How to get to Visby

Visby is a charming Hanseatic city on the island of Gotland in Sweden, known for its magnificently preserved defensive walls and medieval atmosphere. When planning how to get to Visby, travellers can choose between a quick flight or a scenic sea journey, as the city is a popular resort and an important historical centre. You can reach this gem of the Baltic Sea in various ways: by plane, or by combining ground transport with a ferry crossing.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the island is by air. The city is served by Visby Airport (VBY), which welcomes hundreds of thousands of passengers annually and is well connected to the region's transport system. Flying allows you to save significant time, especially if you are travelling from distant parts of the country.

If direct flights are unavailable, you can consider flying to nearby mainland cities such as Kalmar, Norrköping, or Linköping. From these hubs, travellers usually continue their journey to the coast to transfer to a ferry to Gotland. This route is often chosen by those who wish to combine air travel with land tourism.

Since Visby is located on an island, there is no direct railway station in the city, and trains do not run here. The railway serves as merely the first stage of the journey: tourists travel by train to port cities on the mainland, where they transfer to a ferry.

The nearest major railway hubs convenient for transfers are Kalmar, located approximately 160 km away, as well as Norrköping and Linköping. The Swedish railway network is distinguished by high comfort and punctuality, so reaching the departure ports will be effortless.

Bus routes to Visby offer convenient combined services that include the ferry crossing. One of the most popular options is the trip from the city of Kalmar: covering a distance of about 200 km will take approximately 5 hours. This is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy views of southern Sweden on the way to the island.

For travellers departing from Linköping, the journey will take just over 7 hours, while the route from Norrköping will require about 7.5 hours of travel time. Modern buses ensure a high level of comfort, making the long trip non-tiring and pleasant.

A trip by car to Visby offers the freedom to move around the island of Gotland immediately upon arrival. The shortest route by time runs through Kalmar: the distance of about 200 km can be covered in approximately 4.5 hours, including the crossing time. This is a picturesque path that allows you to see the beautiful coastal landscapes of Sweden.

Alternative routes from Norrköping and Linköping will take about 5.5–6 hours. Swedish roads are distinguished by excellent quality, and travelling in your own or a rented vehicle allows for flexible planning of stops. It is worth noting that to reach the city, you must use a ferry, for which it is recommended to book a spot for your vehicle in advance.

A trip to Visby is an immersion into history, but to ensure your holiday goes perfectly, it is worth considering a few local features. The island climate and ancient architecture dictate their own rules for travel preparation.

1. Comfortable footwear is a must. The city is famous for its cobblestone streets. Leave high heels at home and bring trainers or flat-soled shoes for comfortable walks.
2. Dress in layers. The weather on the island is changeable, and even in summer, a cool breeze may blow from the sea. A windbreaker or a light sweater in your backpack will always come in handy.
3. Rent a bicycle. This is the best way to move around the island. There are many rental points in the city, and the terrain and infrastructure are ideal for cycling.
4. Cashless payments. Sweden is one of the most "cashless" countries in the world. Cards are accepted everywhere, from museums to tiny cafes; cash might not even be accepted.
5. Tap water. The tap water here is pristine and delicious; there is no need to buy bottled water. Simply bring a reusable bottle with you.
6. Shop opening hours. Many shops and cafes close quite early, especially outside the high season. Plan your shopping and dinners in advance.
7. Book in advance. If you plan to visit during "Medieval Week" (Medeltidsveckan) or in the summer, accommodation and ferry tickets need to be booked several months ahead.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel at home in Visby and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this fairytale place without unnecessary hassle.