travelogue: gotland / bungenäs, part 4

just maybe, my favourite place on gotland, is bungenäs.  once we found it that is...

we got lost.  chugging around on country back roads that were sometimes so narrow we wondered if it was a road at all!  it took us awhile to find bungenäs but along the way we stopped to stretch our legs, throw some arrows, take in the silence, the vast ocean, and the beautiful environment.

bungenäs is worth getting lost for.  once found, you ditch your car at the entrance and either walk or take one of the military bikes by the side of the road to ride along the dusty limestone roads, among the pine trees, towards the ocean, spotting fre-range sheep along the way.

bungenäs is an old limestone quarry that was active in the early 1900s then became a military base (and off limits) in the 1960s but now with the right owner, bungenäs has become a beloved spot to while away a day - and you do need a day to explore.  

our first stop was cafe nystroms, located in an old converted building by the sea, with swing and climbing ropes nearby.

 

then, with stomachs growling, lunch at the limestone barn, the chimneys are a key landmark.  the limestone barn is not only a restaurant but concerts and art exhibitions are held here too.  and they have wide brimmed hats on loan to shield you from the sun while you are feasting away on their fabulous food.  i think i inhaled my herring dish, it was the best i have tasted thus far in sweden.  i wanted seconds!  

military beds for lounging (or napping!)

then we ended up by the ocean.  stefan and i braved the frigid-upon-entering-ocean.  it warmed up quickly though.  it was lovely to feel the warmth of sun too.  kai played with the rocks, rode around on the bike while his dad and i bathed and sunned.

the wandering sheep kept us entertained, they were the only ones making a racket :)  and we couldn't stop laughing at the sounds coming from them.  btw, they are the softest!

i could easily have spent my whole week right here.  i loved pedaling around on my borrowed bike taking in this vast and secluded place, eating good food, dipping into the ocean, and spotting sheep.  

thus is gotland, the whole island is a dream.  

travelogue: fårö, the little island north of gotland, tomorrow.