Fårösund combines fortress history and an open-air museum with trails through the area and excursions across the water. Whether you plan your stay around culture, exercise or a seasonal boat trip, the variety of activities in the area and its surroundings offers plenty of options.
Ferry connections and excursions
The Fårösundsleden ferry runs between Fårösund in northern Gotland and Broa on Fårö. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable for your travel date. Separate from this are the seasonal excursion boats from Fårösund to Gotska Sandön: in summer, they run three times a week. The journey takes about two hours and 15 minutes; weather and wind can affect the duration. Check what is available for your preferred travel date.
Gotska Sandön combines the boat trip with opportunities to observe nature. Several species of seabirds and, occasionally, white-tailed eagles can be spotted there. Seals can be observed at close range at Säludden, although sightings are not guaranteed. The seasonal service is therefore a separate excursion option and should not be confused with the ferry to Fårö.
Fortress history and Bungemuseet
Fårösund Fortress is a well-preserved fortification built in 1885–1886. Its three permanent batteries are the central Battery I, the northern Battery II and the southern Battery III. The clear layout makes the structure of the fortress easy to understand, without reducing its entire history to a single building. Today, the fortress is also home to modern hotel, restaurant and conference businesses.
Bungemuseet offers a different perspective on Gotland’s history. Visitors can explore authentic houses and buildings that illustrate rural life on Gotland. The museum presents history from the Bronze Age to the 20th century and showcases early industry through features such as lime kilns, wind-powered sawmills and watermills. Agricultural buildings and technical facilities offer different points of focus: one brings everyday rural life to life, while the other shows how local resources were processed and used.
Bungemuseet is located right next to Bunge airfield, near Fårösund. Its runways bear witness to the area’s military history. By including both subjects in your explorations, you can encounter another part of the region’s past alongside its agricultural and industrial history. The Bungemuseet café serves coffee and Gotland saffron pancakes in a historic setting; the café is open seasonally.
Trails and nature around Fårösund
The Hälsans Stig walking trail is five kilometres long and passes through Kustparken, along Strandvägen, by Fårösund School and the sports field. These named points provide clear wayfinding through different parts of the area. A map is available at ICA-Bungehallen, the library and Gotlands IdrottsCenter in Kustparken. As local distribution points may change, it is worth checking that the map is available before setting off.
For a shorter walk, visit Bungenäs Nature Reserve, three kilometres from Fårösund: a 700-metre path leads from the car park to the beach. This gives you two different distances to choose from: five kilometres for the Hälsans Stig walking trail and 700 metres from the car park in Bungenäs to the beach. The larger forest west of Fårösund adds fitness and exercise trails to the options. Fårösund’s coastal areas also offer opportunities to enjoy nature, take in the views and relax.
If you would like to venture beyond the immediate area, Bästeträsk, Gotland’s largest lake, lies west of Fårösund. Forests, wetlands, alvar landscapes and shingle beaches of high natural value characterize the area. During the summer half of the year, you can cycle, hike or paddle there. These activities are part of the wider area around the lake and complement the trails and coastal areas near Fårösund, without being the same thing.
More ways to stay active
For a different kind of exercise, Gotlands Trampolinpark in Fårösund has a tricking zone and an airbag area for practising jumps and somersaults. The facility is described as a family-friendly option open year-round. So, alongside walking and nature trails, indoor activities are another option to consider when planning your interests.
Discover more destinations: Burgsvik, Ronehamn, Lojsta, Ljugarn, När, Kappelshamn, Lummelunda, Dalhem
For the main travel overview: Gotland.
