🏰 Sweden's Largest Historical Festival
Every summer, Gotland becomes a living history book.
For eight magical days, thousands of visitors travel back to the Middle Ages—with Visby as the backdrop and the breath of history in the air.
✨ A Journey to the Middle Ages – Right in the Heart of Visby
Medieval Week has something for everyone. You can experience fast-paced jousting tournaments, peaceful lectures, and medieval delicacies—all within walking distance.
It’s a chance to step back in time. Every alley tells its own story.
The festival attracts enthusiasts, families with children, and curious travelers from all over the world.
Together, we create an unforgettable atmosphere filled with culture and community.
Medieval Week 2026 – A Love Story in Visby
When all of Visby is transformed into a medieval world
For eight magical days, history comes to life within Visby’s city walls. The alleys fill with knights, jugglers, musicians, artisans, and visitors from all over the world.
Medieval Week 2026 will take place August 2–9. This year’s theme is “A Love Story” —a tribute to love between people, to history, and to the unique sense of community that the festival creates.
It will be a week filled with romance, drama, adventure, and unforgettable encounters.
This Year's Theme: A Love Story
The love depicted during Medieval Week goes beyond the classic tale of the knight and his beloved.
It can be found in the friendships between the people who return to Visby every year. It is evident in family ties, in the sense of community, and in the passion for historical reenactment. It is also evident in the love for Gotland, the city wall, the ruins, and the city’s winding alleys.
Gotland is often called the “Island of Roses.” That’s why the rose is a natural symbol for this year’s theme. Throughout the week, love ballads, historical tales, fire shows, and spectacular performances come together in a setting that feels like it was made for fairy tales.
Whether you're coming with your partner, family, or friends, an experience awaits that you can share and cherish together.
Over 800 experiences at more than 40 venues
Medieval Week is Sweden's largest historical festival and one of Europe's largest of its kind. The 2026 program includes more than 800 events at over 40 venues.
During the week, you can enjoy the following, among other things:
- Jousting tournament featuring knights, horses, and archers
- Passionate fire shows and juggling acts
- Concerts and love ballads in historic settings
- Medieval markets featuring crafts, clothing, and jewelry
- Lectures, courses, and guided tours
- Historical camps, parades, and demonstrations
- Stories, Games, and Activities for Children
- Medieval taverns, food markets, and open-air stages
The performances take place in various locations, including Visby’s church ruins, parks, moats, alleys, and the Medieval Arena. The entire city becomes a stage where something new awaits around every corner.
Juggling, Fire, and Medieval Drama
The jousting tournaments are among the festival's most popular attractions. Here, brave knights compete in fast-paced contests before a large audience.
In 2026, love will also take center stage at the arena through special “love tournaments.” In addition, visitors can look forward to dramatic fire shows, archery, and historical combat demonstrations.
As darkness falls over Visby, the experiences continue. Torches are lit, music drifts from the ruins, and fire shows light up the summer night. Suddenly, the distance between the present and the Middle Ages feels very small.
An experience for the whole family
Medieval Week is fun for all ages. Children can try their hand at archery, meet fairy-tale creatures, watch jugglers, and take part in historical games.
The markets feature handmade toys, costumes, jewelry, leather goods, and other unique items. At the same time, the festival grounds offer activities, performances, and settings where the whole family can explore history together.
You don't have to wear medieval clothing to participate. Just come as you are—or take the opportunity to step into the role of a knight, traveling merchant, princess, or jester for a day.
Stay near the heart of Medieval Week
A centrally located place to stay makes the festival experience even better. When you stay in or near Visby, you can easily walk to markets, performances, restaurants, and festival venues.
At Maniri Rental Agency, you’ll find personally selected apartments, houses, and other vacation rentals for Medieval Week. There are options both inside and outside the city walls, for couples, families, and larger groups.
After a day filled with jousting, music, and the hustle and bustle of the festival, you’ll have your own spot where you can relax and recharge for your next adventure.
Demand for accommodations during Medieval Week is very high. Therefore, we recommend that you book as early as possible.
Things to Know Ahead of Medieval Week 2026
When: August 2–9, 2026
Where: Visby and selected locations on Gotland
Theme: A Love Story
What: Historical cultural festival with over 800 events
Dress code: Medieval costumes are welcome but not required
Tickets: Festival wristbands and tickets for popular performances should be booked in advance
Lodging: Book early, as many central accommodations fill up quickly
Welcome to a love story you'll never forget
Medieval Week 2026 will be a celebration of love in all its forms—for people, friendship, history, Gotland, and the sense of community that arises when thousands of visitors come together to create the world’s best medieval experience.
Let Visby’s roses, ruins, and alleyways serve as the backdrop for your own love story.
Book your accommodations through Maniri and experience Medieval Week 2026 from the front row.
