A fortress with five bastions, a church with a 55-metre-high tower and nature attractions around Tingstäde träsk give the area several points of interest. Tingstäde appeals to travellers who want to include both cultural history and landscapes in their stay. Its historical attractions range from the military complex to the church, historic court site and older houses; the lake and the Kutkäldu spring offer a different focus. When planning your trip and accommodation, it helps to ask yourself one clear question: Would you mainly like to visit historic sites, or also set aside time for the water and nature?

The fortress, church and local history

Tingstäde Fortress consists of five bastions. Bastion 1 has many rooms and long underground passages. The fortress was completed in time for the First World War.

The tower of Tingstäde Church was completed around 1300 and is 55 metres high. Tingstäde was also the historic court site for northern Gotland. The church was one of three sanctuary churches on Gotland where a manslayer could receive protection for 40 days. Alongside the architecture, two of the area’s former functions also stand out: justice and sanctuary. The church tower, completed around 1300, and the fortress, completed in time for the First World War, mark different points in time.

The area’s history extends beyond the fortress and church. Polhem’s House was the childhood home where the inventor Polhem grew up. Danielsson’s Cottage is a restored poorhouse dating back to the early 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Gotland Defence Museum is housed in several buildings at Förrådsgården. Havremagasinet was built as a grain store in 1902. These examples range from a childhood home and a poorhouse to a museum and a former storehouse.

Lake and nature

The bathing area at Tingstäde träsk has a short sandy beach and a jetty. Kayaks and boats can be rented in Tingstäde to explore the lake; check availability before your trip. The wooden remains of Bulverket offer a distinct perspective: they can be seen from the water’s surface and from the air. The beach, jetty, exploring by water and the two vantage points for viewing the remains appeal to different interests.

On the eastern side of Tingstäde träsk, 27 orchid species find favourable growing conditions. Nearby is Grodvät, a 37-hectare nature reserve and Natura 2000 site on the eastern shore of the lake. Another way to enjoy nature is to visit Kutkäldu spring: the nature trail there starts behind Polhem’s House, and the spring has a shelter. These nature attractions differ, ranging from an orchid habitat and a nature reserve to a trail leading to a spring.

Getting there and planning your accommodation

Bus route 20 towards Visby and Fårösund can be accessed from three stops in Tingstäde. Before your trip, check the route and stops to ensure your travel plans are based on current information.

This priority helps tailor your search to your interests without requiring you to combine the different attractions into a set itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Stenkyrka, Slite, Lärbro, Lummelunda, Lau, Klintehamn, Havdhem, Fårösund

For the overview of the wider region: Gotland.