Sandviken (Gotland)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sandviken (Gotland) is a low-profile kitesurfing/windsport beach on the east side of Gotland, characterized by clean water over a sandy bottom and shallow bays that help keep conditions manageable for learning and freeride. Launch is described as easy, with a straightforward access/short walk from nearby parking and ample sandy space for rigging and launching.
- Shallow, sandy bottom (good for safe progression)
- Foiling activity reported as possible in the right conditions
- Wind directions most favored: S to SSW to SW (SE can work but is described as more gusty in one account)
- Clean, sandy shallow bays that are generally beginner-friendly
- Flat-to-choppy Baltic water suitable for freeride and foil progression
- South/South-West wind directions are reported to work best
- Crowded during July and August due to sunbathers
- No staffed rescue/lifeguard presence reported
- Seasonal swimming zones require extra attention in summer
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Front-driven wind with seasonal thermal influences in late spring to early summer.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts; one source also describes moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Possible turbulence near trees if wind has too much west in it.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Described as flat-to-choppy / chop in multiple sources.
- Launch
- Small — Easy self-launch; flat water/chop conditions and wide sandy space for rigging are described.
Through the year
Busy with sunbathers in July and August; kitesurfers frequent during windy spring and autumn days.
Autumn can bring stronger storms and frontal winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-to-choppy Baltic conditions over shallow, sandy water. Foiling has been reported with good conditions; freeride/freestyle are supported.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Freeride and slalom are described as excellent with relatively flat water inside the bay.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable due to a sandy bottom and shallow bays, with the note that riders should walk out past the shallowest inner section to avoid hitting the foil.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 0.8m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sandviken (Gotland) in the full forecast view.
Sandviken (Gotland) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–27 ktsGusts 47 kts
- Direction
- SSW205°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2527 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–2.1 m4s period
- Temperature
- 6–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sandviken (Gotland) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–27 kts, peaking around 27 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 47 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.1–2.1 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Seasonal swimming zones
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as limited in the wider Sandviken cluster; Swedish Sea Rescue Society presence nearby in Herrvik harbor is cited.
- Emergency Info
- Call 112 for emergency services in Sweden.
Rules of the spot
Avoid kitesurfing in designated swimming zones during peak summer months (July and August).
- Seasonal swimming zones (avoid kitesurfing in July and August peak summer periods)
- The spot is reported safest in south or south-west winds, which blow side-onshore into the bay.
- Conditions are described as suitable for beginners due to shallow, sandy bays.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Visby
- Nearest Town
- Katthammarsvik
- Parking
- Parking is available at Sandviken near the launch area (public parking near the beach and the campsite also cited).
- Access
- Arrive in Visby by ferry or air. Drive SE on road 143 towards Ljugarn, then follow signs to Katthammarsvik and Sandviken. Alternatively, from mainland Sweden: take exit toward Snaeckstavik and Sandviken/Skanssundet via roads 226 then 225. Short walk leads to the spot from the parking area.
- Local Language
- Swedish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Sandviken Camping is located right next to the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant and café are typically open during the summer season near the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental centers on the beach; major surf centers on the island provide rentals primarily in Visby or Tofta.
- Gear Storage
- Available for guests at the nearby campsite (not generally at the public beach).
- Gear Repair
- None on site; basic repair services are described as available through local shops in Visby in the wider cluster.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Gotland’s east coast near Sandviken combines limestone scenery and sandy bays, with a quieter, more authentic coastal feel.
An uninhabited island off the coast featuring a historic lighthouse and unique flora.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved medieval city wall in Northern Europe.
The Östergarn peninsula offers scenic, flat roads popular with cyclists.
Famous local fish smokery and restaurant serving fresh Baltic seafood.
A long, sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for families and swimming.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sandviken (Gotland)?
The best overall months at Sandviken (Gotland) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Sandviken (Gotland)?
Sandviken (Gotland) works with S, SSW, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Sandviken (Gotland)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Sandviken (Gotland): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Sandviken (Gotland) suitable for?
Sandviken (Gotland) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.