Gotlands fiskerimuseum

About the museum

Gotlands fiskerimuseum in Kovik (Gotland Fisheries Museum) was founded in 1950 by the artist Erik Olsson together with the farmer Edvin Norragård and the fisherman Helmer Larsson, all from Sanda. According to the association's statutes, the museum is to collect objects and traditions from Gotland hunting and fishing and preserve them for posterity. The initiative came from Erik Olsson, a fisherman's son and artist, who deliberately set out to preserve the remnants of older working life on the shore in their own environment. The museum's first premises was an old beach shed in the fishing village that had previously belonged to a fisherman in Sanda.

Today the museum consists of a large number of sheds and buildings at Kovik fishing village, several of which have been moved here from other places on the island: for example beach sheds from Fide and Grötlingbo, a fisherman's cottage from Tofta, boathouses from Eksta, Hall, Fårö and Hangvar, a spinning shed from Kovik and a yarn shed from Hablingbo. There are also fishing beacons, quays and a well. The association documents the buildings, the history of the fishing village, the fishermen and the old fishing methods, for example salmon fishing with fixed lines, seine-net fishing and large-trap fishing (storryssjefiske).

The beach chapel at Kovik was built in 1963–1965 in memory of the Gotland fishermen who lost their lives at sea. The foundation was laid when an old stone building was demolished in 1960, and the association was allowed to collect limestone free of charge; many tractor owners helped with the transport. The chapel is open for visits and private devotion at all times of the year, and it can be booked for baptisms, weddings and similar occasions.

Highlights

• Beach sheds and boathouses from different parts of Gotland at Kovik fishing village
• Fishing gear and objects from Gotland hunting and fishing
• The beach chapel at Kovik, built 1963–1965 in memory of drowned fishermen
• The museum area is open around the clock
• Documentation of fishing methods and traditional boats

Permanent exhibition

• Koviks fiskeläge med strandbodar och båthus – Open-air museum with beach sheds, boathouses, fishermen's cottages and fishing gear from Gotland, and a beach chapel in memory of drowned fishermen.

Founded

1950

Operated by

Gotlands Fiskerimuseum ideella förening

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The association is working to make the museum more accessible in the future.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The beach chapel can be booked for baptisms, weddings and similar occasions; the booking fee is SEK 500 per occasion. Only one activity is booked per day.

Plan your visit