On Gotland, it doesn’t matter which way you go – there will always be big and small discoveries, something new to see and experience. Flemming and I were so happy to spend 4 full days on Gotland! On our 3rd day on the island we wanted to explore the eastern coast, and just drove there. When we saw a sign on the road to one or another site, we turned there. One of the very interesting places we discovered was Trullhalsar, the burial field with around 350 graves in the form of mounds, stone circles and stone ships:
A typical Vendel-era (550 – 793 AD) tombstone is the tall cake-like stone formations with an edge of carefully laid tile slabs:
During the Vendel period, the time before the Viking Age, when the burial ground was used, the sea level was about four meters higher. The burial ground was laid out by the shore. The excavated graves showed that the women in particular had with them valuable grave gifts, showing their high status in society. An unusually large stone ship:
It was a nice area to walk, and think of all those people who lived there for 1400 years ago…
We continued to Katthammarsvik, a harbour settlement that in the 17th century had flourishing limestone industry. There was a smokehouse, and they had many delicious things on offer.
Beside waste containers, an 11 years old girl called Nellie placed a sign saying: “Please leave your empty bottles here! I collect money for riding.” Ah, those smart kids! Instead of running around and doing some work why not do it in an easy way? I should have done the same when I was saving money for my aircraft!
It was difficult to make a choice at the smokehouse – they had so many nice things!
We sat on the terrace outside, though it was a bit windy that day:
One could choose a small or a big plate. Needless to say, it was good!
A short walk around after lunch – and again, something new. Ruins of one or another building from the past:
The entrances were very narrow:
There was a beautiful sand beach where Flemming had a nap:
I didn’t want to disturb him, and went for a walk around the village. Borgvik on the photo below, a 17th century property with a museum yard:
The buildings were all different, but nicely restored and rented out as cottages, rooms, beds.
In the evening, we went out to Magasinet Kök och Bar, a restaurant in Fårösund. There was live music, and full house:
I had booked our favourite table with a sea view, and Inger, the owner of today’s Bunge Air Base, kindly joined us for dinner & music:
We had a wonderful evening together.
