Gotlandsleden

The trail has long stretches of coastline featuring sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. The interior sections of the trail pass through dense forests, pastoral farmland, and open meadows dotted with wildflowers during the spring and summer months. The island’s flat to gently rolling terrain makes this an accessible route for hikers of all skill levels.

Along the coast, you might see a variety of seabirds, while the inland areas are home to deer and numerous species of birds. The flora along the trail is also noteworthy, with a mix of native and unique plant species that thrive in Gotland’s limestone-rich soil.

The island’s capital, Visby, can be easily reached by ferry from Nynäshamn (near Stockholm) and from Oskarshamn (near Kalmar) in around three hours.

During your tour around the island of Gotland, you will spend the night in Visby at the beginning and end of the tour. This gives you plenty of time for an extended stroll along the city walls, through the cobbled streets, and past the numerous old wooden houses and ruins, from when Visby was an important trading center for the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages.

Along the Gotland coast, you will find beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs (Högklint), and secluded bays for swimming and sunbathing. Perfect for when you want a break! In some places by the Baltic Sea, especially in Sudret and on Fårö, you can admire the typical rauks, which are natural stone sculptures, that even have human features.

The island of Gotland is famous for its vegetables (asparagus), potatoes, and berries. Thanks to its many first-class restaurants, whose cuisine is based on regional ingredients and specialties, it is an interesting destination for gourmets.

Most spectacular is the southern tip of Gotland, called Sudret, with its rocky coastline and barren, impressive landscape, whose panorama is “decorated” by windmills and ancient stone walls. The Hoburgen Rock on the southern tip is a fantastic place for birdwatching.

You also can break up the tour into a northern and southern part if you want to concentrate more on one of these parts of the island. You can see these variants on the official webpage of the Gotlandsleden which is posted further down here.

The best time of the year to hike the Gotlandsleden is from April to October. In summer there is a high season on the island so I´d recommend doing it either in spring or autumn to avoid a crowded island. However, in these times it can be very windy and rainy. In this case, it’s just picking which you like the most!

Because this hike has so many options, be sure to utilize resources such as this website, guidebooks, feedback from hikers who have previously tackled the trail, and advice from the local hiking association to gather essential information.

It’s critical to communicate your plans to someone you trust. Provide a friend or family member with details such as your expected start and finish times, the route you’ll be taking, and emergency contact information.

It’s also important that you stay hydrated and energized. Carry at least two liters of water and plenty of snacks to help sustain your energy levels, prevent dehydration, and avoid fatigue.

Knowledge of the trail is crucial. Bring a map and navigation aids such as a compass or GPX device to help you stay on track.

Plus, you need to dress the part! Have with you some supportive footwear, suitable clothing layers like a thermal base and a waterproof jacket, trekking poles, a well-adjusted backpack, and vital gear such as maps, a possible GPS device, and a first-aid kit. Check out our gear list for all essentials.

Finally, practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact. Keep to established trails, pack out all your trash, and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and their habitats. These actions help preserve natural areas for future visitors and maintain the integrity of the wilderness.