Bustling bird-life, flowers and plants on Stora and Lilla Karlsö.

The island of Stora Karlsö lies off the south-west coast of Gotland and covers an area of 2.5 square kilometres. It offers a unique perspective of flora, especially orchids, and other species quite unique in these latitudes.

Colonies of razorbills, guillemots and other birds nest on the cliff edges. The island has a restuarant, a kiosk and a museum with a permanent exhibition that tells the story of the island from Stone Age times. Lilla Karlsö lies 4.5 kilometres from Stora Karlsö. It too has a large population of birds, unique and rare plant life and a small colony of seals. It is also home to Gotland largest ‘rauk’ named Stalen, which is 16 metres tall.

From May until September the M/S Stora Karlsö takes you the 30-minute boat ride from Klintehamn, Gotland, to Stora Karlsö.