Gotska Sandon National Park
A dune island alone in the Baltic north of Gotland, all sand and pine, with no harbour and no permanent residents.
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Gotska Sandon lies about forty kilometres north of FÄrö with nothing around it, an island of sand built on a moraine core, covered in pine forest and ringed by dunes and beach - there is no rock shoreline anywhere on it. It has been a national park since 1909. There is no harbour: passengers are landed from the boat by small craft through the surf, which means a swell cancels the trip, and once ashore the only accommodation is a small hostel, cabins and a campsite with limited places. Nobody lives there permanently apart from wardens in season. The insect and fungus lists are long because the dead pine is left standing.
What you actually see
- An island of sand and pine - no rock shore at all.
- Dunes and beach all round - the whole perimeter.
- No harbour - landing through the surf by small boat.
- A park since 1909 - with wardens only in season.
When to go
June to August, when boats run. Two to four days.
Honest expectations
Trips are cancelled by swell regularly - allow flexibility. Accommodation is very limited and must be booked far ahead. There is no shop; bring food. Once there you stay until the next boat.
Nearby
FÄrö and Gotland are south; open Baltic in every other direction.
What to pack for Gotska Sandon National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
