Discover Kalmar: History, Culture and Nature

Kalmar combines an impressive history with cultural discoveries and diverse natural landscapes. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Kalmar can therefore shape their stay around different interests: castle history and churches, exhibitions and concerts are just as much an option as birdlife, peninsulas and hiking trails. For families, it is particularly appealing that cultural sightseeing and days outdoors can be easily combined, without having to commit to just one type of holiday.

History and Culture in Kalmar

One of the most prominent attractions is Kalmar Castle. Its history dates back 800 years. The permanent exhibitions tell the story of the Kalmar Union, the Kalmar War and the golden age of the Vasa kings. A visit therefore gives you different historical perspectives on the city and its past.

The Regalskeppet Kronan exhibition also focuses on a special subject. It presents finds from 40 years of marine archaeological excavations and includes two hoards of gold coins, one of which is the largest in Sweden. Anyone interested in history, archaeology or maritime subjects will find an independent reason here to spend a day immersed in culture.

Other notable buildings include Kalmar Cathedral, one of the best-preserved Baroque churches in Northern Europe. Kalmar Castle Church was inaugurated in 1592 and offers a lively concert programme throughout the year. The Sunday concerts usually take place in the nearby Gröna Salen. Gamla kyrkogården offers a different historical perspective: Kalmar's oldest surviving cemetery was established in the 13th century.

Exhibitions, Walks and Nature

In connection with its exhibitions, Kalmar Art Museum organises a programme of talks with artists, public lectures and seminars. Another way to get to know Kalmar is the guided tour “Staden som flyttades”. This is a guided walk on Kvarnholmen, during which you can learn more about the city.

For quieter hours, Skärgårdsparken on Västra sjön is a good choice. The recreational area is characterised by rich birdlife and diverse nature. Stensö is a peninsula south of Kalmar and adds a clearly defined landscape to the nature experiences. Those wishing to plan longer walks will find the Kalmarsundsleden, a hiking trail more than 120 kilometres long that extends through the two municipalities of Kalmar and Torsås. The length of the trail makes it advisable to consider in advance which section or daily itinerary best suits your plans.

Choosing the Right Starting Point

In Kalmar, choosing accommodation can sensibly be based on the experiences you have planned. If castles, churches, exhibitions and concerts are to be the focus, the cultural emphasis of your trip will be different from days spent in Skärgårdsparken, on Stensö or along the Kalmarsundsleden. A holiday apartment or holiday home thus becomes the starting point for your personal mix of history, nature and activity – without having to fit all the available options into a single programme.

Your journey can also be factored into the planning. There are several train departures to Kalmar every day from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö/Copenhagen; Kust till Kustbanan and Öresundstågen are named as the operators. Kalmar Öland Airport is located approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of Kalmar. This information helps you take your preferred mode of travel and the location of your accommodation into account when planning your trip, even before booking.

More Destination Pages

If you would like to view more destination pages in addition to Kalmar, you can find Åstad, Vassmolösa, Hagby, Alby, Ljungbyholm, Halltorp, Påryd and Ekenäs here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Kalmar.