Gotland

Gotland is cool. There’s plenty of big churches for medieval maniacs, and great nature. Wild horses. Who could believe that? Just go in may-june, and never in july-august. Because if I believe what the people there told me about the touristic season, it’s more crowded than Beijing.

When my dad was living in Stockholm and I was visiting he took me here one weekend. I was pretty sure he was taking me because of the goofy name, seeing as how my dad has a rather strange sense of humour, but when we got there I was in awe. The little port area in Visby really feels like a place from an ancient time. It really is a place you would expect to be in a Viking movie.

“Gotland, the largest of the Baltic islands, was an important trading post from long before Viking times and became a major power base of the Hanseatic League in the 12th and 13th centuries. Start your trip at Visby, the main port and town of the island, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk around the magnificent three-kilometre city wall, which dates from the end of the thirteenth century. It was built to isolate the city’s foreign traders from the islanders and has over 40 towers. Take your time to savour the atmosphere of Visby and wander around the many narrow roads and lanes. Visit one of the many ruined medieval churches inside the city walls. The Cathedral of St Maria is especially worth a visit, as much for the building as for its stained glass windows.”

.. I used to spend my summers there with my family. We stayed on a farm and learned how to milk cows, chase sheep, and ride horses. Good fun when you’re a kid. Actually our whole family “the Hagwall’s” has its origin in Gotland and our family name comes from the farm Hagvards in Follingbo. You can read more about it at http://hagwall.com/history if you want.

Stayed in Visby…walked and walked the cobbled streets of this ancient town. A World Preservation site with charming, friendly people.