The largest of the Baltic islands, Gotland is one of the most historic areas of Sweden. Nearly 100 medieval churches are located on this island, along with untold amounts of prehistoric sites scattered amid the countryside. Gotland was a trading center in the pre-Viking times and during the age of the Vikings it was a key launching point for Viking expeditions. After numerous wars between the Danes and the Swedes, Sweden regained Gotland in 1645

Things to do:

• Visit a medieval church. Gotland has the most medieval churches for its area than any other place in Northern Europe. 92 churches in total, all of which can be seen by bicycle.
• Explore the medieval port of Visby, a town captured in time and a Unesco World Heritage-listed town. Here you can see the impressive 13th century wall of 40 towers-a truly impressive site. The medieval ruins of the town are also a must see. For those of you that crave history, be sure to visit one of Sweden's most complete museums, Gotlands Fornsal.
• Outside of Visby, there are adventures and sights to be seen everywhere. You will not be disappointed. Be sure to take time to visit the raukar-limestone formations that are fossilized remains of 400 million year old sea creatures and coral.

It's easy to reach Gotland by air from Stockholm (several daily flights), or by ferry from Oskarshamn in southern Sweden and from Nynäshamn just south of Stockholm. The Destination Gotland shipping line operates sailings with high speed ferries from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn, which takes app. 3 hours.