Insights from Two Family Trips to Sweden's Island Gem

Located in the heart of the Baltic Sea, Gotland is Sweden’s largest island and a summer paradise beloved by locals and tourists alike. Drawing from two unforgettable family trips in July—one in 2016 and another in 2022—this detailed guide offers not just travel tips, but personal insights on ferry travel with a car, staying in cozy cottages, and exploring Gotland’s blend of medieval history, serene nature, and family-friendly attractions.

From the UNESCO-listed city of Visby with its well-preserved medieval charm to the sea-carved rock formations known as raukar, Gotland offers a rich mix of experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or traveling with kids, this guide will help you plan a memorable adventure.

The most common way to reach Gotland is via ferry from Nynäshamn, located south of Stockholm. We drove to the terminal and boarded a comfortable Destination Gotland ferry with our car—a must if you want the freedom to explore the island in-depth.

The ferry ride to Visby takes about 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes and includes amenities like cafes, shops, and play areas for children. Sailing into Visby with the medieval city wall coming into view was a breathtaking moment our family still talks about.

Tip: If you're traveling in July, especially with a car, it's crucial to book your ferry tickets several months in advance. Summer slots fill up quickly.

Flying is also an option via Visby Airport (VBY), but you'll likely need to rent a car upon arrival to access the island's more remote attractions.

Absolutely. While Visby is walkable, most of Gotland’s highlights—beaches, raukar, and remote villages—are spread across the island. A car gives you the flexibility to explore on your own schedule.

We found driving easy with well-maintained roads and scenic views. Be aware that parking in Visby during July can be tricky and often requires payment. Outside Visby, parking is usually straightforward.

For both trips, we chose cottage stays, which proved ideal for family travel. Cottages provide kitchen access, outdoor space, and a more peaceful experience than staying in busy hotels.

• Slite Strandby: A calm seaside location, perfect for visiting Fårö and Gotland’s northern attractions.
• Kneippbyn Resort: Close to Visby, with family-friendly activities like a Pippi Longstocking-themed park and water park.

• Visby City Wall & Old Town: Walk the cobbled streets inside this UNESCO heritage site and discover medieval ruins, museums, and quaint cafes.
• Fårö: Accessed by free car ferry, this small island offers dramatic coastlines and iconic rauk formations like Langhammars and Digerhuvud.
• Sudersand Beach: One of Sweden’s best beaches, located on Fårö, known for soft sand and shallow waters—perfect for kids.
• Tofta Beach: A popular beach on the west coast, vibrant with families and beach cafes.
• Gotland Museum (Fornsalen): Dive deep into Viking history, ancient artifacts, and medieval culture. Great for a rainy day!
• Lummelunda Caves: Explore stunning limestone caves just north of Visby. Guided tours available and enjoyable for all ages.
• Hoburgen: Located in southern Gotland, featuring the famous Hoburgsgubben rauk and scenic cliff views.

Eating on Gotland is part of the experience. We often prepared simple meals in our cottage kitchen, but also enjoyed eating out to try local delicacies.

Don’t Miss: Gotland’s famous saffron pancake (saffranspannkaka) served with salmbärssylt (dewberry jam) and cream. Also try the island’s lamb dishes and Gotlandic beer.

• July: Warm weather, long daylight hours, and full access to all attractions. Also the busiest and most expensive time.
• May/June or Late August: Fewer crowds, milder weather. Many businesses still open, and prices may be lower.
• Winter: Peaceful and starkly beautiful, but many attractions are closed.

• Ferry: Book early for better prices. Costs rise with demand, especially for car spots in summer.
• Accommodation: Sharing a cottage is usually cheaper than multiple hotel rooms.
• Food: Save money by self-catering for breakfast and some dinners. Groceries are a bit pricier than the mainland.
• Activities: Beaches and nature are free. Museums and caves have entry fees but are worth budgeting for.

• Book ferry and accommodation well in advance for July.
• A car is the best way to see the island.
• Credit/debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Pack layers—even summer nights can be chilly.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

• Visby: Best for history lovers. Staying within the old walls puts you close to shops and attractions, though parking is limited.
• Slite or Northern Gotland: Ideal for exploring raukar and quieter areas. More affordable and peaceful.
• Southern Gotland: Great for coastal landscapes and fewer crowds. Better suited for those planning to drive more.

Whether it’s walking through Visby’s ancient alleyways, running along sandy beaches, or marveling at sea-sculpted rocks, Gotland leaves a lasting impression. It offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxed island life, especially for families traveling in summer.

Our family trips to Gotland created cherished memories—and we hope this guide helps you do the same. 🌿

• 🔗 Destination Gotland (Ferry)
• 🔗 Birka Gotland (Leisure Ferry)
• 🔗 Visby Airport (VBY)
• 🔗 Gotland Public Transport Info