The Local Sweden

Kings, queens and jesters: step back in time at Gotland's Medieval Week

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 19:42:09 +0200

VIDEO: Around 40,000 people come to Visby, Gotland, every year to relive medieval times. The Local's contributor Rupali Mehra went to see what it's all about.

Swedes in sauna row spark police action (only in Sweden?)

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 10:33:53 +0200

You can take our sauna, but you can never take our freedom.

Ten things that make a visit to Gotland unforgettable

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:37:50 +0200

The Local's contributor Nicole Zerrer has explored Gotland, and found ten things that makes this Swedish island stand out.

Interview: The stories behind Gotland's 98 medieval churches

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 08:59:00 +0200

The Local contributor Rupali Mehra interviews Swedish author Eva Sjöstrand about why she decided to tell the story of Gotland's fascinating medieval churches in English.

The most 'Instagram-able' spots of Gotland: Europe's (second) best place

Wed, 24 May 2017 16:40:31 +0200

Lonely Planet recently named Gotland second on its 2017 list of the best places to see in Europe. With that in mind, The Local contributor Miriam Bade rounds up some of the prettiest spots on the Swedish island so you can take the perfect picture.

Investigation of alleged rape on Gotland closed

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 14:27:05 +0100

The investigation into the alleged gang rape of a woman on the Swedish island of Gotland last October has been closed and the men who were accused are no longer suspected of any crime, the Swedish Prosecution Authority (Åklagarmyndigheten) has announced.

Second Christmas goat burned down in Sweden

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 08:55:19 +0100

A second Christmas goat has been reduced to ashes in Sweden, with the festive figure on island Gotland set alight only two days after the giant goat at Gävle met the same fate.

Gotland rape protests take place 'according to plan'

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 11:18:54 +0200

The planned rallies on the Swedish island of Gotland took place without any major incidents at the weekend, despite police sending extra back-up to the location ahead of the demonstrations.

Police send back-up to Gotland for new rape protests

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 12:57:55 +0200

Swedish police are sending new reinforcements to the holiday island of Gotland ahead of demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday linked to the alleged gang-rape of a wheelchair-bound woman.

Lord of the Rings meets Visby Medieval Week

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:48:00 +0200

The Medieval Week on the island of Gotland is back in full swing for its 31st year, with fire shows, Vikings and a behind the scenes look at the Lord of the Rings. The Local's Isabela Vrba finds out more.

British ship in distress near Gotland

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:43:00 +0100

Sweden and Latvia launched a rescue operation today after a British ship got in trouble in the waters between Gotland and Latvia.

Police out in force as Almedalen week kicks off

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 18:49:00 +0200

Sweden’s annual political week, the "Almedalen Week" started on Sunday on the Baltic island of Gotland with police launching their largest operation to date.

Man leaps from ferry to swim back to port

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:50:00 +0200

A 25-year-old man jumped from a ferry departing Visby on Gotland on Saturday and began to swim back into harbour, explaining that he had changed his mind about his trip, according to a report by the Helagotland newssite.

US woman hoops star convicted of assault

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:31:00 +0200

An American woman basketball player was convicted of assault by a Swedish court on Wednesday for pushing and kicking man on the Baltic island of Gotland in February.

Swedish house sold with skeleton in closet

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:21:00 +0200

House hunters with a penchant for the macabre may be interested in a new listing on the Baltic island of Gotland, which includes a bony medieval tenant at no extra charge.

Almedalsveckan costs authorities millions

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 11:34:00 +0200

And so it's time again - buckle your seatbelt, sit up straight and get ready for another veritable orgy of politics, economy and debate.

Ferry delays continue following collision

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:23:00 +0200

Disruptions in ferry traffic between the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland will continue following the Thursday collision of two passenger ferries near the port of Nynäshamn off Sweden's east coast.

Increase state bank ownership: Left Party

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:24:00 +0200

The Left Party (Vänsterpartiet) wants to limit the size of banks, as well as increase state ownership of financial institutions.

Gotland steps back in time

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:12:00 +0200

Fiona Basile dons her tunic and watches Gotland turn back the clock hundreds of years for Visby's Medieval Week.