Gotland - Geography

Geography

Visby is the seat of the municipality as well as the capital of the county. It has a population of approximately 22,200, around two fifths of the island's population.

Gotland is located about 90 km east of the Swedish mainland and about 130 km from the Baltic States, Latvia being the nearest. Gotland is the name of the main island, but the adjacent islands are generally considered part of Gotland and the Gotlandic culture:

  • Furillen;
  • Fårö;
  • Gotska Sandön, a National park of Sweden;
  • The Karlsö Islands (Stora Karlsö and Lilla Karlsö);
  • Laus holmar;
  • Utholmen;
  • Östergarnsholm.

There are several shallow lakes located near shores of the island. The biggest is Lake Bästeträsk, located near Fleringe in the northern part of Gotland.

Gotland contains many popular beaches, such as Tofta Strand, and Hundfria strand.

The highest point of the island is Lojsta Hed which stands 82 m above sea level.

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