We are in a very small town called Visby, nestled on the Swedish island of Gotland, sporting cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. It’s cute but not much to write home about.
Visby was also part of that Hanseatic trade hub. Its wealth is evident in its imposing stone walls and numerous churches.
Today, with a population of around 23,000, Visby retains its medieval ambiance while offering modern amenities. It’s a delightful blend of old and new.
Our visit coincided with the Medeltidsveckan (Medieval Week) festival, transforming Visby into a living, breathing medieval spectacle. This was our only option today. The city was decorated in flags and vibrant colors, with so many people dressed in costumes and little huts selling medieval type goods and the aroma of roasted meat filled the air. Lots of different types of meat being cooked. Reindeer was one of them. It actually tasted really good smoked.
From the moment we stepped through the city gates, we were immersed in live music and costumed clad people bustling about.
We watched some little children trying their hand at archery. They were surprisingly good! I picked up some nice walnut spoons made in Ukraine. They had a beautiful color to them.
We left Visby with a newfound appreciation for the Middle Ages but no real desire to return. It was a cute town but for us, a one and done type of location. We walked a few miles around the festival and then headed back to the ship.
A short post but not much to do or see. Next stop Klaipeda Lithuania.
May God Bless you always.
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 