Summer vacation is usually the highlight of the year. A time for relaxation and recharging your batteries. Renting a cottage, taking care of yourself, and finding fun activities to do with your family is a wonderful way to spend your vacation.
We have been thinking about vacationing on Gotland for a long time. We live in Oskarshamn and see the Gotland ferry every day. This year we finally got around to it, and it was so wonderful, says Anna Engström, who took her family to Visby.
Every year, Gotland welcomes 300,000 tourists. Everything from families with children, cruise passengers, politicians, and partygoers flock to the island for a few intense weeks in June, July, and August.
No matter which category you feel you belong to, Sweden's most sun-kissed location invites you to enjoy wonderful days on your own terms.
The great thing about Gotland is that the island offers such a wide range of activities that it really appeals to most people, regardless of their interests. People usually book a cottage, make a rough plan, and then take each day as it comes, says Bobbo Werkelin, who owns and runs Gotland's largest resort by far, Kneippbyn Resort, which has around 150,000 visitors annually.
There are many accommodation options in the holiday paradise of Visby, but it is important to book well in advance as most places are booked up several months ahead. Cottages are the most popular choice among families with children. They are the perfect choice for families who want to spend more money on activities.
Once we had decided on Gotland, we started by googling accommodation near Visby. A lot of different options came up, but we thought many of them were a little too expensive for our budget. When we found Kneippbyn's offer, which included both cottage accommodation and reduced admission to their amusement parks, it felt right, says Anna Engström, who took the ferry to Gotland with her husband and two children.
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 were able to book a cozy cottage on Gotland at a good price, says Anna, continuing:
When we all travel together, it's nice to be able to recharge with a snack at the cottage and order a pizza for the evening. When the children were also able to move freely between the parks, we parents also had some time to relax.
All guests usually find their own favorites around Gotland. In many cases, these are secret, as people like to keep these gems to themselves, but Anna generously shares some of her favorites.
Tofta Strand was awesome. We were able to rent bikes at the reception desk and had read a lot about the beach. It was a great day with really warm water. The shallow water also meant that we could play beach tennis. One of the most popular stops with children is probably Glassmagasinet in Visby harbor. There were so many different flavors that I couldn't count them all. From Glassmagasinet, you can take a nice walk, look at boats, and feed the ducks in Almedalen, Anna suggests.
The Engström family's vacation trip to Gotland began, as in most cases, with a search for cottages on Gotland. They chose Kneippbyn because of the package deal that was offered. Kneippbyn Resort offers many different types and options for vacation cottages.
Some hard facts about what you can choose from:
Kneippbyn cottages on Gotland
Vacation cottage Smöjen 32 sqm
Open-plan living room with modern kitchen area equipped with all amenities, including stove, microwave with grill function, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, furnished dining area, sofa, and TV. Smöjen has two bedrooms, one with a double bed (160 cm) and one with a bunk bed (bottom bunk 140 cm, top bunk 80 cm). The cottage is equipped with air conditioning. Large veranda with awning facing the sea, equipped with garden furniture.
Mobile home 30 sqm with sea view
4 beds, toilet/shower, one room with kitchen, sofa and table, kitchen table with chairs, and two bedrooms, one bedroom with a double bed (160 cm), one bedroom with two single beds. The mobile home is equipped with air conditioning and is located on the campsite with sea views.
Vacation cottages 30 sqm (pets welcome)
Small house with 4 beds, one room with kitchenette, sofa and table, and two sleeping alcoves, one alcove with a double bed (140 cm), one alcove with a bunk bed. The cottage is located in the cottage village. Pets are allowed in the cottages, so you can bring your dog on vacation.
The Kyllaj Apartments
There are 6 beds in the apartment, divided between two bedrooms: one bedroom with a double bed (180 cm) and one bedroom with two bunk beds. Open-plan kitchen and living room with access to a balcony or patio. There are 12 apartments, 6 located on the ground floor with a patio and 6 located on the first floor with a balcony. All have sea views.
Deluxe Glamping
The tents are approximately 30 square meters and have four beds. Two sleeping alcoves, one with a double bed and one with a bunk bed. Kitchenette/kitchen with stove and microwave. Refrigerator with freezer compartment, dining table, and chairs. Open-plan living room with furnished dining area, sofa, and TV. Shower/toilet in the tent.
The tent is equipped with AC and a lockable safe. Large veranda, approx. 10 sqm, with garden furniture. Bring your own sheets and towels.
The Engström family chose to stay in a glamping tent and were able to purchase a weekly pass at a heavily subsidized price during the high season. In other words, it was a week filled with swimming, playing, and fun on Gotland.
