What To Do in Visby, Craft Beer and More
Visby is a charming medieval town with quaint cobblestone streets and plenty of places to enjoy a meal, a drink, or both. This picturesque town is home to an impressive craft beer scene that genuinely sets it apart. It’s not just about the brews, though. Whether you’re a foodie, a beer aficionado, or a traveler who enjoys unique vibes, Visby has you covered.
Artisan Brews and Bites at Bryggeriet Mat & Malt
Bryggeriet Mat & Malt, the vibrant restaurant that shares a building with Barlingbo Bryggeri, serves as a gastronomic oasis for foodies and craft beer enthusiasts. The menu brings together the best of local cuisine made with local ingredients, curated to pair perfectly with Barlingbo’s selection of beers.
Tasting flights of 4 beers are available anytime at the bar. They also offer brewery tours every Friday and occasional beer and cheese tastings on Saturdays, reservations required for both, see their website for details. A vacation in Visby would be incomplete without a visit to Bryggeriet Mat & Malt, a local gem loved by both residents and tourists.
Hop Shed Brew Pub - Rustic Chic
Located outside of the city center in an industrial area of Visby with a laid-back, trendy vibe, Hop Shed Brew Pub is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts. They serve a variety of beers from their own Hop Shed Brewery, plus a variety of others, with an emphasis on Swedish breweries. The kitchen offers a wide range of street food/style dishes, including delicious tater tots, which are normally hard to find in Sweden.
It’s possible to get a tasting flight of your choice of any 4 beers on tap anytime if you want to try a variety of beers, and they have their own beer festival every year on a weekend in mid-July. Getting there requires some advance planning, since although it’s technically possible to walk from Visby and there is a bus that stops a reasonable distance away, these options require walking on a busy road with no sidewalk or bike path, so either a taxi or a designated driver is recommended. They do have a good selection of interesting non-alcoholic beers if the designated driver is you!
Gotland Tranquility at LEVA Kungslador
LEVA Kungslador, located southwest of Visby near a popular hiking area, offers a rustic, serene escape filled with culinary delights. Unwind in this café that serves a selection of locally sourced, organic, and creative dishes. Perfect for brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an afternoon fika with pastries and coffee.
In addition to food, there are art exhibits, a boutique that showcases local crafts and design, and a playground for kids. LEVA Kungslador is more than just a café, it’s an oasis of tranquility where food, culture, and nature intermingle for a slice of Gotland’s charm amidst the rustic elegance of the countryside.
Kneippbyn Resort - a Splash of Fun and Adventure
Kneippbyn Resort, located outside of Visby on the coast facing mainland Sweden, offers a blend of leisure and adventure for all ages with a vibrant family-friendly amusement park, Sommarland, and a water park with giant waterslides and themed pools, Vattenland. It’s also home to Villa Villekulla, the iconic house of Pippi Longstocking.
Visitors can find comfortable accommodation options ranging from camping to stugas, along with various dining options for lunch and dinner. This is a must-visit destination in Visby for families with children, and a fun place to stay for anyone.
Discover Swedish Craft Beer at Gotlands Bryggeri
Founded in 1995, Gotlands Bryggeri draws inspiration from the island’s brewing traditions that date back to the Viking age. They have brewery tours on Saturdays, advance booking required, see their website for details. It’s also possible to contact them to book private tours and tastings.
Enjoy a Vegan Brunch at Mirells
This is the place for colorful salads, filling sandwiches, and delicious smoothies. Located in Visby at Adelsgatan 3, Mirells opens at 9:30 am on weekdays and 11 am on Saturdays. It’s also a great place for a fika, and they serve a selection of local craft beers and vegan wines as well.
Take a Hike at Södra Hällarna Naturreservat
There is so much beautiful nature on Gotland, including Södra Hällarna naturreservat located in south Visby, in the same area as LEVA Kungslador and within walking distance of Kneippbyn. You’ll find hiking trails, flowers, bees, and fantastic views of the sea here. There’s a parking lot at the entrance if you’re driving there, and there are some gravel trails suitable for cycling.
From rustic cafés near hiking trails to urban brew pubs, there’s plenty for craft beer lovers, foodies, and families to do in Visby!