Sandviken, Gotland Travel Guide

4.6 (325)

Crescent sands, shallow seas, and whispering dunes: Gotland's hidden Baltic jewel for serene swims and sunset magic.

Sandviken Nature Reserve on Gotland's east coast features a 600-meter-long, crescent-shaped sandy beach with fine white sand mixed with shells, shallow turquoise waters ideal for swimming, and surrounding dunes and forests. This protected haven offers serene sunsets, birdwatching opportunities, and a peaceful escape just south of Katthammarsvik, perfect for families and nature lovers seeking unspoiled Baltic beauty.

A brief summary to Sandviken

Östergarn Skags 34, Katthammarsvik, 623 68, SE
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Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sandviken.

Visit at sunset for breathtaking views over the bay, when the sky ignites in orange and pink.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the dunes host nesting seabirds and raptors.
Pack a picnic and linger on the grassy areas behind the beach for a relaxed afternoon.
Explore the short forest trails for shade and glimpses of local wildlife like deer.
Avoid peak summer weekends if seeking solitude; opt for early mornings instead.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

DBW's Botanical Garden

Lummelunda Cave

(Eastern Gate)

Gotland Museum

Högklint Utsiktsplats

Explore Sandviken on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sandviken, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

Drive from Visby via Route 143 to Katthammarsvik, then follow signs south to the reserve parking lot; 45-55 minutes, free parking limited in summer, gravel access suitable for standard vehicles.
Bus

Take regional bus 20 from Visby to Katthammarsvik center, then walk 2-3 km south along coastal path; 50-70 minutes total, fares SEK 50-80 one-way, buses run 4-6 times daily in summer with reduced service off-season.
Bicycle

Cycle from Katthammarsvik harbor via paved and gravel roads through Östergarnslandet; 15-25 minutes, flat terrain ideal for hybrids, bike rentals available locally for SEK 150-250 per day.
Taxi

Taxi from Visby or Katthammarsvik directly to the reserve entrance; 40-50 minutes from Visby, SEK 800-1200 depending on group size, available on demand via local apps or phone.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Drinking Water
Trash Bins
Seating Areas
Picnic Areas
Information Boards

Discover more about Sandviken

Pristine Beachfront Haven

Sandviken Nature Reserve stretches along Gotland's rugged eastern shoreline, encompassing a striking 600-meter-long and 150-meter-wide ribbon of fine white sand curving into the Baltic Sea. The beach, laced with delicate shells, meets shallow, crystal-clear waters that warm invitingly in summer, creating a natural lagoon sheltered by offshore reefs. Dunes rise gently behind, dotted with marram grass that whispers in the breeze, framing a landscape shaped by millennia of wind and waves.

Rich Coastal Ecology

Protected since its designation as a nature reserve, Sandviken safeguards diverse habitats from sandy shores to inland thickets. Seabirds nest in the dunes, while rare orchids and lichens thrive in the stabilized sands. The adjacent forest of pine and juniper provides shelter for foxes and hares, and the shallow bay teems with small fish darting through seagrass meadows. This mosaic of ecosystems highlights Gotland's unique post-glacial geology, where limestone bedrock meets sea-sprayed meadows.

Tranquil Trails and Dunes

Narrow paths wind from the parking area into the reserve, leading through shifting dunes and into a compact woodland alive with bird calls. Explore the undulating terrain where ancient raukar—Gotland's iconic sea stacks—peek from the horizon, or follow the shore to discover hidden coves. The terrain offers gentle hikes suitable for most, with boardwalks in wetter spots preserving fragile flora. Sunsets paint the sky in fiery hues, casting long shadows over the bay.

Seasons of Serenity

Summer transforms Sandviken into a swimmer's paradise with long, sunlit days and balmy waters, while autumn brings crisp air and vibrant berry bushes. Winter quiets the scene under frosty veils, ideal for contemplative walks, and spring awakens with migratory birds filling the air. Year-round, the reserve embodies Gotland's raw, elemental charm, far from crowded tourist hubs.

Cultural Echoes of the Shore

Sandviken's location on Östergarnslandet ties it to Gotland's Viking heritage, where ancient fishing hamlets dotted the coast. Local folklore speaks of sea spirits guarding the reefs, and the beach's curve mirrors prehistoric bays used for boat landings. Today, it stands as a living testament to sustainable stewardship, inviting quiet reflection amid nature's enduring rhythms.