Experience the Stånga Games 2025—Gotland’s unique folk festival in Stånga!
Gotland's most traditional and beloved summer event!
From July 9 to 13, 2025, the organizers will transform Stånga into a vibrant hub for Gotlandic sports, culture, and community. Every year, the event attracts over 2,000 participants and thousands of enthusiastic visitors from all over Sweden—and the world.
A living tradition since 1924
As early as 1924, the people of Gotland organized the first edition of the Stångaspelen. Since then, the event has grown into a powerful symbol of the island’s cultural identity and athletic heritage. Participants from all over Gotland compete in unique events such as varpa, pärk, pole-toppling, rövkrok, and the Gotland pentathlon—sports with deep roots in the Viking Age. As a result, the games offer both excitement and a sense of historical connection.
Highlights of the Stångaspelen 2025
For anyone curious about sports in Gotland, this week offers a variety of fascinating events. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Varpa – The participant throws a heavy, stone-like disc at a stick, and the result depends on the accuracy of the throw.
- Pärk – Two teams face off in a fast-paced and tactical ball game that requires both agility and teamwork.
- Pole Flip – The goal here is to flip a 27-kilo pole as far as possible using only muscle strength and technique.
- Ass Hook – Two competitors lock legs and try to knock each other over—a humorous but technically demanding event.
- Gutnisk Pentathlon – Participants compete in several events, such as jumping, running, varpa, and pärk, before everything is decided in a classic back-throwing duel.
Because the events combine physical courage with cultural roots, they offer a unique experience for both participants and spectators.
A community celebration for the whole family
The Stångaspelen festival offers more than just competitions. Visitors can also enjoy local food stands, Gotland crafts, music, and activities for children. Not least, the children’s awards ceremony is a heartwarming highlight, where all young participants receive a medal. In this way, traditions are passed on to the next generation.
In addition to the sport itself, it also brings people together—a reminder of how sports can unite people across all ages and backgrounds.
Important Dates and Events in 2025
In addition to the main week in July, other competitions are also held during the summer. The following dates are worth noting in your calendar:
- May Festival – May 24
- Junipärk & Ungdomslaiken – June 7
- Mini World Cup – July 5
- The Stånga Games – July 9–13
- Augustipärken – August 9
These events provide opportunities for both beginners and experienced athletes to compete in traditional Gotland sports. At the same time, they offer the perfect excuse to explore more of Gotland during the summer.
International Interest
Interest in the Stånga Games is steadily growing—both in Sweden and internationally. For example, a film crew from the BBC will be documenting this year’s event as part of a series on local culture and tradition. This strengthens Gotland’s place on the world map and shows just how vibrant a cultural heritage can be.
As a result, this year's edition is expected to attract more attention than ever before.
Plan Your Visit
The Stånga Festival is held at Stangmalmen in Stånga—a scenic area with ample parking and easy access to lodging, restaurants, and swimming spots. Since admission is free, both spontaneous visitors and planned vacationers can enjoy the festivities without any obstacles.
In addition, there are activities and experiences suitable for all ages, making the event a perfect destination for the whole family. If you want to combine sports, culture, and a Gotland summer—then Stångaspelen is the place to be.
For more information, visit: https://www.gutniskidrott.org/
