7 Best Museums in Visby
Where to Discover Visby’s History, Art and Culture?
The Swedish island of Gotland is brimming with rich history and culture, and the best museums are found in Visby. Once a medieval settlement and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Visby itself is a marvel thanks to its church ruins and vast city walls. But where do you go when you’d like a deeper dive into Gotland’s remarkable past?
Maybe you want to hear breathtaking stories about Vikings, or maybe you want to photograph sophisticated vintage cars and imposing war vehicles? Perhaps you’d like to experience the past through the residents’ eyes or appreciate stunning artwork whilst being surrounded by nature. No matter how you’d like to experience Visby’s history, art and culture, there’s a museum awaiting you.
1. Gotland Museum
The jewel in Visby’s cultural crown
Ideal para: História, Casais, Famílias
With around 450,000 objects stored in different depositories spread over the island, you’re sure to find a piece of Swedish history that will fascinate you at the Gotland Museum.
At the main historical museum, at Strandgatan in Visby, discover mystical picture stones and Viking-age treasures while the kids traverse make-believe seas on the Ship o’Joy. For a rural experience, the preserved 1930s farm at Norrbys cultural reserve comes with Gotland’s oldest watermill and a host of barnyard animals. Many exciting, guided tours are available at the sites, but note that they are conducted in Swedish.
Localização: Strandgatan 14, 621 56 Visby, Sweden
Abre: May–September: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. October–April: daily from 11 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +46 (0)498-29 27 00
Gotland Museum
2. Fenomenalen
Where STEM meets fun
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas, Foto
The direct translation of Fenomenalen is ‘Phenomenal’ and as you step inside, it’s not difficult to see how this science centre earned its name. Though primarily aimed at children, you’ll have fun no matter your age. Leave your shoes at the door and delve into a host of interactive puzzles and games designed to challenge the mind. Each exhibit has roots in science, technology and maths, so Fenomenalen is a great way to get kids excited about STEM subjects.
The gift shop contains several thrilling science kits so you can take the fun home with you. There isn’t a cafe onsite, but as Fenomenalen is directly situated on Visby Harbour, you’ll easily find tons of restaurants and amenities.
Localização: Skeppsbron 4, 621 57 Visby, Sweden
Abre: Thursday–Friday from noon to 4 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Monday–Wednesday)
Telefone: +46 (0)498-26 34 73
Fenomenalen
3. Konstnärshemmet Brucebo
Artists’ home turned museum
Ideal para: Casais, História
Founded by artists Caroline Benedicks Bruce and William Blair Bruce, Konstnärshemmet Brucebo is a whimsical country home that has been transformed into a stunning art gallery. Found just north of Visby in the fishing village of Själsö, Brucebo houses paintings and sculptures created by the married couple, as well as antiquities and curiosities.
Once you’ve marvelled at intricate fireplaces, detailed busts and romantic watercolours, take the time to wander through the lush garden and surrounding nature reserve and beach. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. Brucebo offers concerts and guest exhibitions at selected times and dates, as well as guided tours in Swedish. If you’d like one in English, make sure to book by email in advance.
Localização: Själsö Själsövägen 5, 622 76 Visby, Sweden
Abre: Hours vary by season
Konstnärshemmet Brucebo
4. Gotlands Veteranbilmuseum
A charming vintage car museum with family-friendly attractions
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
The Gotlands Veteranbilmuseum will delight vintage car fans of any age with its incredible collection of vehicles. You’ll find cars from the early 1900s to the 1970s, from classic cars to amphibious models, and a variety of vintage tractors, motorcycles and bicycles.
Once you’ve admired the displays, get behind the wheel and challenge your family and friends to an exciting go-kart race. For gentler thrills, there are RC cars and boats, and pedal cars for the kids. Don’t miss the antique game hall either, as the vintage pinball machines are especially addictive. You’ll find the Veteranbilmuseum 4 km south of Visby, and if you’re not coming by car, take bus line 10 towards Klintehamn from Visby.
Localização: Vibble Kneippbygatan 8, 622 59 Visby, Sweden
Abre: Daily from noon to 4 pm
Telefone: +46 (0)498-26 46 66
Gotlands Veteranbilmuseum
5. Kovik Fishing Museum
A glimpse into Gotland’s fishing industry
Ideal para: História, Viagens alternativas
Striving to preserve Gotland’s rich fishing history, the Kovik Fishing Museum is an open-air, living museum operating 24 hours a day. Walk down a charming beach road to the fishing village, populated with huts, stalls, plenty of boats and a sense of going back in time.
Within the rustic, modest-looking sheds is a treasure trove of fishing nets, leather sea boots and tarnished tools just waiting for you to discover them. When not booked for weddings and events, the simple memorial chapel provides a scenic reflection spot, especially as the sun begins to set. The friendly fishers still working there are happy to chat and we recommend taking a picnic to the beach and enjoying the surrounding nature.
Localização: 623 79 Klintehamn, Sweden
Abre: 24/7
Telefone: +46 (0)704-69 10 45
Kovik Fishing Museum
6. Gotland Defence Museum
Museum dedicated to Gotland’s army, airforce and navy
Ideal para: História, Casais, Famílias
Made up of 2 locations north of Visby, the Gotland Defence Museum gives you an insider’s look into the island’s military history. The Army Division, in central Tingstäde, showcases artefacts and exhibits from ancient artillery, World War I, music in the military and more. In the grounds, see battle tanks and all terrain vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Air Force and Navy Division, just south of Tingstäde, is dedicated to ‘war in sky and sea’. Explore a fighter jet, examine naval mines and check out a control and surveillance centre. Check opening times in advance because they differ slightly between locations. Admission to both is included in your fee, and they’re only a 5-minute drive or short walk apart.
Localização: Förrådsvägen 4, 624 44 Tingstäde, Sweden
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +46 (0)498-27 43 57
Gotland Defence Museum
7. Bungemuseet
The largest open-air museum in Gotland
Ideal para: História, Famílias, Foto
The open-air folk museum Bungemuseet offers an intriguing look into how Gotlandic peasants lived hundreds of years ago. Step inside 3 farmsteads built and furnished in styles of the past, from the wooden, tar-coated bulhus, plank houses and limestone buildings to rustic furniture and farming tools to mills, boathouses and schools. Make sure you take your camera because the mysterious picture stones and sombre Bronze and Iron Age graves are a spectacle.
Kids can play pretend in the model home and shop before challenging you to a game of dice. Alternatively, play ‘man on the pole’, and beat each other with pillows until you fall off your wooden perch onto a crash mat.
Localização: Bunge Annex 140, 624 64 Fårösund, Sweden
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +46 (0)707-76 27 29
Bungemuseet
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