Västergarn Västergarn and Stora Mafrids | |
|---|---|
 The old fortress at Västergarn Church | |
  Västergarn | |
| Coordinates:57°26′26″N18°9′3″E / 57.44056°N 18.15083°E /57.44056; 18.15083 | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Province | Gotland |
| County | Gotland County |
| Municipality | Gotland Municipality |
| Area | |
• Total | 12.20 km2 (4.71 sq mi) |
| Population (2014)[2] | |
• Total | 169 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Website | www |
Västergarn is a populated area, asocken (not to be confused withparish), on the Swedish island ofGotland.[3] It comprises the same area as theadministrative Västergarn District, established on 1 January 2016.[4]
Västergarn is the name of the socken as well as the district, sometimes referred to asVästergarn and Stora Mafrids in official documentation after an administrative merger of the two settlements. Västergarn is also the name of the small village surrounding themedievalVästergarn Church,[5] sometimes referred to asVästergarn kyrkby. Västergarn is situated on the central west coast of Gotland.[6] As of 2019[update], Västergarn Church belongs to Sanda-Västergarn-Mästerbyparish in Klintepastorat, along with the churches inSanda andMästerby.[7][8]
Close by the coast in Västergarn is the former bay, now lakePaviken with itsbird reserve.[9] About 2 km (1.2 mi) off the coast is the 50 ha (120 acres) Västergarns utholme island.[10]
Right by the coast road in Västergarn is one of Gotland's smallest museums (57°26′13.2″N18°08′41.9″E / 57.437000°N 18.144972°E /57.437000; 18.144972). Lodged in an old gas station, it is dedicated to theGotlandic, slightly eccentric music groupSmaklösa. The name literally means "Flavourless", but also "Tasteless" or "Tacky". The latter meaning is intended here as indicated by the name of their own record label "Tasteless Records". Since their start in 1973, the band has achieved cult status with dedicated followers both on and off the island. The band is known for its cleverly phrased lyrics, distaste for rehearsals and odd places to perform. They often make fun of other music events or shows and interpret things their own way. In 2006, they receivedGotland Municipality's Culture Award.[11][12][13]
On 28 July 1978, SwedishastronomerClaes-Ingvar Lagerkvist discovered anasteroid in theasteroid belt, which henamed7545 Smaklösa, after the band.[14] A summer resident on Gotland, Lagerkvist has stated that he is an avid Smaklösa fan.[15]
