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Cruises to Visby

53 Reviews
Visby (Photo:Roland Magnusson/Shutterstock)

About Visby

To be honest, there's not a great deal to do in Visby. But then, that's kind of the point of the place.



Visby is the capital of Gotland, Sweden's beautiful 'holiday island', famous for its soft sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, distinctive grey-fleeced sheep and wild orchids (more than 35 varieties of them, at the last count).



It also has a fascinating history, having been inhabited for more than 7,000 years and invaded by 13th Century Germans (who left behind some spectacular medieval churches) and then by Danes, only reverting to Swedish rule in the mid 17th Century.



Visby itself, which lies on Gotland's northwest coast, is the jewel of the island and testament to its rich history -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sweden's best-preserved medieval cities (complete with ancient walls).



It has the feel of a real seaside resort and is a truly delightful place to spend a few hours in, boasting some spectacular church ruins, very pretty Botanical Gardens, a few historic houses and an interesting museum -- as well as a sparkling seafront, some excellent craft shops and good cafés and restaurants.



Come here with a go-getting rubbernecking agenda and you might be disappointed that there's not more to it. On the other hand, if you view a day here as a chance to kick back, mosey around and smell the roses (which proliferate -- thanks to its clement climate -- until very late autumn) and you'll have a truly lovely time and experience the laid-back Swedish lifestyle at its best.



  • More about Visby

  • Why go to Visby?

  • Visby Cruise Port Facilities?

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Seven Seas Splendor
Seven Seas Splendor (Photo: Regent Seven Seas)

7 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

29 Reviews
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Viking Jupiter
Viking Jupiter Aquavit Terrace (Photo: Viking Ocean Cruises)

10 Night
Scenic Scandinavia

373 Reviews
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Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

9 Night
Europe - Baltic

2,932 Reviews
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Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn

10 Night
Europe - Baltic

2,932 Reviews
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10 Night
Jewels Of The Baltic

225 Reviews
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21 Night
Legends Of The Fjords & Baltic Jewels

225 Reviews
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24 Night
Baltic Jewels & Northern Isles

225 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Baltic

2,932 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

254 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

490 Reviews
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10 Night
Jewels Of The Baltic

225 Reviews
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9 Night
Europe - Baltic

2,932 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

11 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

490 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

129 Reviews
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14 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

1,190 Reviews
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More about Visby

Why go to Visby?

Pros:

History fans will adore this quiet, beautiful destination, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Scandinavia

Cons:

There's not a whole lot to do here. And watch your step on the uneven cobblestone streets

Bottom Line:

Travel back in time at this historical "city of roses and ruins," a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visby Cruise Port Facilities?

Outside the tender station entrance, turn left and just across the road you'll see the Tourist Office, a modern building that is well staffed and equipped with maps and brochures, some of which are free (and available in English and other languages)



There's also an Internet station (SK 2 per minute) and a shop (with a good stock of sheep-related mementoes!). It is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays it's open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.



Good to Know?

Volvo drivers with their lights full blaze, driving along at 15 miles per hour (Swedish traffic laws are ferocious, so motorists tend to take things slow and steady in this part of the world). Oddly, this does not appear to apply to flocks of cyclists, who can whizz by at startling speed while you're waiting for one of those interminable Volvos to pass.



Also, watch your step as Visby's cobbled streets look very charming but can be steep and ankle-wrenchingly slippery in the wet. Wear flat, sensible shoes for exploring; this is not the place for tottering about in stilettos.



Getting Around?

Most of Visby is walkable, and if you need to go further afield, the form (according to the locals) is simply to stroll into any hotel or boarding house you pass and ask them to call you a taxi.



There are also taxis at the ferry terminal (near the tender station) or you can call Taxi Gotland on 0498 200 200.



A taxi (for four) to the Botanical Gardens or anywhere in town should cost no more than SK 60 (about $ 8.50). An island run costs SK 145 for one to four people; SK 215 for five to eight, so a gang of you could get an island tour without breaking the bank.



Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the Swedish Krona (SK 7 is roughly $1; SK 11.5 is approximately £1, but see www.oanda.com or www.xe.com for the latest conversion rates).



There is an ATM machine set into the wall on the right hand corner of Donnersplats (the main square); look for the 'Automat' sign.



Language?

Swedish, naturally, is the island's language. English is not widely spoken. Take a phrasebook if you really want to connect with the locals, but here are few phrases to start you off, like "hello" and "goodbye" (hej / hejda), and "please" and "thank you" (vanligen /tack).

Where You're Docked?

Ships must anchor at Visby as there's no cruise dock. Passengers are tendered into town past a long breakwater, with the medieval town within easy walking distance of the tender pier. On arrival you'll see a 'Welcome to Visby' sign and there are basic maps and toilets at the landing site, but no passenger terminal.




Visby Cruise Reviews
Visby was an add on because of SPB. We walked off the ship and wandered around the town on our own. It was a short walk from the port. Again another charming medieval city.Read More
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Devilaw
No shuttles. Did independent exploring. Rickety bridge to climb to get across the main road at the port. 1.3km walk up into town. It rained, a lot. Two local beers and two slices of cake cost £26. Pick n Mix inRead More
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Red Leicester
Late substitution after 2nd or 3rd itinerary change - a lucky change. Beautiful medieval town about a 19-15 minute walk from cruise terminal.There’s an excellent historical museum and a very unexpected and pretty garRead More
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ColdCruise
One of the reasons we booked this cruise was to get the opportunity to visit the island and experience Gotland's Medieval Week (Sweden's answer to the Renaissance Faire) This is Sweden's largest island, has a long,Read More
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KittyCruz

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