Fårösund: Fortress, Coastal Paths and Gotland History

Fårösund combines Gotland’s history, coastal landscape and special excursion opportunities. The Fårösundsleden ferry route runs between Fårösund in the north of Gotland and Broa on Fårö. At the same time, cultural attractions, natural areas and paths for active days are located in the surrounding area. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can therefore choose the location according to their preferred mix of activities: Should the trip mainly offer historical insights, combine walks and nature experiences, or also include an excursion by boat?

Fortress and museum: history with tangible sites

A prominent point of interest is Fårösund Fortress, a well-preserved fortification built in 1885–1886. It consists of three permanent batteries: the central battery (Battery I), the northern battery (Battery II) and the southern battery (Battery III). The fortress houses modern restaurant and conference facilities.

Bungemuseet focuses on rural life and the development of Gotland. Authentic houses and buildings can be visited there. The exhibition presents history from the Bronze Age to the 20th century and illustrates early industry, including through lime kilns, wind-powered sawmills and watermills. The Bungemuseet café offers a culinary addition: coffee and Gotland saffron pancakes are served in a historic setting. This allows a museum visit to be combined with a regional taste experience, without the day having to consist solely of sightseeing.

The surroundings of the museum also tell stories of the past. Bunge airfield is located near Fårösund, directly next to the Bungemuseet open-air museum. Its runways bear witness to the military history of the area around Fårösund. This combination of an open-air museum and a military-historical site gives travellers interested in culture several different ways to explore the history of the area.

Coast, forest and paths for different kinds of holiday days

The coastal areas around Fårösund are associated with nature experiences, views and relaxation. The Bungenäs nature reserve, located 3 kilometres from Fårösund, offers a specific walking route. A 700-metre path leads from the car park to the beach. This proximity to the surrounding area can be of interest when planning accommodation if you are looking for short walks in a natural landscape in addition to cultural attractions.

West of Fårösund lies a larger forest area with fitness and exercise trails. In the area around Bästeträsk, Gotland’s largest lake, you can cycle, hike or paddle during the summer half of the year. Bästeträsk is surrounded by forests, bogs, alvar landscapes and shingle beaches of high natural value. This creates different options for structuring your days: a walk around Fårösund, an active excursion into the forest or a longer stay in the landscape around the lake.

The 5-kilometre Hälsans Stig circular trail runs directly through Fårösund, via Kustparken, Strandvägen, Fårösund School and the sports field. A map of the trail is available at ICA-Bungehallen, the library and Gotlands IdrottsCenter in Kustparken. Those choosing holiday accommodation in Fårösund can plan this trail as a specific option for a day when no major excursion is scheduled.

Excursions to Fårö and Gotska Sandön

In summer, excursion boats travel from Fårösund to Gotska Sandön three times a week. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Several species of seabirds and, occasionally, white-tailed eagles can be observed on Gotska Sandön. Seals can be observed at close range at Säludden. Such a trip adds a maritime nature experience to your stay, but requires a separate time slot when planning your trip.

The surrounding area also offers very different types of experiences for families and groups with diverse interests. Gotlands Trampolinpark has a tricking zone and an air-cushion area for practising jumps and somersaults. It is considered a year-round, family-friendly attraction. Alongside history, hiking and nature observation, this provides an activity-oriented option that is distinctly different from a museum or beach day.

Discover more places on Gotland

If you would like to compare Fårösund with other places on Gotland, these destinations can take your search further: Burgsvik, Eksta, Lärbro, Lojsta, Lummelunda, Fröjel, Kappelshamn, När.

For the overarching travel overview: Gotland.