August 7, 2026 — 12:57pmOne of northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns is an absolute charmer, and sits over the horizon from the worst of the continent’s old-town tourist hordes.Who goes thereBaltic cruises have become increasingly popular, and the cruise season has been steadily extended, with some ships now visiting even in winter. As a result, a wide variety of cruise lines visit Visby on Gotland, including Azamara, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, Lindblad Expeditions, Ponant, Princess and Scenic, among others. Cruises typically start and finish in Copenhagen or Stockholm, but sometimes further afield in Amsterdam or Southampton.Sail on inAlmedalen Park in Visby.Swedish Tourism The low-lying island of Gotland won’t provide much scenery from the Visby side, and nor will you see much of Visby’s fortifications and towers because (unusually) this medieval town doesn’t perch atop a hill. A huge silo on the headland will fool you into thinking it’s a castle for a while. In short, you won’t miss out on much if you’re intent on enjoying the breakfast buffet.Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletterGet exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.Berth ritesShips dock at a plain concrete quay two kilometres from the old town. A small shed-like terminal is the only excitement, and you may not be in it if your ship ties up on the open quay. The bigger terminal with the bridge arms is for disembarking passengers off ferries from the Swedish mainland. You could walk into town in 30 minutes, but free shuttles are the better option. There isn’t much point in the hop-on hop-off bus, since it can’t enter the old town.Going ashoreThe former Hanseatic league trading port and World Heritage walled city, overlooked by 27 towers, is where you want to wander. Some of the fortifications and churches are in ruins, but medieval Visby is otherwise very well preserved. It’s more about the overall picture and atmosphere rather than any particular buildings, but the Cathedral of St. Mary and the ruined Dominican Monastery are worth a look. The very good Gotland Museum covers 5000 years of the island’s history, and exhibits prehistoric carved stones, Viking silver coins, medieval art and more.Don’t missUNESCO World Heritage Site the Visby City Wall, or Ringmuren.Swedish TourismAmid all the medieval architecture and cobbled quaintness, it’s easy to miss the free DBW’s Botanical Garden, which were first laid out in the 19th century. Although small, the gardens are delightful and showcase roses and exotic trees. A gate leads through the city wall nearby and onto the waterfront.Get activeYou could walk around the base of the medieval walls, which run for 3.5 kilometres, or stick to the promenades that meander along the waterfront. If you want to get further along the coast and around parts of the island, rent a bicycle. Hogklint Nature Reserve just outside town is a good place for walking, with views from limestone cliffs. You can rock climb and abseil, mountain bike and horse ride elsewhere on Gotland.Best bitesSeafood is naturally foremost on an island, and on Gotland particularly smoked salmon, herring (often accompanied by potatoes and a cream-based sauce) and pickled fish. However, Gotland lamb is dished up in hearty stews. In summer, cloudberries, dewberries and lingonberries are a must-try. The dish most associated with Visby is a saffron rice pancake served with cloudberry jam, and there’s no lack of cafés in which to enjoy it.Further afieldAlthough Visby is the highlight, Gotland island has plenty more for the inquisitive visitor, including unusual boat-shaped Bronze Age graves, Viking history, pretty churches and villages such as fishing village Gnisvard, and surprisingly wild landscapes. A typical excursion will take you on an island overview. Some cruise lines offer a local farm experience with tastings of local produce or insight into wool textile making.Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.From our partners