Sanda – Church, Coast and Hiking Trail

Sanda can be explored through several clearly distinct travel experiences: historic church art, trails along a former railway line, nature with traces of cultural history, and a beach in a small cove. Those looking for accommodation in Sanda can therefore choose the area according to their own interests without limiting themselves to just one aspect.

Church, Picture Stones and Fishing History

Sanda Church offers an unusually multifaceted view of the area’s history. Its tower is the oldest part of the church and was built in the 13th century. The nave features wall paintings created around 1300. In addition, stone frieze slabs dating from approximately AD 1030 to 1070 were incorporated into the façade. This means that a single building brings together several historical layers whose dates differ considerably.

The picture-stone tradition is also documented in the parish of Sanda: a total of eleven picture stones were found there, apparently covering the entire period of this tradition. The Kovik Fishing Museum offers another way to explore the region’s past. It preserves part of the fishing culture from the period before motorisation. The Petarve water sawmill and sawmill farmstead were designated as listed buildings in August 2001. This classification describes their heritage status, not any particular use today.

Hiking Trail Between Two Railway Stations

For an active exploration, there is the 3.5-kilometre hiking trail from Sanda to Tjuls. It follows the old railway embankment from Sanda Station to Tjuls Station. The two stations also mark different cultural attractions: Sanda Station House is a museum dedicated to Lars Gullin. The person whose life and music are presented in an exhibition there was born in the station house. Tjuls Station is a railway museum.

Further traces of history can be found on Vivesholm. The remains of a castle built by Duke Erik in 1396 are preserved there. From the Vivesholm car park, it is approximately 500 metres to the castle; a gravel path leads to the information board. Vivesholm is also a nature reserve of approximately 100 hectares in the parish of Sanda, with a rich birdlife and rare plants.

The parish of Sanda also has several horse farms with indoor riding arenas, as well as a riding school offering riding lessons. This adds a range of equestrian activities to the historical and nature-based excursions, without requiring a specific route.

Beach in Björkhaga Bay

Those who want to include the coast when choosing a location will find Björkhaga bathing beach in the parish of Sanda. It is situated in a small bay and has an approximately 200-metre-long sandy beach. The beach slopes gently, and the bottom is sandy with individual stones. There is also a partially accessible jetty. These specific features make Björkhaga an independent coastal destination within the available selection.

Other Places in the Location Selection

For further orientation, you can also compare Kappelshamn, Stånga, Fårö, Katthammarsvik, Fröjel, Lojsta, Hejde and Hemse.

For the overarching travel overview: Gotland.