Discover southern Gotland

Southern Gotland – often called Storsudret – is Gotland's most open and bright landscape. Here, long sandy beaches, barren heaths, and dramatic cliffs meet a slower pace and a daily life that is still close to nature. It is a place for stress-free excursions, spontaneous swims, and meals that take time.

No matter where you are on southern Gotland, the sea is always close by.
On the east side, long sandy beaches stretch out – perfect for warm summer days, morning dips and picnics. On the west coast, you are met by more open views, shingle beaches, sea stacks and spectacular sunsets.

For those who want to get active, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling along small roads, coastal paths, and through open landscapes where sheep, sea, and sky set the tone.

Bathing on southern Gotland

Southern Gotland offers plenty of opportunities for swimming – both along the open west coast and on the longer, more sheltered beaches on the east side. Whether you prefer sand between your toes, cliffs and views, or a quick dip, there are places to suit everyone.

Burgsvik Port

Just a short distance from Grå Gåsen is Burgsvik Harbor, with a child-friendly sandy beach right next to it. Further out on the pier, there is deeper water and a diving tower. Here you will also find Burgsvik's sea sauna, which can be booked for private parties or visited during opening hours. Up-to-date information about times and bookings can be found on their website.

One of our personal favorite tips is to start the day early:
Put on your bathrobe, head down to the harbor, and take a quiet dip before breakfast. A simple ritual—and a very nice way to start the day on southern Gotland.
👉 https://www.burgsvikshavsbastu.se

Austre

A long, beautiful sandy beach on the eastern side of southern Gotland, with Heligholmen as an eye-catching feature out in the sea. Austre is easy to reach, signposted from the road that runs south from Hamra, past Holmhällar nature reserve towards Nore. Plenty of space and perfect for long days at the beach.

Faludden

On the narrow Faludden peninsula, east of Burgsvik, lies a lesser-known sandy beach. The water here is shallow and often slightly warmer than in many other places. A good choice for peaceful swimming and open views.

Fide sea pool

Fide Sea Pool is a unique bathing facility where warm water is pumped in from the shallow bay nearby. The pool usually maintains a temperature that is 4–6 degrees warmer than the sea outside, while the facility also contributes to better water quality in Burgsviken.

Vändburg

In the bay just north of the old fishing village of Vändburg, on the eastern side of Storsudret, there is a sandy beach that is often particularly pleasant when the wind picks up from the west. A great place for sunbathing and swimming on windier days.

Culture, nature & excursions

Southern Gotland is rich in history and culture. In Vamlingbo, there are cultural environments, gardens, and museums that tell the story of life on the southern tip – then and now. Throughout the area, you will find small studios, crafts, farm shops, and summer activities that make every outing personal.

Holmhällar & the coast

Holmhällar Nature Reserve is an obvious destination for an outing. Here you can hike through rauk fields and open heaths down to the beach at Austre. The area is easily accessible but still offers the feeling of being far away from everything.

Along the coast towards the southern tip

The so-called Beautiful Coastal Road winds its way along the sea towards Gotland's southernmost point. The road passes the Husrygg and Vaktbackar nature reserves, with gently rolling hills and open fields that are ideal for picnics, walks, and bird watching. During spring and fall, thousands of migratory birds pass through, and year-round you can sometimes see sea eagles and golden eagles above the fields.

Hoburg

Hoburgen is best known for its weather station, but the surrounding area is just as worth seeing. The high plateaus offer sweeping views of the Baltic Sea, the alvar fields, and the surrounding fields. It's a landscape that's best enjoyed at a slow pace.

On foot or by bike

One of the best ways to experience southern Gotland is to hike or cycle. There are many small roads, traffic is sparse, and distances are reasonable—and you get close to both nature and the everyday life that still characterizes this part of the island.

Eating & drinking in southern Gotland

The selection isn't huge, but it's well worth exploring. Here are some of our personal favorites:

Restaurant Grå Gåsen, Burgsvik – our own restaurant, which we naturally highly recommend 😉
👉 https://www.gragasen.se
Hamra Krog – classic, well-cooked, and well worth the trip. A very French bistro that should not be missed.
👉 https://www.hamrakrog.se
Majstre – right next to Hoburgen, with sweeping views of the sea. Restaurant and café in a fantastic setting.
👉 https://majstre.se
Holmhällar – here, time has stood still in a charming and authentic way. Delicious, rustic lunch in beautiful surroundings.
👉 https://www.holmhallar.se/
Vamlingbo Prästgård – culture, gardens, and culinary experiences in a unique setting.
👉 https://www.vamlingbopastgard.se

Opening hours vary throughout the season, so we recommend checking the respective location before your visit.