Slite – between the archipelago, beaches and industrial heritage

Slite combines a distinctive archipelago landscape with beaches, coastal paths, cycling routes and maritime history. If you would like to combine experiences of nature and outdoor activities with cultural and historical impressions during your stay on Gotland, the town offers several clearly distinct points of interest for this purpose.

Archipelago, limestone landscape and birdlife

The Slite skärgård nature reserve covers more than 6,000 hectares and consists largely of water. It is Gotland’s only area with a pronounced archipelago character; both its waters and its land are of high natural value. The landscape includes rich birdlife, cultural and historical traces of limestone quarrying, fishing and seafaring, as well as characteristic geological formations such as rauks, beach cusps and beach ridges.

The area surrounding Slite is also characterised by limestone-rich limestone pavement with high natural values. Parts of the cultural landscape are maintained through grazing. To the southwest lies Bogeviken, a shallow sea bay separated from the open sea, with rich birdlife and a fish spawning ground. On the island of Fjaugen in the nature reserve, there are also old fishermen’s huts that are open for overnight stays.

Beaches, walking paths and cycle routes

Slite bad is a shallow sandy beach more than 200 metres long. The bathing beach is accessible and equipped with a ramp; a beach wheelchair can be rented through Slite Intresseförening. Bus routes 20 and 22 stop directly at Slite bad beach.

For walks, Slite has a marked 10-kilometre hiking trail that runs mostly along the water. Cyclists will find a centre for road cycling and mountain biking in and around Slite at Gotland Bike Park. There are prepared mountain-bike trails in Slite and the immediate surrounding area, with easier and more demanding sections. In addition, there is a long mountain-bike trail that runs around Boge.

Enholmen and the history of Slite

The well-preserved ruins of Karlsvärds fästning are located on Enholmen. The fortress was built by Sweden after the loss of Ösel; at this site, Swedish military history from the 17th century to the present day can be traced. The donjons and defensive structures can only be accessed on a guided tour. On a guided day trip, the boat travels from the harbour in Slite to the island; the boat journey takes 10 minutes each way. Visitors are welcome to explore Enholmen on foot.

Views of the town and industrial heritage

Slite kyrka stands on a hill in the middle of Slite and offers views of the town, the sea and Bogeviken. The Slite Industrimuseum provides a different perspective on the town’s development: the small museum is located in a residential building and displays historical material from the more than 100-year history of Slite’s cement factory. It is open on Tuesdays from 18:00 to 20:00 or by telephone or email appointment.

For further town profiles, you can also visit När, Sanda, Hemse, Ljugarn, Burgsvik, Eksta, Fårö and Hejde.

For the overarching travel overview: Gotland.