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Medieval Visby & Surroundings

Medieval Visby & Surroundings

4.1 out of 5 stars from 33 reviews
Location Visby, Sweden VBY-210
Location Visby, Sweden VBY-210
Location Visby, Sweden VBY-210
Location Visby, Sweden VBY-210
Duration time 4 hours

Moderate Activity

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:
Visby (guided walk)
The quaint town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ringed by a 13th-century limestone wall. Visby has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Its old-world charms, tall towers, turrets and spires, winding cobblestone streets and red-rose covered homes have earned its reputation as the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia and its nickname, "Town of Roses and Ruins." Best explored on foot, its delights include parks, gardens, historic church ruins and tiny curio shops.

St. Mary Church

Built in the 12th century by German merchants, St. Mary Church is Visby's first cathedral. It is the only one of Visby's early churches to still be in use. It has been renovated and altered through the years (restored 1899-1907 and again in 1945) but still charms with its large square tower on the west side and two small towers on the east end. Inside, an intricately carved pulpit made of ebony and walnut and a 13th-century baptismal font of red marble can be found.
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.

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 tour through its narrow streets to view its highlights. 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:

Galgberget (the Gallow Hill)
Built in the 13th century and used until 1845, these stone pillars supported wooden beams used to hang local criminals. The hilltop location served as a warning for those approaching from the sea that criminal behavior would not be tolerated. Today, they make for an unusual photo opportunity as well as frame spectacular views.

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

Galgberget (Gallows Hill)

Visby Town

St. Mary Church

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 one hour and 30 minutes of walking. The medieval church and the St Mary's Church can close on short notice. In this case, the visit will be from outside only.

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Location Visby, Sweden VBY-210
Location Visby, Sweden VBY-210
Duration time 4 hours

Moderate Activity

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:
Visby (guided walk)
The quaint town of Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ringed by a 13th-century limestone wall. Visby has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Its old-world charms, tall towers, turrets and spires, winding cobblestone streets and red-rose covered homes have earned its reputation as the best-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia and its nickname, "Town of Roses and Ruins." Best explored on foot, its delights include parks, gardens, historic church ruins and tiny curio shops.

St. Mary Church

Built in the 12th century by German merchants, St. Mary Church is Visby's first cathedral. It is the only one of Visby's early churches to still be in use. It has been renovated and altered through the years (restored 1899-1907 and again in 1945) but still charms with its large square tower on the west side and two small towers on the east end. Inside, an intricately carved pulpit made of ebony and walnut and a 13th-century baptismal font of red marble can be found.
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.

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 tour through its narrow streets to view its highlights. 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:

Galgberget (the Gallow Hill)
Built in the 13th century and used until 1845, these stone pillars supported wooden beams used to hang local criminals. The hilltop location served as a warning for those approaching from the sea that criminal behavior would not be tolerated. Today, they make for an unusual photo opportunity as well as frame spectacular views.

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

Galgberget (Gallows Hill)

Visby Town

St. Mary Church

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 one hour and 30 minutes of walking. The medieval church and the St Mary's Church can close on short notice. In this case, the visit will be from outside only.