At Langhammars, more than 50 rauks rise above Klajvika, some over eight metres high. The rock formations are part of the 480-hectare nature reserve, which also includes the more than 2.5-kilometre-long Langhammars peninsula and the adjoining alvar areas to the south. On Gotland, striking coastal landscapes like these can be combined with hiking trails, nature watching and places where the island’s history comes to life.
Hiking trails between coast and countryside
Gotland’s hiking landscape ranges from coastal paths and limestone cliffs to forests and farmland. Two longer trails cross different parts of the island: Klintkustleden runs from Hallshuk in the north to Björkume Nature Reserve in the south. Östkustleden leads from Närsholmen to Anga prästänge. These endpoints provide a guide to each route without suggesting that the trails pass through the same kind of landscape.
Another option is the Gotlandspromenader: these walking routes are between one and five kilometres long, not especially hilly, and suitable for a wide range of people. Hiking trails marked according to the so-called Gotlandsstandard use a uniform marking system. Information boards are located at the trailheads; the markers also indicate who is responsible for maintenance. The short walking routes and longer trails therefore differ both in length and in the guidance they provide along the way.
Högklint also combines physical activity with views of nature: the nature reserve has a hiking trail, sweeping vistas and fascinating geology. Those interested in how the landscape formed will also find several points of interest on Gotland beyond the trails.
Limestone, caves and island nature
Stora Karlsö consists of fossil coral reefs in Silurian limestone. The sea has carved out around 30 caves there. The island is also a place for nature watching: common guillemots and razorbills breed in colonies numbering thousands of pairs each. Rare plant species and orchid meadows, which bloom in late May and early June, add to the island’s natural landscape. If you’re planning a trip there, check the current boat connections: regular boat services to Stora Karlsö from Klintehamn operate from early May through August or September.
Lummelundagrottan offers another perspective on Gotland’s geology. The karst cave lies in 400-million-year-old Silurian limestone and is partly open to visitors. Guided tours explain how the cave formed and how it was discovered. A café and a nature trail are also part of the visitor facilities; access and services may vary by season.
At Naturum Gotland, by Vamlingbo Church, the permanent exhibition explores the island’s development from its formation 400 million years ago to the landscape of today. Visitors can also learn more about fossils, orchids and bats in Gotland’s natural environment. Naturum is a visitor and information centre; seasonal opening hours may vary.
Experience Gotland’s history
The Norrbys i Väte cultural reserve preserves a typical medium-sized Gotland farm from the first half of the 20th century. The farm includes one of the few surviving watermills on Gotland. Visitors can join a guided tour; dates may vary. The site offers a glimpse into rural life, while Naturum and the cave shed light on the island’s geological and biological development.
Visby is the place to explore the city’s medieval history. The fortified trading town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Northern Europe. The World Heritage area includes the 13th-century town walls and more than 200 warehouses and houses belonging to wealthy merchants from the same period. Fornsalen, Gotland’s oldest cultural history museum, in the heart of Visby, displays finds dating from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. These include the Spillingskatten, the largest known Viking Age silver hoard in the world.
The Skepp & Skoj exhibition offers a different focus: children and adults can play together and learn about the importance of the sea to Gotland. Hands-on activities include tying knots, loading ships and stroking seals. Travellers interested in bringing history to life can also enjoy Medieval Week. This eight-day historical festival takes place every summer and has been held on Gotland since 1984. The programme includes performances, tournaments, talks and food, as well as craft workshops and archery. Most activities take place in Visby, with others across the Gotland countryside. Dates and individual programme items vary from year to year.
Getting around Gotland
Ferries operated by Destination Gotland connect the island with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn; the crossing takes a little over three hours from either port. Public transport operates on Gotland year-round, with extra services on some routes in summer. For a trip to Fårö, it’s useful to know that the ferry runs year-round, the crossing takes about six minutes and is free; there are more departures in summer. Timetables can change, so it’s worth checking the latest connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Gotland’s Tofta, Visby.
Return to the main travel overview: Gotland.
