Gotland - the most popular travel destination in Sweden
The picturesque island of Gotland - recently voted top 15 travel destinations in the world (in the travel publication Allt om Resor). A couple of years ago, the same publication voted it as the number 1 island among top 50 island travel destinations in the world. The panel of experts consisted of travel journalists and photographers.

Location
Gotland, the Swedish island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, served as a natural hub for trade especially 11th through 15th century (from the Viking to the Hansa era). For example, Hamburg is just 540 km and St. Petersburg is just 560 km away. By air, as many as 12 nations and a local population of approximately 80 million people are just an hour away. The island's local inhabitants (approx. 58 000) have annual summer visitors exceeding 800 000. During spring, autumn and winter most guests are visiting the Hanseatic Capital Visby through conferences, business or academic activities in conjunction to the university.

Environment
The climate is mild with four distinct and picturesque seasons characterised by flowering springs and soft and long autumns. Gotland - with its almost Mediterranean climate - is famous for enjoying the most sunshine in the Nordic region. According to statistics, Gotland experiences more sun hours in June than Mallorca. The stunning topography around the coastline is extremely varied from beautiful sandy beaches to spectacular cliffs. Desolate heaths, lush meadows, and age-old cultivated land and farming communities and villages with their 92 medieval churches dominate the rest of the landscape of this 180 km long and 60 km wide island, the biggest island in the Baltic Sea.

Visby
Visby - the Hanseatic Capital of Gotland - is surrounded by a 3.4 km medieval wall. This unique living museum is on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. The city, full of world heritage, provides a stimulating environment for visitors. Seasoned and entertaining guides provide particular insight into Visby as a commerce centre during the Viking and Hansa periods.

In Visby, one can experience a wonderful ambience with some of the best wining and dining in Sweden. In the summer time, the medieval city, with its many restaurants and night clubs, turns into a major entertainment venue.

Logistical excellence
Gotland - the most popular travel destination in Sweden - is served by an international airport and fast express ferries from the mainland. More than 250 flight per week guarantee flexible planning for visitors. Stockholm - Visby takes just 30 minutes by air and 3h 15 min by express ferry.

Business, services, and know-how
Gotland is quite entrepreneurial. The tourist industry dominates but there are quite a few new companies established on the island. Some larger companies also have their headquarters in Visby.

The local University provides an academic influx of people and its multitude of programmes and curriculum create a varied base of knowledge. Gotland is one of the most positively recognised trademarks in Sweden, contributes to the proportionally highest amount of small enterprises in the country. Gotland is in the forefront in IT and introduction of new technologies. The proximity in contacts between public bodies and public organisations also contributes to the popularity of corporate establishments. The Eco-Municipality of Gotland – a close partner of both the World Ecological Forum and Gotland Ring – is a part of a regional self-government project. Leisure activities are more than abundantly available on the island. Sports, outdoor, and cultural activities can be enjoyed all year round. Local inhabitants and island visitors can also enjoy playing golf on some of the best golf courses in Sweden. The world's first ecological race & test track - popular international launch venue for the automotive industry - can also be found on the island.