Kalmar Attractions
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.
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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Kalmar Castle
The medieval walled Kalmar Castle contains portions which were built in the 11th C, although it was later extended in the 16th C.
Öland Bridge
To the north of Kalmar, the Öland Bridge (Ölandsbron) links the island of Öland with the mainland. Opened in 1972, it is the longest bridge in Europe (6,072m/6,641yd).
Bergkvara, Sweden
(Near Kalmar)
E 22 runs south from Kalmar, with fine views of the Kalmarsund, into the province of Blekinge. The little town of Bergkvara, which is famed for its traditional crafts (woodwork, pottery), has a Shipping Museum.
The Bergkvara Water Festival attracts about 5,000 visitors annually.
The Bergkvara Water Festival attracts about 5,000 visitors annually.
Kläckeberga Church
North of Kalmar is the 12th century fortified church of Kläckeberga. On E 22 to the north of Kalmar are many little seaside resorts and fishing villages. The next town is Oskarshamn.
New Water Tower
To the north of Kalmar is the new Water Tower (Nya Vattentornet), from the top of which there are extensive views.
Sweden-America Day
This annual festival celebrates the ties between Kalmar and the United States. The first Swedish immigrants to America came from Kalmar. This day-long festival pays tribute to those migrants with a church service and a host of parties and community festivities.
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