Tingstäde fästning
Century-old fortress in northern Gotland, built 1904–1918, with guided tours, a film, a tour of Skans 1 and a play room for children.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The idea of a fortification at Tingstäde had existed as early as the 18th century, but the plans became concrete only in 1885. The fortress was to protect military stores and provide support for a more sustained defence. Supply and storehouse buildings were erected in 1897–1903; the first appropriations for the fortress itself were granted in 1903, and in spring 1904 work began on the ridge north-east of the church.
Skans 1, the so-called Fästet, was built to withstand a direct hit from a heavy cannon and was almost finished when the First World War broke out in 1914. The military commander with his staff was among those stationed there, and Tingstäde became the centre of military life on Gotland. When the war ended the whole fortification was complete, at a cost of SEK 1.7 million. When the Second World War broke out in 1939 the fortress had played out its role, but the central stores were still valuable for ammunition and food.
When the military left the site in the early 1990s, the Statens fastighetsverk (the Swedish National Property Board) took over the buildings, and Tingstäde Local Heritage Society was given responsibility for supervision, opening hours and guiding. The society has gathered documents, pictures, furnishings and effects to show the history of the military and of the district from the late 19th century.
Highlights
- Guided tours of the century-old fortress
- Tour of Skans 1 (Fästet)
- Film about why the fortress was built
- Kitchen, quarters, cash vault and power unit
- Play room for the younger children
- The Kraggen with a Bolinder crude-oil engine on special weekends
Permanent exhibition
- Fästningen och Skans 1 – Guided tour of the fortress with kitchen and food store, quarters, cash vault, power unit and Skans 1 (Fästet), plus a film about the fortress's history.
- Operated by
- Tingstäde hembygdsförening – Fästningskommittén
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 100 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 14 · Children under 15 enter free. |
| Groups (6+ people) | SEK 80 per personGroups of up to 5 people pay SEK 400; groups of more than 5 pay SEK 80 per person. Groups must be booked in advance. |
Admission SEK 100 per person. Admission includes a guided tour.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 14 |
|---|
- Playground / play area
There is a play room with various activities for the younger children.
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
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours at 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30 during the summer season, without booking. Pre-booked groups contact Åke Stenman by telephone or e-mail. There is a film about the fortress's history and a tour of Skans 1. |
