Kalmar - Attractions

1. Kalmar Castle
The history of this legendary castle stretches back over 800 years. Its present appearance dates back to the 16th century when the Vasa Kings rebuilt it in the style of a Renaissance palace. Kalmar Castle is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Scandinavia, and here you can experience a Renaissance Banquet with jesters and musicians as well as food and drink inspired by the 16th century. The tables are set with plates replicating archaeological finds made in and around the castle.

2. Royal Warship Kronan
This royal warship was one of Sweden’s largest warships, which exploded and sank in 1686 during a battle off the coast of the Island of Öland. The wreck was located in 1981 and every year since then, professional divers find new parts from the wreck that reveal more and more about the life onboard. More than 25,000 finds are now on display at the exhibition, as several canons and Sweden’s largest gold coin discovery.

3. Kalmar Maritime Museum
This museum has a collection of 5,000 objects, among which several are considered as rarities. There are model ships, navigational instruments and examples of seamen’s work.

4. Kalmar Cathedral
This cathedral is designed by Tessin and built in the Italian baroque style during the second half of the 17th century. During that time, Sweden was one of the great European powers.

5. Old Town
The medieval centre of Kalmar, known today as the Old Town, lies just beside Kalmar Castle. It still has many well-preserved 17th and 18th century buildings and is a fine cultural and historical quarter.

6. Medieval Town - Salvestaden
By visiting Salvestaden, a reconstruction of the medieval city of Kalmar, you will experience the history with all your senses. Here, you will meet people that lived in Kalmar in year 1397 like coin master Johannes van Hoyngen and Rodwy with her magic brews and curious medicines. You can also try archery, javelin throw, tossing the caber, king riding or learn how to handle sword and shield. The activities are for children, but that does not mean that the parents could not enjoy.

7. House of Krusenstiernska
To walk through the gate of the Krusenstiernska House is to take a step back in time. The main building, kept intact since the 19th century, with furnishings from different periods and countries, brings to light the lifestyle of a typical middle-class home. The hereditary estate and its possessions have been collected over several generations. Most of the furniture is in Gustavian style, but there is some in Baroque and Rococo styles. The Krusenstiernska House is also famous for its beautiful East Indian porcelain. The fine garden is full of old walnut- and fruit trees, berries, flowers and aromatic plants and is ideal for picnics or strolls.