The summer vacation is usually the highlight of the year. A time for relaxation and recharging. Renting a cottage, taking care of oneself, and engaging in fun activities with the family paint a lovely picture of the holiday.
“We’ve long thought about vacationing in Gotland. We live in Oskarshamn and see the Gotland ferry every day. This year, we finally made it happen, and it turned out really well,” says Anna Engström, who brought her family to Visby.
Gotland is annually visited by 300,000 tourists. From families with children, cruise guests, politicians, to those seeking nightlife, they all flock to the island during a few intense weeks in June, July, and August.
Regardless of which category one feels they belong to, Sweden’s perhaps most sun-drenched location invites to wonderful days on your own terms. The beauty of Gotland lies in the breadth of the island’s offerings, which truly attract almost everyone, regardless of their interests. Typically, you book a cottage, make a basic plan, and then take the day as it comes,” says Bobbo Werkelin, who owns and operates Gotland’s largest resort, Kneippbyn Resort, which annually welcomes around 150,000 visitors.
Accommodation options in the holiday paradise of Visby are many, but it’s important to book relatively early as large parts get booked up several months in advance. Most popular among families with children are holiday cottages. It’s a perfect choice for families wanting to spend more on activities.
“When we decided on Gotland, we started by googling accommodations near Visby. There were many different options, but we felt that many were a bit too expensive for our budget. When we found Kneippbyn’s offer with both cottage accommodation and reduced entry to their amusement parks, it felt right,” says Anna Engström, who, along with her husband and two children, took the ferry to Gotland.
What made you choose Kneippbyn Resort south of Visby?
– The children had been talking about Pippi and the amusement park for a long time. It’s located outside Visby, and we could book a cozy cottage at a good price,” Anna says and continues:
When we all travel together, it’s nice to be able to recharge with some snacks in the cottage and order a takeout pizza for the evening. When the children could move freely between the parks, us parents also got some time to relax.
All guests usually find their own favorites around Gotland. In many cases, they’re kept secret as people like to keep those hidden gems to themselves, but Anna generously shares some of her favorites.
Tofta Strand was amazing. We could rent bikes at the reception and had read a lot about the beach. It was a fantastic day with really warm water. The shallow depth also allowed us to play beach tennis. Otherwise, one of the most common stops with kids is probably Glassmagasinet in Visby harbor. There were so many different flavors that I couldn’t count them. From Glassmagasinet, you can take a nice walk, watch the boats, and feed the ducks in Almedalen,” Anna suggests.
The family Engström’s holiday trip to Gotland, just like in most cases, began with a search for cottages on Gotland. Their choice of Kneippbyn was based on the package offered. At Kneippbyn Resort, there are many different types and options of holiday cottages.
Here are some hard facts about what you can choose from:
Holiday Cottage Smöjen 32 sqm
Living room with open floor plan, Modern kitchen with all amenities such as stove, microwave with grill function, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, furnished dining area, sofa, and TV. The cottage has two bedrooms, one with a double bed (160 cm) and one with a bunk bed (lower 140 cm, upper 80 cm). The cottage is equipped with AC. Large veranda with awning facing the sea, equipped with garden furniture.
Villa wagon 30 square meters with sea view
4 beds, toilet/shower, one room with kitchen, sofa, and table, dining table with chairs, and two bedrooms, one bedroom with a double bed (160 cm), one bedroom with two single beds. The villa wagon is equipped with air conditioning and is located at the campsite with sea view.
Holiday cottages 30 sqm (pets welcome)
4 beds, a room with a kitchenette, sofa and table, and two sleeping alcoves, one alcove with a double bed (140cm), and one alcove with a bunk bed. The cottage is located in the cottage village. Pets are allowed in the cottages.
Apartments Kyllaj
Here are 6 beds in the apartment divided into two bedrooms, one bedroom with a double bed (180 cm), one bedroom with two bunk beds. Kitchen and living room in an open floor plan with access to balcony or patio. There are 12 apartments, 6 located on the ground floor with patio and 6 located on the first floor with balcony. All with sea view.
Glamping Deluxe
The tents are approximately 30 sqm and accommodate 4 beds. There are two sleeping alcoves, one with a double bed and one with a bunk bed. Kitchenette with stove and microwave. Refrigerator with freezer compartment, dining table and chairs. Living room with open plan layout, furnished dining area, sofa and TV. Shower/WC in the tent.
The tent is equipped with AC and a lockable safe. Large veranda, approximately 10 sqm, with garden furniture. Sheets and towels are not included.
The Engström family chose to stay in a Glamping tent and during the peak season they were able to purchase a weekly pass at a heavily subsidized price. In other words, it was a week filled with swimming, play, and fun on Gotland.
