Medieval Visby & Surroundings
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Port
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Visby is an outstanding example of a Northern European walled Hanseatic town. A two-mile-long city wall encircles its old stone houses, churches and complex street system.
Set out towards the northern part of Visby to view the medieval town from the hillside of Galgberget. The gallows were once located here -- a major deterrent for those contemplating a life of crime.
Cross the city to the eastern side and to the gate called Dalmansporten. A guided walk leads you downhill through the old, winding, narrow streets to the St Maria Cathedral. Built in the early 13th century, this is the only remaining example of the town's many medieval churches. Charming alleyways are flanked by picturesque old houses, many of them covered with the most beautiful roses. Visby is often referred to as the City of Ruins and Roses -- little imagination is required to determine the origin of this name.
Passing the senescent Hanseatic harbor at Almedalen, you can see the oldest remaining structure in Visby -- the old Powder Tower.
Reboard your coach for a panoramic drive through the agriculture district southwest of Visby. You will visit one of the many fine examples of rural medieval churches that can be found on Gotland.
Continue through the countryside to Gnisvärd -- a picturesque old fishing village. The Gnisvärd Ship Grave dates from the Bronze Age (about 600 BC). The grave consists of stones standing on their edge in the form of a ship. It was believed that the metaphoric ship would carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity.
Notes:
Terrain includes cobblestone streets in Visby and some uneven terrain elsewhere. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires approximately one hour of walking.