Excursion medieval visby tour at Visby

Explore medieval Visby and its breath-taking surrounds during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Visby, City Wall, Dalmansporten Gate, Old Town, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Rose-Covered Houses

Depart the pier for the short drive to the eastern part of Visby, a Northern European, walled Hanseatic town. A two-mile-long (about 3.2-kilometre-long) city wall encircles its old stone houses, churches, and complex street system. Upon arrival at the Dalmansporten Gate, take a guided stroll downhill through the old, winding, narrow streets to the early-13th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, the only remaining example of the town's many medieval churches. Charming alleyways are flanked by picturesque old houses. Many of these houses are covered with the most beautiful roses, hence Visby’s nickname, the ‘City of Ruins and Roses’.

Almedalen, Hanseatic Harbour, Powder Tower, Agricultural District, Rural Medieval Church

Your stroll through the Old Town continues past the old Hanseatic harbour at Almedalen. Upon arrival, a stop is made to see the oldest remaining structure in Visby, the old Powder Tower. Afterward, re-board your coach for a panoramic drive through the agriculture district southwest of Visby. Here, a visit is made to one of the many fine examples of rural medieval churches that can be found on Gotland.

Countryside, Gnisvärd Village, Bronze Age Grave

Next, re-board your coach and drive through the picturesque countryside en route to Gnisvärd, a picturesque old fishing village. The Gnisvärd Skeppssättning is a Bronze Age grave dating from approximately 600 B.C. The grave consists of stones standing on their edge in the form of a ship. It was believed that the metaphoric ship would carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Visby, Old Town, Dalmansporten Gate, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Alleyways, Rose-Covered Houses, Almedalen, Powder Tower, Medieval Church, Gnisvärd, Bronze Age Grave

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 74 steps at St. Mary’s Cathedral. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket, bottled water, and Swedish Kronas or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. If a service is being conducted during your visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral, an inside visit is not possible. The tour sequence may vary.