Gotland, Island in Baltic Sea, Sweden
Gotland is an island in the Baltic Sea within Gotland County, Sweden. The landscape consists of flat limestone plateaus that rise to tall cliffs along the coast, with small forests and wide fields inland.
During the Middle Ages, the island became an important Hanseatic trading center, with Visby as a main port for goods exchange between Eastern and Western Europe. In the 14th century it gradually lost its commercial importance after a Danish attack.
The name comes from the Old Swedish word for Goths, the Germanic tribes who lived here before they migrated. Today residents maintain their own traditions, speak their own dialect, and wear traditional costumes at local festivals such as Midsummer celebrations.
Most visitors explore the island by car or bicycle, as public transport outside Visby runs infrequently. In summer, traffic is heavy and hotels are often full, so early planning is recommended.
Sheep herds roam freely across the island, grazing on meadows and even at beaches. The lamb from here is considered particularly mild and is served in local restaurants as a regional specialty.
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