Kappelshamn: Coast, Nature and History

Kappelshamn between coast and cultural landscape

Kappelshamn is a fishing village in the parish of Hangvar, set in an area of valuable cultural landscapes that is part of the cultural heritage management programme in Gotland County. At Kappelshamn västra bathing area, a stony beach about 200 metres long stretches along the coast, with occasional sandy sections. The village’s setting brings together the coast and a cultural landscape with a long history of human activity.

Wetlands, coastal trail and birdwatching

About 2 kilometres southwest of Kappelshamn lies Träskmyr, a 180-hectare remnant mire. A bird tower stands in the nature reserve, east of Gardträsk. A path, partly laid with boardwalk, leads there from a causeway. For those looking to combine nature observation with a specific destination, this is a distinctive landmark in the mire area.

Hall-Hangvar Nature Reserve extends to Kappelshamnsviken. It consists mainly of pine forest and is rich in various wetlands. There are opportunities for coastal walks, botanical walks and birdwatching. Tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) often breed in the bay—a seasonal feature of the local birdlife.

A coastal trail follows the shore from Hallshuk to Kappelshamn, leading into the bay and to views across Kappelshamnsviken. Check local conditions before visiting if you plan to take this trail. Vitärtskällan Nature Reserve is also nearby, on the east side of the bay. There, you can walk along a winding spring-fed stream and observe orchids and other plants of spring-fed mires. The coastal trail and the spring-fed mire offer different aspects of nature: the bay on one hand, and the stream and its plants on the other.

Archaeological traces in Kappelshamn

Extensive burial grounds from the Late Iron Age lie in the western meadow area of Kappelshamn. Archaeological surveys have also revealed traces of harbour activity. Finds of porcelain, coins and redware were dated to the early modern period, around 1550 to 1700. The two groups of findings point to different periods: the burial grounds date to the Late Iron Age, while the evidence of harbour activity is placed much later.

Map traces seem to indicate the site of a medieval chapel; there may also have been a smaller fishing village there. This remains a possibility, not a confirmed identification. Nearby, the Bläse Kalkbruk Museum presents Gotland’s stone industry, as well as the lives and working conditions of its workers. This offers a way to shift the focus from archaeological traces to the region’s history of work.

Excursions and practical information

Nearby, Bläse Stentåget offers a historic train ride with a locomotive and stone wagons to a former quarry that is now filled with water. The round trip takes about 40 minutes; the route is 1.7 kilometres long. The service is seasonal, so check whether a ride is available before visiting. At the fishing village of Hallshuk, parking is available directly at the site.

Alongside the football pitch, the Snäckersvallen grounds offer space for Varpa, boules, Brännboll and other activities. Kappelshamn Gästhamn guest harbour has 10 guest berths; availability may change. During the summer season, Kappelshamns Veranda serves fika, food and drinks. Check before visiting whether the seasonal offering is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Fleringe, Eksta, Katthammarsvik, Vamlingbo, Havdhem, Väskinde, Ljugarn, Gothem.

For the overview of the wider region: Gotland.