This trip to Kalmar happened in mid-January. Due to icy roads and freezing weather, the drive from Gothenburg took longer than expected. Instead of four hours, it took us six. But despite the bitter cold and the frosty wind, we found ways to spend our time both enjoyably and usefully, and without freezing!
We visited Kalmar Castle and I’d love to tell you about it in this post.
Kalmar’s Union Legacy
Kalmar is forever linked to the Kalmar Union of 1397, which united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden into a single kingdom until its dissolution in 1523. It is a small town, but like most coastal cities and villages in Sweden, it is incredibly cozy and compact.
About 40,000 people live here. Kalmar is the gateway to the Öland Bridge, the longest in Sweden (6,700 meters), which connects the island of Öland to the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to walk around the Old Town of Kalmar this time. It was freezing and windy, and staying outside for more than five minutes was unbearable. On top of that, it was the weekend, and on Sundays, all the shops and public places were closed.
But, to our luck, Kalmar Castle was open!
And so, we found ourselves at the Kalmar Castle entrance, buying tickets! The castle is full of secret passages, impressive halls, and an incredible medieval atmosphere.
Exploring Kalmar Castle
Kalmar Castle is a true masterpiece of Renaissance fortification. The first structure on this site dates back to the 12th century. The castle stands on a small peninsula, separated from the mainland by an artificial canal called Castle Bay. It was here that Denmark, Sweden, and Norway united under the rule of Queen Margaret of Denmark.
The castle was reinforced during the reigns of Knut Eriksson and Magnus III and later significantly expanded by the great King Gustav Vasa. In the 1570s, his sons—Eric XIV and John III—restored it in the fashionable Renaissance style, giving it the appearance it has today.
Until 1658, Kalmar Castle remained a royal residence, but when Sweden’s borders shifted and it lost its strategic importance, it was gradually abandoned. Over time, it was used as a prison, a distillery, a granary, and even a brewery. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the decision was made to restore the castle. Its interiors are breathtaking.
The castle was so magnificent and impressive that I wanted to walk across the halls again and again. But eventually, having got tired we ended our visit in a cozy castle café on the ground floor. A hot cup of tea or coffee, paired with delicious Swedish pastries, warmed us up and lifted our spirits.
I would love to come back to Kalmar in the summer. As we walked past the closed shops in the Old Town, I peeked into the windows and was fascinated by the handcrafted items made by local artisans. And the cafés! Each one is so unique! It was a shame that it was Sunday, and we couldn’t visit any of them.
But now I know, if you’re planning a trip to Kalmar, it’s best to go on a weekday, from Monday to Friday.
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About the author:
Hello and welcome! My name is Victoria, and I’m a private tour guide in Kyiv. Since 2016, I have been offering private tours on various topics for visitors to the capital of Ukraine. I speak fluent English and love sharing stories. When not guiding, I write about Ukraine on my blog and my travel experiences and insights in Sweden and the Baltics.