Best of Visby: Island Drive & Museum
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Almedalen (guided walking tour)
Known as The Valley of the Elm Trees, Almedalen was Visby's first harbor but today is a lush, green park area dotted by such historical sites as the Kruttornet (Powder Tower), Visby's oldest remaining structure. Stroll down narrow alleyways to discover beautiful botanical gardens, established in the 19th century, with trees and blooming flowers from around the world.
Gotlands Fornsal Museum
This exceptionally curated museum, with descriptions written in both English and Swedish, is housed in a medieval warehouse. It displays 8,000 years of the region's rich cultural history, with exhibits from the geological formation of Gotland and the Stone Age to the Viking period and from the medieval period to the modern age. Top attractions include the Hall of Picture Stones, a collection of 5th-11th century carved stones, and the display of the Spillings Hoard, the richest of Gotland's 700 hoards. There is a gift shop and activities for children.
Gnisvard Fishing Village and Stone Ship Graves
The picturesque old fishing village of Gnisvärd was used as a harbor during the Viking era. It showcases numerous wood and limestone cottages that line the road across from the shoreline. Its top attraction is the Boat Shaped Grave , which dates from the Bronze Age (about 600 BC). The grave consists of stones standing on their edges in the form of a ship. It was believed that the metaphoric ship would carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity.
What you will see along the way:
A medieval defensive wall surrounds the city of Visby, the capital of Gotland. Visby is best known as the Town of Roses and Ruins and is one of Sweden's most popular vacation destinations. Begin with a drive to the old Hanseatic harbor at Almedalen. Embark on a walking short walking tour to the museum. Continue on a panoramic drive through the countryside southeast of Visby to the fishing village of Gnisvärd. Return to port along a scenic route.
Photo Opportunity:
Medieval Church
There are almost a hundred medieval churches in Gotland, built in the Romanesque and Gothic style. You'll make a photo stop at one of these historic houses of worship, which are among the island's top tourist draws.
Points of interest
Almedalen
Gnisvärd Fishing Village
Schedule
Special Notes
Participants will encounter cobblestone streets in Visby and some uneven terrain elsewhere. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires approximately 45 minutes of walking. The medieval church can close on short notice. In this case, the visit will be from outside only.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Almedalen (guided walking tour)
Known as The Valley of the Elm Trees, Almedalen was Visby's first harbor but today is a lush, green park area dotted by such historical sites as the Kruttornet (Powder Tower), Visby's oldest remaining structure. Stroll down narrow alleyways to discover beautiful botanical gardens, established in the 19th century, with trees and blooming flowers from around the world.
Gotlands Fornsal Museum
This exceptionally curated museum, with descriptions written in both English and Swedish, is housed in a medieval warehouse. It displays 8,000 years of the region's rich cultural history, with exhibits from the geological formation of Gotland and the Stone Age to the Viking period and from the medieval period to the modern age. Top attractions include the Hall of Picture Stones, a collection of 5th-11th century carved stones, and the display of the Spillings Hoard, the richest of Gotland's 700 hoards. There is a gift shop and activities for children.
Gnisvard Fishing Village and Stone Ship Graves
The picturesque old fishing village of Gnisvärd was used as a harbor during the Viking era. It showcases numerous wood and limestone cottages that line the road across from the shoreline. Its top attraction is the Boat Shaped Grave , which dates from the Bronze Age (about 600 BC). The grave consists of stones standing on their edges in the form of a ship. It was believed that the metaphoric ship would carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity.
What you will see along the way:
A medieval defensive wall surrounds the city of Visby, the capital of Gotland. Visby is best known as the Town of Roses and Ruins and is one of Sweden's most popular vacation destinations. Begin with a drive to the old Hanseatic harbor at Almedalen. Embark on a walking short walking tour to the museum. Continue on a panoramic drive through the countryside southeast of Visby to the fishing village of Gnisvärd. Return to port along a scenic route.
Photo Opportunity:
Medieval Church
There are almost a hundred medieval churches in Gotland, built in the Romanesque and Gothic style. You'll make a photo stop at one of these historic houses of worship, which are among the island's top tourist draws.
Points of interest
Almedalen
Gnisvärd Fishing Village
Schedule
Special Notes
Participants will encounter cobblestone streets in Visby and some uneven terrain elsewhere. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires approximately 45 minutes of walking. The medieval church can close on short notice. In this case, the visit will be from outside only.