LOCATION
Kalmar is located in south-east Sweden, in the Kalmar Strait (Kalmarsund), opposite the island of Öland, located on the Baltic Sea. Kalmar is connected to the island by one of the longest bridges in Europe. On the outskirts of the city is an airport, and in the city there is a marina. So you can get to Kalmar by car, train, plane or by yacht. 56°39’29.4″N 16°21’18.2″E
SCENIC CHARACTER
Kalmar is considered one of the oldest and most interesting cities in southern Sweden and Kalmar Castle is one of the oldest castles in this country. Its beginnings date back to 1100. It was here where the Kalmar Union, the most powerful alliance of northern Europe, was concluded in 1397. Its ruler was a young Prince Eric of Pomerania. The union formed as a result of the political actions of the Queen of Denmark, Margaret I, and united the three kingdoms under the sceptre of one monarch. Inside the museum you can learn about the history of the castle and its inhabitants. When visiting the castle you might want to stop by the room dedicated to the mother of Scandinavia – Queen Margaret I, who adopted the young prince of the Griffins dynasty and made him the ruler of Scandinavia. In the multimedia section you can learn more about the Kalmar Union and the rule of Eric of Pomerania. Kalmar Castle has a lot to offer to its guests, both adults and children. Every year in July the Renaissance Festival (Renässansdagarna) is organized in the walls of the Castle, during which you can admire e.g. knights’ battle shows, tournaments and troubadours’ performances.
ATTRACTIONS
Kalmar city is only a few minutes away from the castle. The picturesque old town (Gamla stan), which surrounds the remains of the medieval defensive walls, has been preserved to this day. In addition to the castle, which is the most important monument, other important monuments of the city include the Baroque Cathedral (Kalmar domkyrka), built in 1660-1700, the town hall building (Kalmar rådhus), the Municipal Theater, the Västerport tower erected in 1658, Old Brewery (Nordstjernan), the 19th-century Krusenstiern House and the Kalmar Museum of the (former) steam mill Shipbuilding (Kalmar läns museum). If you want to take a trip to enjoy nature, you can go to Öland. If you would like to learn the fate of King Eric after dethroning, be sure to travel to Gotland, to the Visborg fortress.
