Gothland Residency is a curated network of winter artist retreats on the island of Gotland, Sweden. We welcome writers, artists, photographers and other creative practitioners from around the world, offering time and space for focused creative work during the island's quiet season. By partnering with local property owners, cultural organizations and artists, we create meaningful residency experiences rooted in place, creativity and community.
The residency is open to creative practitioners of all backgrounds and disciplines, whether emerging or established. We welcome writers, visual artists, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, designers, researchers and interdisciplinary artists seeking an extended period of uninterrupted creative work in an inspiring environment.
Gothland Residency is currently an artist-funded residency. Artists are responsible for their accommodation, travel, meals and other personal expenses.
Accommodation is offered through a network of local host properties across Östergarnslandet. Monthly rates vary depending on the size, location and amenities of each property, with options designed to accommodate a range of budgets. During the priority application process, applicants can indicate their preferred price range, and every effort will be made to match them with a suitable accommodation.
While Gotland is one of Sweden's most popular summer destinations, winter reveals a very different side of the island.
As the pace slows, mist drifts across the meadows, winds sweep the coastline and long nights reveal remarkable star-filled skies. Without the distractions of peak tourism, artists can immerse themselves in a quieter rhythm of life, finding time for deep creative work while experiencing the island as local residents do.
Winter also offers a more affordable way to experience Gotland, with greater accommodation availability and opportunities to build meaningful connections with the island's year-round community. Museums, galleries, cafés and many cultural venues remain open, making it possible to enjoy both solitude and cultural life throughout the season.
Every residency is thoughtfully curated around the individual artist.
Before your arrival, we'll get to know your creative practice, interests and goals so we can recommend experiences that complement your work. Depending on your interests, your residency may include introductions to local artists and historians, recommendations for landscapes, churches, museums and historic sites, optional cultural gatherings and assistance discovering the hidden corners of Gotland that visitors rarely experience.
Some artists seek complete solitude. Others enjoy connecting with the local creative community. We support both approaches while preserving the flexibility for every resident to shape their own experience.
Although the residency is based in Östergarnslandet, residents are encouraged to explore the wider island. Visby, approximately 40–45 minutes away, is a remarkably well-preserved medieval walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobbled streets, church ruins, museums, galleries, archaeological collections, shops, cafés and restaurants. Gotlands Museum offers an especially rich introduction to the island’s history, from prehistoric picture stones and Viking treasures to medieval life and art.
Beyond Visby, artists can visit villages, medieval churches, nature reserves, coastal formations and historic sites throughout the island. Day trips might include Fårö in the north (home to the Bergman Center), the limestone landscape of the western coast, or the small towns and rural communities of southern Gotland. Because opening hours and transportation options vary during winter, Gothland Residency will share seasonal recommendations and practical guidance before and during each stay.
Getting to Gotland is easier than many people expect. The island is well connected to mainland Sweden by both ferry and air.
Most visitors choose one of two options:
Ferry: A scenic journey of approximately 3 hours from Nynäshamn (just south of Stockholm) or Oskarshamn via Destination Gotland. Ferries accommodate both passengers and vehicles, making this an excellent option if you're bringing a car.
Flight: Regular flights connect Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Visby Airport (VBY) in about one hour. Seasonal direct flights are also available from Copenhagen on select days.
Before your residency begins, you'll receive a detailed arrival guide with driving directions, public transportation information, car rental recommendations, ferry booking tips and everything you need to travel smoothly from Visby or the ferry terminal to your accommodation in Östergarnslandet.
Gotland has a maritime climate, giving it one of the mildest winters in Sweden.
While snowfall is common, it is often intermittent rather than continuous. Some winters bring several snowfalls, while others return to green meadows, moss-covered forests and evergreen pines and junipers after only a few days. Sea fog, dramatic winter light and windswept coastlines create an atmosphere that many artists find deeply inspiring.
Average daytime temperatures are approximately:
October: 8–12°C (46–54°F)
November: 4–8°C (39–46°F)
December: 1–5°C (34–41°F)
January: -1–3°C (30–37°F)
February: -1–3°C (30–37°F)
March: 2–6°C (36–43°F)
As an island in the Baltic Sea, Gotland occasionally experiences powerful winter windstorms. These are a natural part of island life and are usually short-lived. During severe weather, it's best to follow local weather advisories and enjoy a slower day indoors with a warm drink, a good book or uninterrupted creative work until the skies clear.
Gotland has an extensive bus network connecting Visby with towns and villages across the island. Cycling is also possible throughout much of the year, although weather conditions should always be considered during winter.
If you plan to drive, be aware that winter weather can occasionally bring icy roads and strong coastal windstorms. Rental cars in Sweden are equipped with winter tires, and we'll provide practical guidance before your arrival so you can travel safely and confidently.
Applications for the inaugural 2026–2027 Winter Residency are opening soon. If you'd like to be among the first artists considered, please complete our Interest Form or contact us at info@gothlandresidency.se. We'll notify you as soon as applications officially open. You can also subscribe to receive residency updates and application announcements.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Because Gothland Residency is preparing for its inaugural season, review times may vary. Applicants will be contacted as residency opportunities become available.
We're always interested in connecting with property owners who have furnished homes, cottages or cabins available during Gotland's quieter winter months. By partnering with Gothland Residency, you can help provide artists with inspiring places to live and work while your property is thoughtfully coordinated as part of our residency network.
If you'd like to learn more, simply complete our Interest Form and let us know you're a property owner. We'd love to discuss how your property might become part of Gothland Residency.
