Gotland, Island in Baltic Sea, Sweden
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Birka
215.4 km
Hovgården
215.4 km
Alsnö hus
215.4 km
Uppland Runic Inscription 11
215.4 km
Tofta
219.2 km
Stenby
216.1 km
Adelsö-Sättra nature reserve
221.3 km
Väsby hage Nature Reserve
220.3 kmUppland Runic Inscription 2
215.4 km
Uppland Runic Inscription 3
215.4 km
Uppland Runic Inscription 10
215.4 kmAdelsö 132:1
216.4 km
Kurö lighthouse
213.3 kmKunsta 1:1
220.4 kmAdelsö 159:1
217.9 kmAdelsö 92:1
217.8 kmAdelsö 18:2
215.5 kmAdelsö 53:1
215.8 kmAdelsö 10:1
214.6 kmAdelsö 37:1
216.9 kmAdelsö 9:2
214.4 kmHembygdsmuseet Uppgården
215.6 kmAdelsö 26:1
216.6 kmAdelsö 61:1
217.7 kmAdelsö 69:1
218.1 kmAdelsö 90:1
217.4 kmAdelsö 143:1
215.1 kmAdelsö 9:1
214.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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