One of Sweden’s oldest cities, Kalmar’s port activities date back more than 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages, the port played an important role with its strategic location on the Kalmarsund trade route. Trade with the Hanseatic League was robust, imbuing Kalmar with Germanic atmosphere.
Click below to hear what a local considers to be the perfect day in Kalmar
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The Port of Kalmar is situated in a sheltered position, adjacent to the shipping lane in Kalmar Sound. The port can be approached from either north or south. On the northern approach cruise passengers see Borgholm Castle before passing under Öland’s bridge – one of the longest bridges in Europe. Arriving from the south, Kalmar Castle (pictured) greets cruise passengers.
Smaller and medium sized cruise ships moor at the quay in the middle of the town, while larger cruise ships anchor just south of the port and must tender passengers ashore. The quay and tender landing are situated within walking distance to shops and cafés. Walking distance to the Old Town, Kalmar Castle and the town park is ten minutes.
Kalmar is situated in the county of Småland, in southeastern Sweden. One port, three destinations (Kalmar, Öland and Orrefors), Kalmar offers visitors a rich historical heritage as well as world-class art and design, including handmade Swedish crystal from Orrefors Glassworks. The southern part of Öland (pictured) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Excursions include Orrefors Glass Museum & Exhibition Hall, where visitors enjoy watching craftsmen transform glowing melt into crystal masterpieces and have the chance to purchase crystal products in the tax-free shop; Himmelsberga Museum, an Öland village preserved as a folklore museum; Paradisverkstaden, a ceramics center; Vida Museum; Borgholm Castle; Palace of Solliden, an Italian-style white palace, built by Queen Victoria of Sweden in 1903-06, still used as a summer residence by the Swedish Royal Family; the Village of Eketorp, an ancient settlement that has been reconstructed within the original ring wall; and Ottenby, on the south of the island of Öland, one of the top areas for bird watching in Sweden (Visit the tourist exhibition center Ottenby Naturum to learn more about the wildlife and culture of the area.)
Shopping
Kalmar is well known for Swedish crystal, handmade in one of the 15 glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal, among which Orrefors and Kosta Boda are the most prominent. In Orrefors factory shop, purchase (tax free) firsts and seconds from the Orrefors collection and watch master craftsmen in action as they create crystal masterpieces right in front of you.
Kalmar’s picturesque 17th and 18th century stone buildings offer a wide range of shopping. Almost all streets in the shopping area are walking streets, with Storgatan and Kaggensgatan being the main ones.
Find Swedish handicraft such as woodwork, pottery, jewelry and textile craft as well as Swedish and international delicacies at Gerdas Te & Kaffehandel. Souvenirs from Kalmar can be found at the Tourist Information Center, Kalmar Castle and Kalmar County Museum.
Castles and Kings
Kalmar Castle is one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved Renaissance castles. With a history that stretches back to the 12th century, the castle represents more than 800 years of brotherhood and blood. Its present appearance dates from the 16th century when the Vasa Kings rebuilt it in the style of a Renaissance palace. At Kalmar Castle, guides often wear Renaissance clothing to further strengthen the historical atmosphere.
Museums
Kalmar is home to the Royal Warship Kronan, once one of Sweden’s largest royal warships, which exploded and sank in 1686 during a battle off the coast of the Island of Öland. The wreck was located in 1981. Each year since, professional divers find new parts from the wreck that reveal more about the life on board. More than 25,000 finds are now on display at the exhibition, including several canons and Sweden’s largest gold coin discovery.
Welcome to Kalmar – one of Sweden’s oldest cities. A few minutes’ walk from the cruise quay lies the 17th-century downtown area, where preserved architecture and historical atmosphere combine with modern art and design. A friendly atmosphere, with professional staff taking care of port and tourism operations, makes Kalmar a highly rated cruise destination.
Kingdom of Crystal The Kingdom of Crystal with its well-known glassworks such as Orrefors, Kosta and Målerås is famous for the combination of design and tradition. Go by bus or car to the Kingdom of Crystal and feel the warmth from the glass ovens as the craftsmen create unique art glass. Do not miss the glass exhibitions or the great shopping opportunity in the factory outlets.
Traces from the past Thanks to its well-preserved historical surroundings, Kalmar has been awarded the Europa Nostra prize twice. It is easy to discover the city’s rich historical heritage with its impressive city wall, imposing buildings, picturesque stone-built houses and Sweden’s finest baroque church. The magnificent Kalmar Castle, with its fantastic downtown location close to the historically and culturally rich Old Town, is Scandinavia’s best-preserved Renaissance palace. If touring to the island of Öland, a visit to the Palace of Solliden is an absolute must. The Italian-style white palace still serves as the summer residence of the Swedish royal family.
World heritage The island of Öland is famous for its unique landscape and exceptional flora and fauna. The southern part of the island is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you go on an excursion here, you might discover several plants and insects not found anywhere else in the world.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Kalmar.
