Kappelshamn – Coast, Nature and Cultural Landscape

Kappelshamn is a fishing village in the parish of Hangvar and lies in an area of valuable cultural landscapes that is part of the programme for preserving cultural heritage in Gotland County. Between pebble beaches, wetlands, coastal paths and traces of history, it is a destination where nature observation, outdoor activities and history can be combined with ease. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can regard Kappelshamn as a starting point for very different days of holiday: from time by the water to discovering former harbour activities and Gotland’s stone industry.

Coast, Forests and Wetlands

Kappelshamn västra bathing area is an approximately 200-metre-long pebble beach with occasional stretches of sand. The Hall-Hangvar nature reserve offers a different landscape experience. It extends to Kappelshamnsviken, consists mainly of pine forest and is rich in various wetlands. There are opportunities for coastal hiking, botanical walks and birdwatching.

About 2 kilometres southwest of Kappelshamn lies the 180-hectare remnant mire Träskmyr. A birdwatching tower is located in the nature reserve east of Gardträsk. It can be reached from a causeway via a path partly laid with boardwalks. The Vitärtskällan nature reserve is also located nearby, on the eastern side of Kappelshamnsviken. Along a winding spring stream, you can observe orchids and other plants of spring-fed wetlands. Kappelshamnsviken is also a place where the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) frequently breeds.

Paths for Different Holiday Days

A coastal path runs along the shore from Hallshuk to Kappelshamn. The path leads into the bay and offers views across Kappelshamnsviken. At the fishing village of Hallshuk, there are car parks directly at the site. This allows you to set different priorities when planning your day: the coastal path focuses attention on the bay, while Träskmyr and Vitärtskällan provide opportunities for nature observation in wetland and spring landscapes. Accommodation in Kappelshamn is particularly well suited to your plans if you appreciate changing between shore, forest and wetlands.

Snäckersvallen also expands the options for a more active day. In addition to the football pitch, the facility has areas for varpa, boules, brännboll and other activities. This makes it possible to combine experiences in nature with time at a local recreational facility, without limiting your holiday to a single activity.

History Between Harbour and Stone Industry

Kappelshamn also has a multifaceted historical side. Extensive burial grounds dating from the Late Iron Age are located in the western meadow area. Archaeological surveys have also revealed traces of harbour activities. Finds of porcelain, coins and redware have been dated to the early modern period, approximately 1550–1700. Map traces appear to indicate the site of a medieval chapel; there may also have been a smaller fishing village there.

Nearby, the Bläse Kalkbruk Museum presents Gotland’s stone industry as well as the lives and working conditions of the workers. At Bläse Stentåget, you can experience a historic train ride with a locomotive and stone wagons to a former quarry that is now filled with water. The return journey takes about 40 minutes, and the route is 1.7 kilometres long. During the summer season, Kappelshamns Veranda serves fika, food and drinks. Kappelshamn Gästhamn guest harbour has 10 guest berths.

Choose the Right Location for Your Trip

Those primarily seeking coastal landscapes and nature observation can incorporate Kappelshamn’s location, with the paths along Kappelshamnsviken, Hall-Hangvar, Träskmyr and Vitärtskällan, into their travel plans. For days focused on cultural history, the burial grounds, indications of the medieval chapel and traces of the early modern period offer different points of connection. The Bläse Kalkbruk Museum and the historic train ride complement these options with the history of the stone industry. When looking for accommodation, therefore, consider which combination of coast, nature, recreation and culture should form the focus of your stay.

Other places for orientation: Väte, Burgsvik, Hemse, Sanda, Fleringe, Eksta, Ljugarn, Fröjel.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gotland.