Gotland’s Botanical Garden was founded in 1856 by the Society of the Bathing Friends, a gentlemen’s club formed in 1814 to work for the benefit of the public. The society also established Gotland’s fist school and set up its first bank.

To reach the garden, follow the promenade along the shore from the harbour and go through Gate of Love in the northwest corner of the town wall.

Inside the gate the lush park offers a spice-scented herb garden and a pretty rose garden. There are also many plants and trees exotic to the Nordic countries, such as walnut, mulberry and ginkgo. In its midst stand the ivy-clad ruins of St. Olof’s church and there is a water-lily pond a small pavilion making an ideal resting place.