The old railway embankment is the basis for a 3.5-kilometre hiking trail from Sanda to Tjuls. Sanda Church offers a glimpse of different historical layers, while the preserved castle ruins on Vivesholm lie within a nature reserve. The area’s attractions range from architecture and local history to nature and the beach.
Church and Picture Stones
Sanda Church offers a comparison of different periods. Stone frieze panels dating from around 1030 to 1070 AD are set into its façade. The tower is the oldest part of the church and was built in the 13th century. Wall paintings from around 1300 can be seen in the nave. For anyone interested in architecture and art, looking at the panels, tower and paintings makes it possible to trace the different periods represented in the same building.
The picture stones are also part of the parish’s history: eleven were found there in total, apparently covering the entire span of the picture-stone tradition. Their number and period of origin offer a distinct perspective on regional heritage, while the wall paintings and architectural features can be seen inside the church itself.
Hiking Trail and Museums
The hiking trail follows the old railway embankment from Sanda station to Tjuls station. Sanda station house is a museum dedicated to Lars Gullin, while Tjuls station is a railway museum. The 3.5-kilometre route can therefore be combined with two different museum themes: the Lars Gullin museum at the starting point and railway history at the end.
Other traces of local cultural history can be found at the Petarve water saw and sawmill farmstead, which were designated a listed building in August 2001. The Kovik Fishing Museum preserves part of the fishing culture from before the advent of motorisation. Sawmilling and fishing broaden the picture of the area’s cultural heritage with two subjects distinct from the church and railway.
Vivesholm: Castle Ruins and Nature
The remains of a castle commissioned by Duke Erik in 1396 are preserved on Vivesholm. At the same time, Vivesholm is a nature reserve of around 100 hectares in Sanda parish. Its landscape is home to a diverse birdlife and rare plants. Historical castle ruins and natural attractions thus come together on the same island.
Two details are useful for finding your way around: Vivesholm’s car park is about 500 metres from the castle, and a gravel path leads to the information board. The directions distinguish between the distance to the castle and the route to the board.
Björkhaga and Other Activities
Björkhaga beach lies in a small bay in Sanda parish and has a sandy shore about 200 metres long. The beach slopes gently into the water; the seabed is sandy with a few stones. There is also an accessible jetty at the beach. Conditions at the bathing area may vary seasonally.
Sanda parish has several horse farms with indoor riding arenas, as well as a riding school offering lessons. Lesson arrangements may change, so check what is available in advance.
Distances for Planning
The two distance figures answer different questions: 3.5 kilometres refers to the entire hiking route between the stations, while about 500 metres is the distance from the car park to the castle. One figure describes a route with a start and finish; the other is the distance from the car park to a single destination.
Discover more destinations: Väskinde, Fleringe, Lojsta, Vamlingbo, Fårösund, Ronehamn, Kappelshamn, Burgsvik
For the full travel guide: Gotland.
