Visby Thrives As Historic Baltic Sea Port

Visby is a historic city on the Swedish island of Gotland and a significant maritime port. This article introduces Visby Port's cruise reception capabilities, including inner harbor facilities, anchorage services, and the newly built large cruise terminal. It showcases the maritime vitality that thrives beneath the city's medieval charm. Visby is an important hub for maritime activities in the Baltic Sea, offering modern facilities alongside its rich history and stunning architecture.
Visby Thrives As Historic Baltic Sea Port

Imagine sailing through the Baltic Sea when a perfectly preserved medieval town suddenly comes into view—this is Visby, Sweden. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting city is not only a treasure trove of history but also a thriving maritime port. Visby, the crown jewel of Gotland Island, is increasingly captivating visitors with its unique charm.

The inner harbor of Visby Port can accommodate medium-sized cruise ships, with a maximum length overall (LOA) of 200 meters and a draft of up to 7.5 meters. For larger vessels, the port offers anchorage services, with passengers safely transported to the cruise terminal via tender boats. Notably, ships exceeding 90 meters in length are subject to mandatory pilotage, ensuring safe navigation, and vessels must notify the port at least five hours in advance.

To meet the growing demand for cruise tourism, Visby Port inaugurated a new large-scale cruise terminal in 2018. Located in the southern part of the harbor near Berth 7, this facility has significantly enhanced the port’s capacity. The new berth is designed to dock two large cruise ships simultaneously, greatly improving operational efficiency and providing a seamless disembarkation experience for travelers. This development allows more visitors to explore the medieval town’s timeless allure, where history and modernity blend harmoniously.

Visby Port is not only a vital link between Sweden and the world but also a key driver of Gotland’s economic growth. With plans to further expand its maritime services, the port is poised to attract more cruise and cargo ships, infusing new energy into this historic city.