Fårösund: Fortress, Coast and Trails

Fårösund is in northern Gotland. Water routes also connect to various destinations: the Fårösundsleden ferry runs between Fårösund and Broa on Fårö; summer excursion boats travel from Fårösund to Gotska Sandön.

Ferry Service and Excursion Boats

The ferry service to Fårö and the excursions to Gotska Sandön are two different offerings. The Fårösundsleden ferry runs between Fårösund in northern Gotland and Broa on Fårö. In summer, excursion boats travel from Fårösund to Gotska Sandön three times a week. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes; weather and wind can affect the duration. Since the service is seasonal, check the sailings for your travel date.

Several types of seabirds and, occasionally, white-tailed eagles can be spotted on Gotska Sandön. Seals may be seen at close range at Säludden, but sightings are not guaranteed. The island therefore combines the boat trip with opportunities to observe nature, though animal encounters cannot be planned with certainty.

The Fortress and Museum History

Fårösund Fortress is a well-preserved fortification dating from 1885–1886. It consists of three permanent batteries: central Battery I, northern Battery II, and southern Battery III. The names distinguish the structures by location and make the layout of the fortress clear. The fortress is also home to modern hotel, restaurant, and conference facilities—a specific hotel connection in Fårösund alongside its historical significance.

Bungemuseet presents history from the Bronze Age to the 20th century. There, you can visit authentic houses and buildings that illustrate rural life on Gotland. Early industry is represented, among other things, by lime kilns, wind-powered sawmills, and watermills. Examples of rural life thus sit alongside facilities illustrating industrial activities. The seasonal café serves coffee and Gotland saffron pancakes in a historic setting.

Near Fårösund, Bunge airfield is located right next to the open-air museum Bungemuseet. Its runways bear witness to the area’s military history. Together with the fortress, they offer different ways to explore the region’s military history.

Trails and Nature Around Fårösund

The Hälsans Stig loop in Fårösund is 5 kilometers long and runs through Kustparken, along Strandvägen, past Fårösund School, and by the sports field. A map of the loop is available at ICA-Bungehallen, the library, and Gotlands IdrottsCenter in Kustparken. Since local distribution points can change, check the information before your visit.

A larger forest area with fitness and exercise trails also lies west of Fårösund. Fårösund’s coastal areas also offer nature experiences, views, and opportunities to relax. Bungenäs Nature Reserve is 3 kilometers from Fårösund; a 700-meter-long trail leads from the parking lot to the beach. For a comparison of distances: Hälsans Stig is 5 kilometers long, while the trail from the parking lot to the beach in Bungenäs is 700 meters.

Bästeträsk, Gotland’s largest lake, lies west of Fårösund. Forests, marshes, alvar landscapes, and boulder beaches of high natural value characterize the area. Around the lake, you can cycle, hike, or paddle during the summer months.

More Activities

Gotlands Trampolinpark has a tricking zone and an airbag area for practicing jumps and flips. Check the latest information about the facility before visiting.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hejde, Katthammarsvik, Stånga, Väte, Havdhem, Fårö, Fröjel, Lärbro

For the main travel overview: Gotland.