The Gotland Hesselby Railway, a cherished heritage line on Sweden’s island of Gotland, has a rich history rooted in the island’s railway boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story begins in 1878, when King Oscar II inaugurated Gotland’s first railway, connecting the island’s only town, Visby, with Hemse in the south. This marked the start of a new era for Gotland, as railways became vital for agriculture, trade, and local development. The Slite-Roma Railway Company later constructed a line from Romakloster through Hesselby (Dalhem), terminating at Slite, further expanding the island’s rail network.

By the early 20th century, Hesselby had become a significant intermediate station on the Slite-Roma line, with its station building completed in 1902. However, the rise of automobiles and lorries after World War II led to a sharp decline in rail traffic. By the 1950s, most of Gotland’s railways were deemed unprofitable, and the last trains ceased operation in the early 1960s. The tracks were removed, and the Hesselby station building was repurposed as a post office, marking the end of an era for Gotland’s railways.

The preservation movement began in 1972, when the Gotland Train Association (Föreningen Gotlandståget) was founded. The association acquired the Hesselby station grounds and the historic steam locomotive SIRJ 3 “Dalhem,” one of the island’s first locomotives. Over the following years, volunteers restored buildings, locomotives, and wagons, culminating in the reopening of the Gotland Hesselby Railway in 1978. The railway initially operated on a short stretch from Hesselby station, but later expansions extended the line to Roma, reviving a section of the original network.

Today, the Gotland Hesselby Railway is a living museum, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through Gotland’s scenic landscapes. The railway operates vintage steam and diesel locomotives, many of which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The station at Hesselby features a museum with exhibits on the island’s railway history, including old timetables, photos, uniforms, and artifacts. The railway’s dedicated team of volunteers ensures that these historic engines remain operational, providing an authentic steam train experience for visitors.

The Gotland Hesselby Railway stands as a testament to the island’s rich transport heritage and the enduring passion of its preservationists. It offers not just a train ride, but an immersive experience that connects visitors to Gotland’s past, making it a beloved destination for railway enthusiasts and families alike.

This information was generated using AI, drawing on up-to-date sources as of February 2026.