A journey through time
A bygone era. Danish, Swedish, or German. Gotland’s history is perplexing and filled with a great deal of excitement. Spouses Lina and Anders chose Gotland for a trip back in time. To the Hanseatic town that already in the late 1800s took steps towards becoming a tourist destination.
“We are very interested in history and have a fondness for old churches. Gotland was simply perfect for an active vacation,” says Lina Johansson.
Many are familiar with the Danish ruler Valdemar Atterdag landing on the island’s west coast one morning in 1361. A poorly equipped peasant army did their utmost to defend the city. The battle was fierce outside the walls of Visby, and eventually, the city had to open its gates to the Danish king, who mercilessly plundered the city. Combined with the Black Death, it is said that Gotland’s population decreased significantly.
Struggles through time
However, Valdemar Atterdag was not the first to contribute to the struggles on Gotland. Among other things, the construction of the Ring Wall began in 1250 to protect the city, with several German citizens, against the peasants, leading to a civil war.
“After reading some and finding history exciting, it’s very interesting to visit the places where the battles and historical events took place. We went on a little spontaneous trip and chose bed and breakfast at Kneippbyn. The Lautersstuga with the hammock just outside the door was enticing,” says Lina, continuing: “It was close to the breakfast buffet, and we were ready for an exciting day.”
Gotland is not particularly large in size, but its magical places are many. On the island, there are, among other things, 92 medieval churches open to visitors daily.
“We may not be the most devout, but it’s so special to visit a church. The atmosphere and mystique, combined with the architecture, are hard to describe. Not to mention the decoration with impressive art.”
Dinner with sunset
After a long day of excursions, evening swims awaited in the newly built lagoon, and on the first evening, the dinner choice fell on the restaurant Solsidan.
“We’re used to spontaneously going on a mini-vacation and usually opt for bed and breakfast. We know that the standard can vary greatly depending on where you go, but it’s simple and cheaper than staying at a hotel. However, we were pleasantly surprised by everything included at Kneippbyn. The fact that bed and breakfast guests have the opportunity for both morning and evening swims is a huge plus.”
After a refreshing swim and with the picnic basket packed, they set off for the legendary Fårö. Known for its rauks, landscape, and long beaches. But this time, the focus of the Johanssons was on the Bergman Center, where the pioneer in Swedish film history, Ingmar Bergman, is portrayed in a love affair with his beloved Fårö.
“At the Bergman Center, we have both temporary and permanent exhibitions about Ingmar Bergman’s work with film, theater, and other media. Here, visitors can learn more about one of the world’s most significant filmmakers, whose career spanned over 65 years and more than 500 works. Take the chance to learn more about the strong relationship that developed between the world-famous director and Fårö,” reads the Bergman Center’s website.
“That Bergman was special we had understood since before, but to calmly learn about his life and then visit some of the places was very interesting, and it’s something I would definitely recommend,” says Lina.
History right next to the accommodation – the story of Pippi and Villa Villekulla
Kneippbyn Resort not only offers a wide range of accommodations from bed and breakfast to hotels but also plenty of activities primarily aimed at families with children. Lina and Anders’ grandchildren stayed home this time, but the films about Pippi are still vivid in their memories. At Kneippbyn stands Villa Villekulla, the original house from the SVT films about Pippi Longstocking. A museum with Kling and Klang’s original car and motorcycle with sidecar can also be studied up close.
“The last two films, ‘Pippi on the Seven Seas’ and ‘Pippi on the Run,’ were filmed at Kneippbyn Sommarland since the house was moved there in one piece in 1970! In 2001-2002, 2010, and most recently in 2015, Villa Villekulla was renovated to recreate the environment from the classic films.”
“Villa Villekulla is a turn-of-the-century villa; dating from E. Ahlqvist on the stairs indicates that the house was built or expanded in 1902. The villa has originally been a steward’s residence with a basement belonging to the Gotland Regiment at Visborgsslätt.
During the early 1960s, Music Director Åke Dohlin (Hagström 1996:91) lived in the villa, and then Dentist Bergstedt lived there for a short time before the house was used as an ammunition and underwear depot. The steward’s residence became known as Villa Villekulla with the filming of the Pippi series on Gotland, in 1968, the first episodes of the Pippi series were filmed.”
“How funny it is that one can remember back to when I sat in front of the TV completely absorbed by the movies. Of course, I had to take a picture and even buy Pippi shirts for the grandchildren.”
Cool neighbors
What’s better than really nice neighbors? At Kneippbyn Resort, there is, as is well known, everything, but did you know that the Michelin Guide-known restaurant Lilla Bjers is just around the corner? There, everything from a tasting menu to the Green Table concept is served, where the dinner begins with a tour of the crops on the farm before being enjoyed in the specially decorated greenhouse. When people “pilgrimage,” it’s good to be out early.
“I have always appreciated enjoying really good food and perhaps have become a bit picky in my older age. I must say that Lilla Bjers was really, really good. It’s a bit extra special when you work with the whole,” says Anders, continuing:
“When we were out cycling a bit, we took the opportunity to visit Café Cubanen, which had just opened. It seems like they want to create a kind of Mediterranean feeling. We didn’t have much time this time, but it made us curious for the future.
“Spouses Lina and Anders Johansson are firm in their opinion that they would gladly return to Gotland and Kneippbyn Resort, which, like many others, offers bed and breakfast. The big difference is Kneippbyn’s variety in design and standard.
At Kneippbyn, you can choose between bed and breakfast options: Glamping, Fishing Cabin, Premium Cabin Lauters, Family Room, or the economy version of a cabin.