Discover Katthammarsvik

Katthammarsvik combines the history of the limestone industry with a variety of natural and cultural experiences. The village has a centuries-old history as a community shaped by the limestone industry. Today, the harbour and bathing area are among its landmarks. For planning your trip, this creates an interesting mix of historical discoveries, hikes, culture and regional fish specialities.

Limestone history and manor houses

An important route into the past leads through Katthamra Gård. Peder Fleming was the first known owner and acquired the estate in 1652. Parts of the buildings date back to the Middle Ages. Katthamra Gård is also the only manor house on Gotland. Anyone interested in architectural history, historical ownership structures and the island’s development will find a significant focal point for their stay here.

The limestone industry is also present in several places. At the foot of Östergarnsberget, opposite the turn-off to Katthammarsvik, there are several old lime kilns. Another historical detail is Annas Nöje, which was built in 1798. These individual sites and buildings give your trip a range of points of interest, without making every day of your holiday feel the same.

Nature trails between alvar, rocks and wetlands

The Grogarnsberget lies close to Katthammarsvik. Here, alvar and rocky landscapes meet pine groves, small wetlands and open pebble beaches. The remains of Gotland’s second-largest hillfort are also located on Grogarnsberget. Nature observation and a historical site can be combined here, while the landscape retains its own distinct character.

Another option is the Östergarnsberget Nature Reserve in the vicinity of Katthammarsvik. A six-kilometre nature loop leads around large parts of the reserve. This allows you to choose between a manageable circular route and more ambitious hikes when planning your day. At 73 kilometres, the Östkustleden is Gotland’s longest hiking trail. A day hike from Katthammarsvik to Herrvik and back covers a total of 14.5 kilometres.

Culture, harbour and fish specialities

The Östergarns Bygdegård cultural centre in Katthammarsvik offers cinema, theatre, lectures, music and other cultural activities. In summer, the cultural centre regularly hosts discussion evenings on Tuesdays, summer cinema on Thursdays and children’s matinees on Sundays. If you are travelling with varied interests, you can include cultural events in your plans and tailor the focus of your day accordingly.

Katthammarsviks Rökeri, a fish smokehouse with an attached restaurant in Katthammarsvik, is also part of the local character. Offerings include fish platters, the smokehouse’s fish soup and smoked prawns. Alongside hiking and cultural destinations, this provides a direct culinary connection to the village.

Choosing Katthammarsvik as a holiday destination

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Katthammarsvik, you can first consider which experiences you want to define your trip. Culture enthusiasts can focus on the historical sites and cultural centre, while hiking enthusiasts may want to consider the six-kilometre nature loop, the Östkustleden or the 14.5-kilometre day hike. Those who enjoy combining different types of days will find inspiration in and around the village for history, nature, culture and food.

You can also take travel connections into account when making your decision: Bus route 41 runs from Visby and stops in Katthammarsvik.

More places to consider

To compare other destinations, you can also look at När, Lau, Vamlingbo, Eksta, Klintehamn, Burgsvik, Lärbro and Gothem.

For the overarching travel overview: Gotland.