle of the island, near the port and the airport.
Some great accommodation options in Visby:
Hotell Visby Börs 4* (Our accommodation option)
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Sweden a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!