SkogstrolletThe free map for exploring Sweden’s outdoors.

Near Visby

Nature reserves near Visby

Gotland Municipality includes parts of 163 nature reserves. South and north of Visby, three reserves follow the same limestone coast yet reveal different meetings of cliff, water, woodland and shore meadow.

The cliff line around Visby

Högklint forms the dramatic southern viewpoint. Its coastal scarp extends for more than a kilometre and reaches 48 metres above the sea, built largely from soft fractured marl. Erosion has produced cliffs, caves and fissures with open views towards Visby and the Baltic.

North of the city, the cliff continues through Bergbetningen. Fallen blocks and rounded shingle lie below the scarp. Contorted veteran pines occupy thin soil above and below it, many covered in ivy that flowers only in October and produces fruit the following spring.

Spring water and orchids at Brucebo

Brucebo brings greater variety into a small area. Sparse pine woodland and the remains of Bygdeborg hillfort occupy the cliff top. Below, groundwater emerges in springs and narrow streams, feeding lime-rich fens with marsh helleborine, fly orchid and early marsh-orchid.

Grazed shore meadow and bird habitat take over closer to the sea. Högklint, Bergbetningen and Brucebo thus show one limestone coast producing dry rims, talus, caves, humid woodland and orchid-rich wetlands within cycling distance of Visby.

Three reserves near Visby

Bergbetningen

3.1 km in a straight line from the centre

Coastal cliffs, shingle ground and old pine woodland
Open the area on the map

Map of nature reserves near Visby