On holiday in Sweden? 5 must-visits on the rugged island of Gotland

When you think of Sweden, you immediately think of endless forests, red houses and vast lakes. But there is more: the island of Gotland on the Swedish east coast. From Nynäshamn you take the ferry (with or without a car) and a rough 3.5 hours later you drive onto the island and the peace, untouched nature and characteristic Swedish cosiness come towards you.

On Gotland you feel like you are in another world. You will notice this soon enough when you drive along the quiet roads. It is not without reason that it is the place where many Swedes go in the summer months to retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in their holiday homes (stugas).

Here are five places you definitely don't want to miss during your visit to Gotland. Note: a rental car is useful, because many places on the island are difficult to reach by public transport.

Once a military training ground, now a rugged nature reserve with modern architecture and a special story. Bungenäs is a place where you feel that life has been lived; or not, because in 1963 the site was closed to the public. Nature had free rein there for years and in 2000 a real estate developer bought the land to leave the special site, where you encounter several bunkers and an old slate quarry, intact but to provide it with special design villas.

Tip: visit Nyströms , a trendy bistro/bar in an old lime factory.

From the northern tip of Gotland, a short ferry ride takes you to Fårö, the island where the famous Swedish director Ingmar Bergman made his home. You come here mainly for the nature: the jagged limestone rock formations on Langhammarsgubben and don't forget to stop at Gamla Hamn, where the rock formation 'Le Chien' does indeed resemble a dog with a bit of imagination.

Tip: get a 'kanelbullar' and coffee at Sylvis Döttrar , considered by many to be the best bakery on the island.

One of the best (and most Swedish) experiences? Bastu, or: sauna. The harbor sauna in Burgsvik is not to be missed when you are on Gotland. For only 60 Swedish kronor you can sweat here with a view of the sea and then immerse yourself in the icy water of the Baltic Sea. Don't forget your towel and swimwear and check the (limited) opening hours in advance. In the summer it can be pleasantly busy.

Fancy some fish? Then have lunch at Katthammarsviks Rökeri , an authentic fish smokehouse on the east coast of the island where you can eat the best fish. Nice and casual at picnic tables by the water or inside the restaurant. Everything is fresh, local and so tasty that you will want to take some home with you right away. And you are lucky, because you can. During peak days there is a big chance that there will be a queue in front of the restaurant, but it is more than worth the wait.

When you arrive on Gotland by ferry, you will immediately find yourself in Visby: the capital of the island. The city feels like an open-air museum, and in fact it is. With its imposing city wall, winding streets and ruins, it is easy to get lost in time. Eat classic Gotlandic saffron pancakes somewhere, such as in the cute shop Ett Rum För Resande Café or visit the largest ice cream shop in Europe with hundreds of flavours: Glassmagasinet .

Good to know: Gotland is at its liveliest in the summer months: June, July and August. Are you going outside these months? Check if the places you want to go to (such as Nyströms or Sylvis Döttrar) are open.

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