Gotland Facts for Kids

Map showing the location of Gotland

Coat of arms of Gotland

Gotland is a large island located off the east coast of Sweden. It covers an area of about 2,994 square kilometers, making it the biggest island in Sweden. The main city on Gotland is Visby, which is also a very old and interesting place.

Discovering Gotland
Images for kids
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Discovering Gotland

Gotland is not just an island; it is also a province, a county, and a municipality in Sweden. It sits in the Baltic Sea, which is a sea in Northern Europe. The island is known for its unique nature, long history, and special culture.

Visby: The Main City

Visby is the largest city on Gotland. It is famous for its well-preserved medieval city wall and many old buildings. The city is so special that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is recognized as a very important place for everyone in the world to protect.

A Glimpse into History

Visby was a very important trading center during the Middle Ages. Ships from all over Europe would come here to trade goods. You can still see many signs of this rich history today. The city wall, old churches, and narrow streets tell stories of knights, merchants, and kings.

Nature and Landscapes

Gotland has a unique landscape. You can find beautiful beaches, green forests, and open fields. One of the most famous natural features is the "rauks."

What are Rauks?

Rauks are tall, pillar-like rock formations. They are made of limestone and have been shaped by the sea and wind over thousands of years. You can find these amazing rock sculptures along the coast, especially on the smaller island of Fårö which is just north of Gotland. They look like giant stone statues standing in the water or on the shore.

Ancient Reefs

Millions of years ago, Gotland was covered by a warm, shallow sea. This sea was home to many sea creatures that formed large reefs. Today, these ancient reefs are part of the island's bedrock. You can still see fossils of these old creatures in the rocks.

Gotland's Unique Culture

Gotland has its own special culture and traditions. Many old customs are still celebrated here.

Traditional Games

One interesting tradition is the "Stångaspelen," which is a big sports festival. People compete in old Gotlandic games like "pärk," which is a bit like baseball or rounders. It's a fun way to see the island's unique heritage.

Historical Finds

Gotland is also famous for its many archaeological finds. The "Spillings Hoard" is one of the largest Viking Age silver treasures ever found. It shows that Gotland was a very wealthy place during the Viking times. Many runestones, which are stones with ancient carvings, have also been found on the island. These stones tell us about the people who lived here long ago.

Modern Gotland

Today, Gotland is a popular place for tourists, especially in the summer. People come to enjoy the beaches, explore the historic city of Visby, and experience the island's peaceful nature. It's a great place to learn about history and enjoy the outdoors.

Military Presence

Gotland also has a history of military importance due to its location in the Baltic Sea. There are still military training areas on the island, and you might see modern military vehicles during exercises. During World War II, bunkers were built along the coast to defend the island.

Images for kids

Torsätra runestone (U 614) raised in memory of one of the Swedish king's tribute collectors who fell ill and died during a trip to Gotland. Swedish History Museum, Stockholm.
A part of the Spillings Hoard at Gotland Museum
Tofta Church, one of the island's many distinctive, well-preserved medieval churches.
Sockens on Gotland. The sockens are written in small text, the bolder names are the names of the municipalities existing 1950–1970.
Detailed map of Gotland
The marine areas around Gotland, which lies between the numerals 7 and 8, which, along with No. 9, form the Gotland Basin
Rauks at Langhammars, Fårö
A Silurian reef complex
World War II era kulsprutebunker (machine gun bunker) located near Brucebo, Gotland County
A 2005 photo of 4 IFVs (Stridsfordon 90) during an exercise at Tofta skjutfält
Norsta Aurar beach on Fårö
Serenade of the Seas at the pier in the cruise ship harbor, 2019
The eastern part of the Visby City Wall
Replica of gold torc from Havor Hoard
The valknut symbol has its most discovered examples on Gotland
Pärk at Stångaspelen in 2006
The night sky at the old gallows, Visby, Gotland