Ljugarn (Gotland)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- 4.9–13 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Ljugarn is a low-profile east-coast beach spot on Gotland’s Baltic Sea side, centered on a long sandy shore with clean water and shallow entry close to the beach. The riding area is generally easy to access and offers good space for rigging, which makes it suitable for learning and freeride-focused sessions. Wind here is most favorable from easterly directions (E, ESE, SE). However, one spot listing reports very low wind reliability (about 7.8%), so you should expect that sessions may require flexibility and careful timing rather than assuming consistent day-to-day wind. Conditions near shore are typically flat to chop with small waves, which tends to suit freeride and beginner progression in the shallower zone. For riders considering wing foiling, the inner shallow area limits access; reaching sufficient foil depth requires moving farther out (about 150 meters from shore for ~1.5 m depth). Large stones scattered in shallow water and a harbor structure to the north add local hazards. In summer, the biggest safety constraint is swimmers: avoid designated swimming zones (notably July–August) and keep distance from the harbor entrance. Off-season water temperatures are cold, so plan for appropriate thermal protection. For emergencies, call 112 and seek medical care in Visby.
- Long sandy beach with shallow, easy entry
- Easterly winds (E to SE) blow directly into the bay
- Beginner-friendly environment for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to manageable nearshore conditions
- Long sandy setup area with generally easy launch access
- Clean water and manageable conditions close to shore for progression
- Best results come with easterly winds that blow directly into the bay
- Very low reported wind reliability, so conditions may be inconsistent for repeatable sessions
- Shallow zone can limit wave/foil riding lines and can contain scattered stones
- Swimming zones in summer require careful route planning and spacing
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 4.9–13 kts
- Reliability
- 7.8% (very low); moderate in general according to regional descriptions
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Shadow Zones
- The harbor and coastal buildings can create turbulence (especially in Northerly/Southerly directions).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small wave conditions reported; also described as flat-to-chop with small waves.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat water with small chop reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Residential beach with wide sandy space for rigging outside the busiest peak-summer weeks.
Through the year
Busy in July and August with holidaymakers; quiet during the rest of the year.
Autumn (October to December) can bring stronger winds with more frequent rain and storm systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A long, shallow sandy area on the east side of Gotland. Works best with easterly winds, producing manageable chop and small waves near shore.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Sandy bottom with easy entry; generally flat water to small chop for freeride/slalom progression.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Feasible, but riders must travel past the shallow inner zone to reach sufficient depth for the foil mast.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Minimum practical depth is reached roughly 150 meters out.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.5 meters, found roughly 150 meters out.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ljugarn (Gotland) in the full forecast view.
Ljugarn (Gotland) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–25 ktsGusts 47 kts
- Direction
- SSW205°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2525 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–3.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 6–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ljugarn (Gotland) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–25 kts, peaking around 25 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 47 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.2–3.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Swimmers in summer
- Large stones in shallow water
- Harbor pier / harbor entrance area
- Offshore wind in Western directions
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated local coastguard base reported; sea rescue handled through Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) with national emergency services coordinating via 112.
- Emergency Info
- Call 112 for emergency services. Nearest major hospital is in Visby.
Rules of the spot
Avoid riding in designated swimming zones during summer (July–August). Keep a safe distance from the harbor entrance.
- Seasonal swimming zones (not ride inside them in July–August)
- The spot is best on East or South-East winds which blow directly into the bay.
- During peak summer, launch further south on the beach to avoid the crowds.
- For wind-choosing: prioritize easterly flow for the most onshore conditions and manageable chop.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Visby
- Nearest Town
- Ljugarn
- Parking
- Carparks near the beach; may be full of cows in some areas.
- Access
- Arrive in Visby by ferry or air, then drive southeast on road 143 to Ljugarn and access the beach directly.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Swedish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation options in and around Ljugarn include holiday cabins at Ljugarns Semesterby, guesthouses, and a campsite.
- Food & Drink
- Fish-&-chip shop, kiosk, café; multiple restaurants and cafes within walking distance (especially in summer).
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental shops specifically on the beach; bring your own gear. Rental equipment may be provided via surf schools (and can involve delivery depending on conditions).
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated public gear storage is limited; most riders store equipment at accommodation or within school-run facilities.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available through major surf shops and schools mainly in/near Visby.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Ljugarn area pairs sandy shoreline recreation with strong sightseeing around Gotland’s limestone coastline (raukar) and nearby Visby.
A coastline stretch featuring dramatic limestone sea stacks (raukar).
UNESCO World Heritage medieval town with walls, ruins, and cobblestone streets.
A well-preserved historical fishing station with small wooden shacks dating back to the 18th century.
Flat, scenic routes for exploring Gotland’s eastern coastline by bicycle.
Popular beachfront restaurant and bar with local dishes and Baltic views.
A long sandy beach with shallow water areas that suit families and sunbathing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ljugarn (Gotland)?
The best overall months at Ljugarn (Gotland) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Ljugarn (Gotland)?
Ljugarn (Gotland) works with E, ESE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ljugarn (Gotland)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ljugarn (Gotland): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 4.9–13 kts.
What skill level is Ljugarn (Gotland) suitable for?
Ljugarn (Gotland) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.