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Information on Visby with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

The historic walled city of Visby was, during the 12th and 13th centuries, the seat of the powerful Hanseatic merchants and the trade centre of northern Europe. Today, this charming city, on the island of Gotland, is worth seeing for its many churches and step-gabled stone houses, and is one of the best places in Scandinavia for experiencing the charm of the Middle Ages.

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Info on Visbys Key attractions

The main sight here is the ruined Visborg Castle, overlooking the harbour. Constructed in the 15th century by Erik of Pomerania and destroyed by the Danes in the 17th century, the castle retains some charm and mystery. Also of interest, the Jungfrutornet (Maidens Tower) is where a local goldsmiths daughter was walled up alive for betraying the city.

A bit more cheerful, the Gotland’s Fornsal Museum houses interesting Viking and medieval relics, as well as a sizeable display of painted windows. On a more sombre note, it recounts the story of the slaughter of thousands of Swedes by the Danes in 1361. Take some time to stroll along the 3.5-kilometre long wall of the city, raised to keep the foreign traders separate from the islanders, and filled with medieval gates and towers.

Out and about in Visby

There are plenty of other sights around the island as well. The Lummelunda Grottan, 13kms away from Visby, is a cave formed of limestone bedrock by a subterranean stream. The explored portion stretches for four kilometres and contains stalactites and stalagmites, fossil remains, and subterranean waters. Alternatively, from the ferry port of Fårösund, you can take a 10-minute ferry ride over the strait and explore Fårö (Sheep Island), with its cute dwarf forests and moors.

Also of interest, the open-air cultural history museum at Bunge documents ancient peasant culture; while the Blase Limestone Museum in Fleringe boasts two lime kilns from the turn of the 20th century.

Leisure Options

The best place for eating is Adelsgatan, which offers some good cafés and snack bars. After dark, head to the popular Munkkälleren and try the local beers and fish specialities. Shoppers will enjoy goods produced on the island, usually by individual craftspeople. The clothing made from wool produced by local sheep is quite popular and show up in the form of sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, coats and winter wear.

Safety

Visby is an excellent holiday destination with very little crime; however, tourists should always try to remain alert to possible dangers. Travellers should also beware pickpockets. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

Weather in Visby

In the summer, the weather can be very changeable. It can range from being 25C and sunny to just 10C and rainy the next day. Sweden, though, is a lot warmer than most people think. The geography of the country means that it can be spring in Northern Sweden yet summer in the South.

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