Kalmar

Sweden, Europe

Kalmar, a charming coastal city in Sweden, is famous for its historic Kalmar Castle, a magnificent fortress dating back to the 12th century. Nestled by the Kalmarsund strait, it offers stunning waterfront views. The city features cobblestone streets lined with colorful wooden houses and hosts the lively Kalmar County Museum, showcasing regional art and culture. With beautiful parks and nearby Öland Island, Kalmar is perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Kalmar

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Kalmar

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Kalmar Castle

Visit a historic fortress with stunning architecture.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through Kalmar's Old Town

Wander charming streets filled with colorful buildings.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Kalmar County Museum

Discover regional history and fascinating exhibitions.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Kalmarsund

Enjoy a scenic waterfront perfect for picnics.

No booking required
5

Est. 6 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Öland Island

Take a day trip to a UNESCO World Heritage site.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Kalmar Art Museum

Experience contemporary art in a beautiful setting.

No booking required
7

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Kalmar Cathedral

Admire stunning architecture and rich history.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Enjoy a cruise in Kalmarsund

Sail through beautiful archipelago vistas.

Booking required
9

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Try local cuisine at a restaurant

Savor traditional Swedish dishes with local ingredients.

No booking required
10

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend Kalmar's Medieval Festival

Experience history come alive with exciting activities.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

9 (#13 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Swedish Krona

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Swedish

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kanelbulle

V

Cinnamon bun, sweet and spiced. (National dish)

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

Meatballs served with gravy and lingonberry.

Gravlax

V

Cured salmon with dill and sugar.

Janssons Frestelse

Potato and anchovy casserole.

Smörgåsbord

V

A buffet of various Swedish dishes.

Phrases to learn

English

Swedish

Hello

Hej

(Hey)

Yes/No

Ja / Nej

(Yah / Nay)

Thank you

Tack

(Tack)

Excuse me

Ursäkta

(Oor-sek-tah)

How much?

Hur mycket?

(Hoor mew-ket)