Event Details
Welcome to Medieval Week 2026 in Visby, Gotland
From 2 to 9 August 2026, the medieval Hanseatic town of Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland transforms into a living 14th-century settlement. The festival Medeltidsveckan has taken place every year since 1984 during calendar week 32 and is the largest historical festival in Scandinavia and one of the most significant in the world. More than 40,000 visitors from across the globe attend each year. The 2026 theme is "Love".
Highlights
- Over 800 programme events across 40 venues during eight festival days
- Spectacular jousting tournaments in the Medieval Arena for up to 2,500 spectators
- Grand opening parade through the narrow alleys of Visby's Old Town
- Fire shows by the jester troupe TRiX in Nordergravar
- Medieval craft markets along the ancient ring wall
- Ten historical encampments featuring Vikings, pirates, soldiers and medieval life
- Concerts, theatre performances and lectures in medieval church ruins
- Children's area with its own stage, straw bouncy castle and activity yard Riddargård
- Multiple winner of the Swedish Grand Tourism Award
Programme 2026
The festival opens on Sunday, 2 August with the grand opening parade, leading from Södertorg through Adelsgatan to the main market square. Until Sunday, 9 August, over 800 programme events across 40 venues offer tournaments, concerts, lectures, dance and crafts. More than 100 events are free of charge, including the major parades and the spectacular fire show in Nordergravar. The Medieval Arena seats up to 2,500 spectators for impressive equestrian tournaments featuring knights, archers and horses. Open stages include Forum Vulgaris, Sagoängen and the Viking combat area. Ten immersive historical camps complete the experience.
The 2026 theme "Love" runs through the entire programme, from romantic torch-lit stories and sibling bonds to fiery passion shows and the shared love of history and reenactment.
Tickets and Festival Passes
The weekly festival pass starts at approximately 363 SEK and grants access to all festival areas for the full eight days, including markets, taverns, encampments and open stages. Day passes are available from approximately 132 SEK. Children and young people up to and including age 17 receive their festival pass free of charge. Tickets for individual reserved events such as the jousting tournament or church concerts must be purchased separately. The festival is run by the non-profit foundation Stiftelsen Medeltidsveckan på Gotland.
Getting to Visby
Visby is located on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea and can only be reached by ferry or plane. Destination Gotland operates ferry connections from Nynäshamn (Stockholm) and Oskarshamn to Visby, with crossings taking approximately 3 hours. Flights operate from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and Stockholm Bromma (BMA) to Visby Airport (VBY). Accommodation on Gotland fills up months before the festival; early booking is strongly recommended. The festival also operates a modern campsite and a medieval tent camp within walking distance of the city centre.
Visitor Tips
- Book accommodation and ferry tickets several months in advance as Gotland fills up completely during the festival.
- Medieval costumes are warmly welcomed, but modern clothing is equally fine.
- August weather on Gotland is mostly sunny; pack a light rain jacket for unpredictable shifts.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes: the Old Town's cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery in the evening.
- Bring a water bottle and rest in the shade during warm weather.
- Popular events such as the jousting tournament and church concerts sell out fast: secure tickets early.
