Kalmar Tourist Attractions
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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
To the south of the Kalmar Municipal Park, on a small island, is Kalmar's medieval Castle, surrounded by walls and bastions. It is a massive five-towered structure, the earliest parts of which were built at the beginning of the 11th century. It was enlarged in the 16th century and restored at the end of the 19th century. Between 1307 and the beginning of the war with Denmark in 1611 it withstood no fewer than 24 sieges.
Interior
In the courtyard of Kalmar Castle is a Renaissance fountain. The chapel, in the south wing, was completed in 1592. In the North Tower are the royal apartments of Eric IV, with intarsia paneling and 16th century hunting scenes. Other fine rooms are the Lozenge Room and the Golden Room (Gyllene Salen), which date from the reign of John III.
Slottsvägen - Museum of Art
Near the Kalmar Castle, in Slottsvägen, is the Museum of Art. Near here too stands Krusenstjernska Gården, an 18th century burgher's house.
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).
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.
Surroundings
Bergkvara
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.
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.
Map of Kalmar Attractions
Map - Kalmar
