A sandy beach about one kilometre long, coastal trails and museums give Ljugarn its varied character. The trails range from short local loops to longer coastal stretches, alongside reminders of the area’s history as a seaside resort and harbour. If you’re considering Ljugarn as a destination, you can weigh up your priorities between the beach, outdoor activities and cultural history.
Beach and Coastal Landscape
Ljugarn has a sandy beach about one kilometre long. At Ljugarn Camping, a wheelchair ramp leads down to the beach. If this facility is important to your plans, check the local conditions before your visit.
The Folhammar nature reserve is in the wider area around Ljugarn, not in Ljugarn itself; it is just over a kilometre northeast of the village. The reserve includes a 500-metre-long field of rauks, with numerous rauks reaching up to six metres high. In the wider area around Ljugarn, the Folhammar nature reserve can be reached via a paved path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs; adapted barbecue areas allow visitors to get close to the rauks. If access with a pushchair or wheelchair is important to you, check the conditions before your visit.
Hiking: Short Loops and Coastal Trails
The coastal hiking section between Ljugarn and Folhammar is about 12 kilometres long. It is distinct from the 73-kilometre Östkustleden coastal trail, which passes through Ljugarn and follows the coast between Anga and Närsholm. The 12 kilometres refers to the section between Ljugarn and Folhammar, while the 73 kilometres refers to the longer trail. Check current conditions before planning a route.
For shorter hikes, Ljugarn has four local trails ranging from three to nine kilometres, as well as a shorter 1.7-kilometre loop. There are benches along the trails and, in some places, picnic tables. The trails are considered easy to walk and suitable for all hikers. The different lengths offer a practical guide when choosing a route; also check the current signage and trail conditions.
Cultural History and Museums
Ljugarn was Gotland’s first seaside resort. Four small museums are located around the harbour. As opening periods may change, check visiting hours for your travel dates. This will help you choose museum visits that fit in with your other plans.
Strandridaregården was probably built in the 1720s. It is the last Strandridaregård on Gotland preserved in its original condition. The upper floor houses Sweden’s only permanent customs museum. The building’s history and its current role as a museum give the site a distinct cultural and historical focus.
The Strandbygdsmuseum is housed in a former large harbour warehouse belonging to Gotländska Lantmännens Centralförening, built in 1896. The permanent exhibition features photographs taken by Gotland researcher Mathias Klintbom in the parish of Lau in the early 20th century, as well as objects from coastal fishing. Images and objects from life on the coast are presented side by side.
The post mill on Lotsbacken stands at the highest point of the headland. It was built in 1828 and was intended for use by the pilots. Another collection awaits you at the Fossilmuseet, which houses a unique collection of Gotland fossils.
More Activities
Ljugarns GK is a nine-hole woodland golf course designed by Jan Sederholm. If golf is part of your travel plans, check current playing options in advance. Surfing is also available in Ljugarn; the season and weather play a part.
Discover more destinations: Fårösund, Ronehamn, När, Dalhem, Lau, Vamlingbo, Lojsta, Stånga.
For the broader travel overview: Gotland.
