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Where to Stay in Gotland

Where to Stay in Gotland

Gotland Sweden Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Choices

  • Hostels (Vandrarhem)

    Available in Visby and across the island. Many associate with STF. Shared rooms and private rooms, with shared kitchens. A budget-friendly way to connect with others. Look for options on Hostelworld.

  • Hotels

    Found mostly in Visby, from budget-friendly to luxury stays. Historic buildings within the city wall, modern options just outside. Discover hotels on Booking.com, Agoda, or IHG Hotels.

  • B&Bs/Guesthouses (Pensionat)

    Common in Visby and rural Gotland. A personal, cozy stay with breakfast included. AN effective way to talk with locals.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Popular for families or longer visits. Numerous provide kitchens for self-catering. Find options on Vrbo.

Unique Gotlandic Stays

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    Many equipped campsites with pitches and self-catering "stugor" (cabins). Wild camping nearby private homes or for more than one night is not generally allowed. Use designated campsites.

  • Stugor (Cabins)

    A typical Swedish holiday choice. Found at campsites or as individual rentals. A comfortable, independent way to see the island, often in scenic areas.

  • Farm Stays (Gårdshotell/Bo på Lantgård)

    Some working farms on Gotland offer guest places, sharing a rural experience. There are chances to meet farm animals and enjoy local food.

  • Homestay & Community-Based Options

    Formal homestay programs are less common, but staying at smaller guesthouses or farm stays may give an analogous experience with local interaction.

Neighborhood Guide Visby Focus

Visby is Gotland's main center. Your accommodation location in or adjacent to the city shapes your visit.

Within the City Wall Innerstaden

Positives
  • Deep historical experience.
  • Walkable to most attractions.
  • Lively and special atmosphere.
  • Very safe.
Things to Consider
  • Can be busy during peak season.
  • Car access is restricted, parking is difficult.
  • Accommodation prices are higher.
  • Uneven streets for mobility concerns.

Outside the City Wall

Positives
  • Often more affordable stays.
  • Quieter surroundings.
  • Better parking.
  • Easy road access for island exploration.
Things to Consider
  • A walk or short bus trip to the inner city.
  • Lacks the medieval atmosphere.
  • Very safe.
  • Close to supermarkets.

Rural Gotland

Positives
  • Authentic local experience, quiet.
  • Direct access to beaches, nature.
  • Spacious cabin/farm stay options.
  • Very safe.
Things to Consider
  • A car is needed due to limited public transport.
  • Fewer eating and shopping choices.
  • Fårö has a separate ferry trip.
  • Chosen for specific island exploration.

Location Tip

Choosing Your Base:

The best neighborhood depends on your travel style. Visby's inner city for history and walkability, outside the wall for quiet and vehicle access, or rural areas for nature.

Safety Note:

All areas on Gotland mentioned are very safe.

Booking Strategies

Planning your booking at the right time guarantees your preferred stay.

Booking Timing

  • High Season (Mid-June to Mid-August): Book 3-6 months in advance. Popular points in Visby fill quickly. Ferries and flights also fill, especially if you bring a car.
  • Shoulder Season (May, The Beginning of june, Late August, September): Book 1-3 months ahead. Good choices are still available, often with better prices.
  • Low Season (October-April): Book a few weeks or days in advance. Many tourist places close during this time.
  • Prices are much higher during peak summer, sometimes 50% to 150% more. Shoulder seasons combine pleasant weather and better prices.

Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com and Agoda have many accommodations and guesthouses.
  • Local Platforms: Check Visby Destination Gotland, the official ferry operator. They often have transport and lodging packages.
  • Direct Booking: For small b&bs or farm stays, contact them directly. Rates may be better than through third-party sites.
  • Policies: Deposit and cancellation policies vary. Always read the terms carefully. High season bookings often have strict, non-refundable policies.

Affiliate Booking Advice

For Vacation Rentals:
For Hotels and Hostels:

Pricing Note

Peak Season Costs:

Expect significantly higher accommodation rates from mid-June to mid-August.

Shoulder Season Value:

May, early June, late August, and September often bring better value for a pleasant visit.

Low Season Flexibility:

October to April has the most flexible booking with lower prices, but fewer establishments are open.

Accommodation Recommendations Indicative as of 2024

Examples of well-regarded places to stay through various budget levels on Gotland.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Visby Vandrarhem & Pensionat WX

Hostel and guesthouse rooms. Offers good value.

  • Location: Central Visby
  • Approx. Price: 500 - 900 SEK/Night
  • Note: Good for budget travelers.
Kneippbyn Resort - Sommar & Vattenland Cabins

Offers cabins and camping.

  • Location: Visby outskirts
  • Approx. Price: 700 - 1,500 SEK/Night
  • Note: Popular with families, seasonal.

Luxury & Central Options

Clarion Hotel Wisby

Modern comforts in a historic building.

  • Location: Visby (Inner Wall)
  • Approx. Price: 1,200 - 2,500 SEK/Night
  • Note: Excellent central location.
Donners Hotell, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

A charming hotel.

  • Location: Visby (Inner Wall)
  • Approx. Price: 1,100 - 2,200 SEK/Night
  • Note: Good value, very central.

Family-Friendly Choices

  • Kneippbyn Resort - Sommar & Vattenland

    Great for families with its water park and Pippi Longstocking-themed amusement park. Seasonal operation.

  • Larger Vacation Rentals

    Apartments or houses provide extra room and a kitchen, ideal for families.

  • Garden/Play Area Options

    Look for properties with green spaces or kids' play zones for children.

  • Self-Catering

    Kitchen access allows for meal preparation, especially with children.

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Solo Travelers

    Hostels like Visby Vandrarhem & Pensionat WX offer privacy (private rooms) and social areas. Smaller guesthouses are also welcoming.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals (apartments, cabins, cottages) suit longer stays (one week or more). They have kitchens, living space, and better per-night value.

  • Historic Charm

    Hotell St Clemens and Hotell Breda Blick within Visby's city wall offer historic charm and modern comforts.

  • Genuine Rural Stay

    A farm stay outside Visby has a peaceful retreat and an experience of the island's rural charm.

Historic & Cultural Significance

Visby's Medieval Buildings

Many hotels inside the city wall are in beautifully restored medieval buildings. They feature design features that tell stories of centuries past.

  • Hotell St Clemens
  • Hotell Breda Blick
  • These combine history with modern comfort.
Farm Stays and Rural Charm

Consider a farm stay for a truly authentic Gotland experience.

  • Peaceful retreat.
  • Chance to experience rural Gotland.
  • Interact with local life.

Other Options

Hotell St Clemens

Boutique hotel in historic buildings with a tranquil garden. Approx. 2,000 - 4,000+ SEK/Night.

Hotel Villa Borgen

High-end choice, often with unique rooms and strong service. Approx. 2,500 - 4,500+ SEK/Night.

Visby's Heritage

Hotels in heritage buildings within Visby's city wall showcase its unique character.