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Cruises to Visby

55 Reviews
Visby (Photo:Roland Magnusson/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to 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 caf?s 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. Find cruises to Visby on our Sweden cruise itineraries.

  • More about Visby

  • Why Cruise to Visby?

  • Visby Cruise Port Facilities?

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MSC Magnifica
MSC Magnifica

7 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

432 Reviews
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MSC Magnifica
MSC Magnifica

7 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

432 Reviews
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Marina
Marina

10 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

847 Reviews
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Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Apex

13 Night
Best Of Scandinavia Cruise

244 Reviews
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MSC Cruises

12 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

134 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe Cruise

1,045 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe Cruise

83 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Best Of Scandinavia Cruise

1,991 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

515 Reviews
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7 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

515 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe Cruise

83 Reviews
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14 Night
Europe Cruise

1,906 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

11 Night
Europe - Northern Cruise

515 Reviews
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9 Night
Europe Cruise

83 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe Cruise

1,045 Reviews
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More about Visby

Why Cruise 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. 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

21 days, very nice itinerary

Another excursion: Visby on foot. 15 minute bus ride there and back. Visit of the medieval defensive wall, small town of roses (flowers) and ruins of churches. Monitoring of the botanical garden. Having known that thRead More
Roxane1

Great service recovery after a shaky start

A delightful, relaxing island which set a bit like visiting the Channel Islands. Nice walled town, cathedral, plenty of eateries and reasonable selection of shops. Read More
DiscerningCruiser1

So Disappointed

Took the tour bus to get into town from the port. Not a big place but we spent a very pleasant day exploring the city walls and enjoying a lunch in a restaurant off one of the cobbled streets. Read More
V33B33

Fantastic itinerary made the cruise great.

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
Devilaw

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