A MEDIEVAL TOWN WITH A MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

Visby is the largest city and capital of Gotland - the largest island in the Baltic Sea and now a part of Sweden. The island has Viking and Hanseatic roots - and both influences can be seen throughout. Because Visby fell into decline after the Hanseatic period, it hardly changed in the years since, leaving it as one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its 3.5 km city wall is almost entirely intact, the city plan is largely unchanged, there are hundreds of buildings that date back the 12th - 14th century, and the city center still has several stone ruins from the period. In August, when we were there, there’s a medieval festival for a week. It’s a rare opportunity to be in a preserved medieval city, filled with people in medieval attire, in a market with a medieval theme (slightly spoiled by the availability of cashless transactions).

While not well known globally, Visby is a popular beach town and summer escape for Swedes. The small city boasts a thriving beach economy during the summer months - full of good food and crafts.

CHECK OUT THE STONE Ruins AND CITY WALL

It won’t take you long to walk through all of Visby, so I would walk aimlessly. You’ll inevitably bump into the gates of the city wall and ruins of old churches and cathedrals. They are all left preserved in an unceremonious way - just a piece of the city. If you want, you can walk the entire perimeter of the city wall.

EXPLORE A BEACH TOWN ECONOMY IN A MEDIEVAL CITY PLAN

Visby itself has a charming downtown. Like most thriving beach towns, it’s full of local craft shops and good cafes. Walk slowly, stop and shop, and grab a bite to eat. You aren’t likely to be disappointed.

RELAX AT THE BEACH

Visby has several spots that you can laze along the coast or go for a swim. Just step out of the city walls and spend some time in the Baltic Sea.