Kalmar walking tour & city guide
A Renaissance castle by the Baltic.
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Kalmar, on Sweden's southeast coast, is home to one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Northern Europe and a charming old town on an island.
The castle
Kalmar Castle, surrounded by water, was a royal residence where the Kalmar Union of Scandinavian kingdoms was formed in 1397.
The town
Kvarnholmen, the old town island, has Kalmar Cathedral and streets of old houses. The long Öland Bridge leads to the island of Öland.
A day in Kalmar
Start at Kalmar Castle, surrounded by water and walls, where you can explore royal rooms, a chapel and the dungeons. In summer, guided tours and activities bring its history to life. Then walk through the old town on Kvarnholmen island to the cathedral and the lively Stortorget square.
In the afternoon, visit the Kalmar County Museum to see objects from the royal warship Kronan, which sank in 1676. In the evening, walk along the harbor and look across to the Öland Bridge.
Good to know
Kalmar is the gateway to Öland, an island of windmills, limestone plains and long beaches, reached by a six-kilometer bridge. The southern part of Öland is a UNESCO site.
The region is called the 'Kingdom of Crystal', with famous glassworks like Kosta and Orrefors within an hour's drive.
Top sights in Kalmar
- 1
Kalmar Castle
A Renaissance castle.
- 2
Kalmar Cathedral
A baroque cathedral.
- 3
Kvarnholmen
The old town island.
- 4
Öland Bridge
A long bridge to Öland.
- 5
Kalmar County Museum
The Kronan shipwreck.
Food markets & where to eat in Kalmar
Stortorget
Cafés around the cathedral.
Harbor
Seafood restaurants.
Old town lanes
Fika cafés.
Food to try in Kalmar
Smoked fish
From the Baltic.
Kroppkakor
Potato dumplings with pork.
Öland pancake
A baked pancake.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Kalmar
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in KalmarCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Kalmar.
- eSIM for SwedenStay online from the moment you land.
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