Lärbro Church

A rural church with a rare octagonal tower

Lärbro Church, in northern Gotland, is one of the most striking of the island's roughly 90 medieval rural churches. Its hallmark is the octagonal west tower, built around 1340-1350, one of the most unusual medieval tower shapes on Gotland. There's no comparable octagon anywhere else on the island outside Visby. It's thought to have served as a chapel dedicated to St Olav; the shape is generally read as a nod to the Olav Chapel in Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim, Norway).

The tower still looks imposing today, though it was once even more striking: it originally stood roughly 6 metres taller, with a gallery and a tall spire. A storm in 1522 badly damaged it and parts had to be taken down, hence its more compact shape today. The church underwent a major renovation between 1953 and 1955.

The kastal next door

Right beside the church stands a well-preserved, five-storey kastal, a stone defence tower from the 11th or 12th century. Towers like this were built to protect the parish and few survive so completely intact on Gotland today. Together with the church's octagonal tower, it makes Lärbro one of the most rewarding church stops in the north of the island.

What to expect inside

Despite its chequered building history, the interior is richly furnished:

• A late-medieval altarpiece from the end of the 14th century (around 1400), depicting Mary and the twelve apostles.
• Medieval wall paintings and a turned wooden chair from the 13th century.
• A sandstone font from the late 17th century, along with a pulpit and pews from 1718.
• Set into the chancel floor, the gravestone of Nicolaus Taksten (died 1272).

Visiting & practicalities

• Opening hours: From 15 May to 15 September the church is freely open daily from at least 9:00 to 17:00. Outside the season, a visit is only possible by prior arrangement with Norra Gotlands pastorat (tel. +46 498-22 27 00). Allow around 20 to 30 minutes for the tower, kastal and interior.
• Admission: free, the parish welcomes a small collection.
• Getting there & parking: the address is Kyrkvägen 2, Lärbro. There's a paved car park at both entrances (south and west); the western one is closer to the church.
• Location: Lärbro sits conveniently on the route towards Fårösund and the ferry to Fårö, a worthwhile stop on a tour of the island. If you'd like more ideas for exploring the landscape of northern Gotland, see the nature guide.