Lilla Karlsö
A small limestone seabird reserve off Gotland’s west coast, with guillemots and razorbills on its cliffs and grazing sheep on top.
Lilla Karlsö lies off Gotland’s west coast, next to Stora Karlsö, and is a nature reserve managed by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Steep limestone cliffs and sea caves surround the island. In spring and summer, thousands of common guillemots and razorbills nest on the ledges, and you may also see white-tailed eagles. The top is a flat upland of grassland where Gotland sheep, an old breed, graze. To land, you must join a guided boat tour departing from Djupvik, south of Klintehamn. Tours run in summer and need advance booking. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, and a guided walk around the island usually takes half a day. There are no shops on the island, so bring your own food and a windproof layer.
Opening hours
About May–Aug with ferry service (guided tours by reservation)
Nearby sights
- Stora Karlsö
- Tofta Strand
- Högklint
- Kneippbyn (Villa Villekulla)
- Hoburgsgubben
- Almedalen
- Gotland Museum (Fornsalen)
- Kruttornet (Powder Tower)