Introduction
After many years working on a cruise ship and have visited over 60 countries, it’s only normal to be excited to see new places.
I have been to Sweden long ago in my very first contract onboard and I am not even sure I had time to go out, or if I have any photos left, so for me, it was a great feeling to have the opportunity to see Visby.
About Visby
Located in Sweden’s largest island Gotland, Visby is with no doubt the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia and it has earned its place as part of the Unesco World Heritage site list.
Visby as a popular tourist destination
since the 19th century, Visby has become a popular tourist destination, being the main port in Gotland, at least 40 cruise lines that sail to the Baltic Sea have Visby as one of their destinations. The city is also a popular vacation spot for Scandinavians during summer.
Main Historical points to see in Visby
This alive Gothic museum has many sights to explore, especially if you are a fan of history and remaining treasures.
Church Ruins
Visby is marked by a number of ruined churches. There are nineteen known ruined churches on Gotland’s Island, of which 12 of them, lie in Visby. There were vestiges of 3 additional churches documented in Visby, but they have completely vanished.
Besides the many ruined churches, Visby keeps other innumerous historical places to be appreciated.
Visby City Wall
One of the main points to see here is another well preserved medieval Defence Wall, surrounding the whole town: Visby City Wall. Built during the 13 and 14th century, around 3.44 km of its original 3.6 km still stands, as well, 27 large towers and 9 small ones.
The ship doesn’t stop far from the city. Once you leave the port you have a 10-minute walk trail leading you to the city. As soon as you arrive in the town, you are already surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores.
St. Karin church
Along the way, you have your first encounter with a pretty big church ruin, that’s St. Karin church, where you can see what gorgeous Cathedrals the city once had, It is a place for many interesting pictures, the church has high structures standing strong and no roof, very appealing to begin with.
A map or guidance instructions are not really necessary in Visby unless you wish to visit all ruined churches. Otherwise, you have a pleasant walk and still get to see the main touristic points.
Stora torget, Main square
Side by side with St. Karin’s Church you will find Stora target, the main square in town with more bars and restaurants.
Santa Maria Cathedral
Visby’s Cathedral Santa Maria is a beautiful place to see. Its construction began at the end of the 12th century and nowadays this is the most important Cathedral in Visby, also is the only medieval church still in use here, all the others are preserved as ruins.
The Cathedral’s area is all very green and clean, it has a very peaceful atmosphere. If you go up a bit, you have a better view of the whole cathedral and part of the city from above.
View from above
Visby was a very enjoyable destination for me, I believe some extra free time would have allowed us into a more profound exploration of its historical treasures, but still, our few hours were very pleasant.
Gastronomy
Visby is also a great place to enjoy good food. Many restaurants can ensure you great meals coming from all over the world, with good use of local ingredients.
For dessert, a popular one in town is a saffron pancake with whipped cream and dewberry jam or (salmbärssylt), which’s a sweet way to end your trip.
Souvenir and local shops
I really like the souvenirs and some local stores too, they had some interesting garment, and I was intrigued with their mascot souvenir, a Sheep. They were so cute, coming in different colors.
The local stores also carried different clothing style, many of them coming from India as I could see.
When travelling I also enjoy finding unique outfits characteristics from certain parts of the world. It is cool to be able to wear something local that suits your style and stand out in the crowd when back in your home country.
Conclusion
With such rich history, Visby is an enchanting city that still exists in the modern world, therefore, I do hope you get the chance to visit it.
If you have been to Visby let us know what are your thoughts on this Medieval Gotland town.
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