Post code: S-39...
Telephone code: 0480
Kalmar, chief town of the county of Kalmar in southeastern Sweden, lies on the Kalmarsund, which separates the island of Öland from the mainland. Thanks to this favorable location, there was already a trading post here in Viking times.
Fortified in the 11th century as a coastal
stronghold against Denmark, Kalmar became a member of the Hanseatic League. In 1397 the Union of Kalmar, under which Denmark, Sweden and Norway were united in a single kingdom under Eric of Pomerania, was signed here. The Union remained in force until 1523.
During the 16th century Kalmar, with its strong fortifications, was one of the most important towns in Sweden. From the 18th century the population of Kalmar became mainly occupied in craft production, trade and seafaring. The town's modern industries include engineering and motor vehicles (Volvo branch factory).
Kalmar is a university town, home of the Kalmar Cathedral from 1702 and a main route to the island of Öland, over the Öland Bridge.
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