City Wall
Walk sections of the medieval ring wall and view its towers around the old town.
Gotland · Sweden
Visby Ferry & Destination Guide
Walk Visby’s medieval walls, cobbled lanes and Baltic waterfront, then use the island’s main ferry terminal for frequent Destination Gotland services to mainland Sweden.
FerryEU booking search
Check Visby ferry prices & availability
Use FerryEU to compare live ferry sailings, fares, passenger and vehicle options for Gotland. When you continue, the live booking results open in a new tab so this FerryEU destination guide stays available.
Discover Visby
Visby is one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval towns and the natural gateway to Gotland, with fast vehicle ferries linking the island to mainland Sweden.
Visby’s medieval ring wall encloses a remarkably atmospheric old town of cobbled lanes, church ruins, stone houses and gardens. Much of the centre can be explored on foot without needing transport after arrival.
The city’s Hanseatic history is visible throughout the old town, from ruined medieval churches to merchant houses and the cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage designation reflects how unusually complete this urban landscape remains.
Visby is especially attractive in summer, when roses fill the streets and outdoor restaurants animate the squares. The waterfront and Almedalen park provide open spaces immediately outside the historic core.
Gotland itself rewards a longer stay. Limestone sea stacks, beaches, medieval churches and rural roads make the island ideal for cycling or touring by car, with Fårö in the north among the most distinctive excursions.
The ferry terminal sits close to the southern side of central Visby, making arrival straightforward for foot passengers. Drivers can quickly connect with the island road network once clear of the port.
Destination Gotland’s 2026 programme links Visby with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn, with frequent departures and vehicle capacity. The crossing is roughly three hours on many services, making Gotland practical for both short breaks and longer road trips.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Visby
Visby offers exceptional medieval architecture and a relaxed Baltic setting, with the rest of Gotland easily reached by road or bicycle.
St Mary’s Cathedral
Visit the active medieval cathedral at the heart of Visby.
Church ruins
Explore atmospheric medieval ruins scattered throughout the old town.
Botanical Garden
Enjoy roses, old trees and sea views beside the northern wall.
Almedalen
Relax in the park and waterfront area between the old town and harbour.
Gotland road trip
Continue to beaches, rauk sea stacks, rural churches and Fårö across the island.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Visby
Browse Visby walking tours, Gotland sightseeing, cycling and island experiences to combine with your ferry journey.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Visby Ferry Terminal
Foot passengers can reach the old town quickly after arrival, while drivers should follow the signed vehicle exits before joining Gotland’s road network. Booking ahead is sensible in peak summer when island demand is high.
Destination Gotland’s current 2026 programme centres on Nynäshamn–Visby and Oskarshamn–Visby. The operator publishes frequent departures, particularly in summer, with crossings taking around three hours on many sailings.
Visby Ferry Terminal is immediately south of the historic centre and is the main arrival point for Destination Gotland’s passenger and vehicle services from mainland Sweden.
Passenger portVisby Ferry Terminal, Visby, Gotland, Sweden
DirectionsOpen Visby Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main connectionsNynäshamn & Oskarshamn
OperatorsDestination Gotland
VehiclesCars, motorcycles, campervans, caravans, bicycles and foot passengers
Check-inFollow Destination Gotland’s current booking and check-in instructions; peak summer departures can be very busy
Plan your stay
Getting around Visby
Visby old town is best explored on foot, while a bicycle or car gives much more freedom for seeing the rest of Gotland.
Walk inside the walls
Most of Visby’s major historic sights are within a compact pedestrian-friendly centre.
Use island buses
Regional buses connect Visby with towns and seasonal destinations across Gotland.
Tour Gotland by road
A car or bicycle is ideal for beaches, rural churches, limestone landscapes and Fårö.
Stay in Visby
Find Visby Accommodation
Stay inside the walls or near the harbour
The old town offers the most atmosphere, while harbour-side accommodation can make early departures and vehicle access simpler.
Common planning questions
Visby ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Visby Ferry Terminal?
The terminal is directly south of Visby’s historic centre and is the main passenger-ferry gateway for Gotland.
Where can I sail from Visby in 2026?
Destination Gotland operates the main Visby routes to Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn.
Which operator runs ferries to Gotland?
Destination Gotland operates the primary scheduled passenger and vehicle ferries serving Visby.
Can I take a car on ferries to Visby?
Yes. The main mainland services carry cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and other vehicle types.
How long is the ferry to Visby?
Many Destination Gotland sailings take around three hours, though exact journey times vary by route and departure.
What are the best things to do in Visby?
Walk the city wall, explore medieval ruins, visit the cathedral and botanical garden and spend time along the waterfront.
Is Visby Ferry Terminal close to the old town?
Yes. Foot passengers can reach the historic centre quickly after disembarking.
Should I book Gotland ferries in advance?
Yes, especially for vehicles and summer travel when demand for Gotland can be very high.
Continue planning
Compare Ferry Prices
Compare ferry journeys for Visby
Check live sailing options, passenger fares, vehicle prices and onboard accommodation for your travel dates.