Visby

Visby, on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, is a medieval walled town and UNESCO World Heritage site. The Ringmur, a 3.4-kilometre stone wall with towers, is one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in Europe. Inside, the streets are cobbled and lined with rose-covered stone houses. Church ruins from the town's Hanseatic trading days still stand open to the sky. Gotland Museum covers the island's Viking and medieval history, including silver hoards and picture stones. The town fills up during Medieval Week in August, when residents dress in period clothing and the streets have jousting, markets, and music. Outside the walls, the coastline has limestone sea stacks and quiet beaches. Saffranspannkaka, a saffron-flavoured rice pudding served with berries and cream, is the local speciality. Swedish krona is the currency. Visby is small enough to walk end to end in 20 minutes.