Customer Reviews for Medieval Visby & Surroundings

Visby is an outstanding example of a Northern European walled Hanseatic town which has perfectly preserved its townscape and its extremely valuable buildings. The town wall, dating back to the 13th century, is just over two miles long and completely encircles the old stone houses, churches and the street system. Your tour starts with a panoramic drive from the pier, passing the old Hanseatic harbor at Almedalen. Here you’ll see the oldest remaining structure in Visby—the old Powder Tower. Continue along the wall, passing by Jungfrutornet—the Maiden’s Tower. The latter is the city’s largest medieval defense tower. Head to Dalmansporten—the upper entrance to the town. From here you’ll set out on a guided walk downhill through the old, winding streets of Visby. Visit St Mary’s Cathedral, built in the beginning of the 13th century and now the only remaining example of the town’s many medieval churches. Continue past some of the other church ruins and head through the charming medieval alleyways flanked by picturesque old houses. Many of these are covered with beautiful roses, lending Visby its nickname—the City of Ruins and Roses. At Almedalen, you will re-board your coach for a drive through the agriculture district east and south of Visby. Visit one of the many fine examples of countryside medieval churches that can be found on Gotland. Continue to Gnisvärd, a picturesque old fishing village from the 1700s. Nearby you’ll find the Gnisvärd Ship’s Grave, a tomb from the Bronze Age (about 600 BC). The tomb consists of stones standing on edge in the form of a ship. Anthropologists believe that the metaphoric ship was to carry the departed chieftains on their voyage to eternity. On your way back to Visby, you’ll stop at the massive cliffs of Högklint, offering an excellent view over the precipitous coastline and Visby town.