Major sights in Kalmar

Kalmar Castle

The history of this legendary castle stretches back over 800 years. During the 12th century a defence tower was erected to protect against pirates and other sea-faring enemies. A harbour was constructed and in the course of time a castle grew around the original tower.

Kalmar Castle soon became The Key to the Kingdom, a significant defensive fortification on the Danish border with an essential part in international, political life. The Castle acquired its present appearance in the 16th c, when the Vasa kings, Erik XIV and Johan III rebuilt it in the style of a Renaissance palace and furnished it in continental manner. The last king, who lived in the Castle and issued governmental documents, was Karl XI. He was on the throne from 1673 to 1692.

Kalmar Castle. Photo: Kalmar Turistbyrå/Kalmar Kommun

Kalmar Castle played a fundamental role in Scandinavian policy already in 1397, particularly as the meeting place for the signing of the Union of Kalmar. On July 20th, 1397 Queen Margaret I signed the controversial yet memorable pact which joined all of the Nordic countries under a common ruler. In 1997 the city of Kalmar and the Castle celebrated the 600 years anniversary of the Union of Kalmar. Photo: Kalmar Slott AB

The cathedral

The Cathedral in Kalmar is the only one in Sweden without a bishop. This imposing building was designed by Tessin the elder and built in Italian baroque style in the second half of the 17th century. Do not miss a visit, the light and majestically spacious interior is a reminder that the cathedral was built during the period of Sweden's greatness as a European power. Opening hours: Dayly kl. 10.00-18.00 Organ music every Wednesday at 12.00 Situated: Stortorget (center of Kalmar) Phone: +46 (0)480 123 00 / Fax: +46 (0)480 879 46

The Krusenstiernska House

A 19th century, middle-class home in the old town, only 200 meters from the castle. With its furnishings intact, the house is a museum open to the public during the summer. The spacious garden behind the red fence is full of old walnut- and fruit-trees, berries and flowers and ideal for picnics or strolls.

To walk through the gate of the Krusenstiernska House is to take a step back in time. The main building, kept intact since 19th c, 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 Old Town

The medieval center of Kalmar, known today as the Old Town, lies right next to Kalmar Castle. It still has many well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century buildings and is an inviting cultural and historical quarter. This entire area of the town was devastated by fire in 1647, after which the city council decided to move the center to the island of Kvarnholmen, where it stands today. The population followed slowly, after much pressure, and the wealthier citizens gradually began to build summerhouses on the land where the Old Town once was. With its winding alleys and little old houses, the Old Town provides a real impression of Kalmar in earlier times. Here you can take a walk on your own or with a guide.

Guided Tours Starts from the Tourist Center every Thursday at 7 pm. during the summertime (17 June-12 Augus). Only in Swedish. Phone: +46 (0)480 41 77 00 Fax: +46 (0)480 41 77 20 E-mail: info@turistbyra.kalmar.se Photo: Kalmar Turistbyrå/Kalmar Kommun.

The county museum

Kalmar has a fine museum, containing a.o. the rich finds from the Royal ship Kronan ('The Crown'), which capsized and exploded on June 1st 1676. It sank off the east coast of the Baltic island of Öland, a few miles from Kalmar just before the beginning of an action between the Swedish and the allied Danish-Dutch fleet, known in Swedish history, as "The Battle off Southern Öland". The outcome of the battle makes it one of the greatest naval catastrophes ever, in Swedish history; Kronan was lost, together with 800 men. Only 50 survived.

The value of Kronan lies in the nature of the closed find. The wreck contains a large number of artefacts in superb condition with great variation, both in terms of material and function. She represents the Swedish Era of Great Power and constitutes a fine cross-section of society at the time. A closed find provides a context consisting of several finds forming a contemporary unity, which can tell us a lot more of the past than sole artefacts. To date, more than 22 000 objects, such as highly sophisticated musical instruments, rare coins, elaborate decorations, 44 bronze cannon etc, have been recovered from the wreck. The objects may be devided into four categories: ship equipment; objects of warlike nature (weapons and weapon-related); common utensils; private belongings. Photo: Kalmar läns museum.