Gotland County

Archaeological sites in Gotland County

Gotland's landscape serves as a vast archaeological archive, spanning from Bronze Age megaliths to medieval fortifications. This collection features the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic town of Visby, massive ship-shaped stone settings like Gannarve, and extensive Iron Age burial grounds at Trullhalsar and Barshalder. These sites offer a direct look at the island's maritime history, prehistoric funerary customs, and its strategic importance in Baltic trade.

Helen Simonsson / CC BY-SA 3.0

Hanseatic Town of Visby

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, this exceptionally well-preserved medieval town is defined by its 13th-century limestone wall, church ruins, and historic warehouses that once formed a primary hub for the Hanseatic League.

Kruttornet

The oldest tower in the Visby city wall, dating to the mid-12th century. Originally built as a free-standing defensive tower to protect the harbor, it later served as a gunpowder store.

Dalmanstornet

A 17-meter-high gate tower in the eastern section of the Visby city wall. Built in the early 14th century, it was designed to be visible from the sea as a landmark for sailors.

Hannes Grobe / CC BY-SA 2.5

Galgberget, Visby

Galgberget is a nature reserve just north of Visby on Gotland, Sweden.

Arkland / CC BY-SA 3.0

Bro Stajnkalm

One of Gotland’s largest and most prominent burial cairns from the Early Bronze Age. This massive stone tumulus is a significant example of prehistoric funerary architecture in the Bro parish.

Gannarve

An impressive 29-meter-long ship-shaped stone setting dating from the Late Bronze Age. Located on the west coast near Fröjel, it is one of the best-preserved megalithic monuments on the island.

Rannarve ship burials

A group of Bronze Age ship-shaped stone settings located near Klintehamn. These megalithic graves reflect the maritime culture and burial traditions of Gotland's prehistoric inhabitants.

Trullhalsar Gravfält

An extensive Iron Age burial ground containing approximately 350 graves. The site features various stone circles and ship settings dating primarily from the Vendel Period and the Viking Age.

Bildstenen vid Stenbro

A limestone picture stone from the Viking Age. These monuments are unique to Gotland and typically feature intricate carvings depicting Norse mythology, maritime voyages, and geometric ornamentation.

Gnisvärd skeppssättning #3

Part of a significant archaeological complex near the Gnisvärd fishing village, this Bronze Age ship setting is one of several megalithic monuments clustered in this coastal area.

Barshalder Skeppssättning

Located within one of Gotland's largest prehistoric cemeteries, this site features Iron Age stone settings. The Barshalder area contains thousands of graves spanning over a thousand years of history.

Domarlunden

An Iron Age burial ground notable for its 'judge's rings' (stone circles) and other megalithic settings, providing insight into the social and religious practices of early Baltic communities.