10 Best Things To Do In Kalmar, Sweden

1. Visit the centuries-old Kalmar Castle

Kalmar Castle is a rich piece of history worth sampling in Kalmar. The castle’s construct, its fortification, has had a very vital strategic importance in the past. The castle was designed and constructed in the 16th century, though it has undergone a variety of renovations and rebuilding as part of its preservation. Inside the castle, you will come face to face with the kind of life that the Swedish royalty used to enjoy nearly 600 years ago. The furniture, the décor, the artifacts as well as the grandeur scale is worth every second you spend here.

Kalmar Castle

Address: Kungsgatan 1, 392 33 Kalmar, Sweden

Website: Kalmar Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD

2. Discover the region’s incredible past at Kalmar County Museum

One of the things you should never miss when you visit a new place is the chance to learn about their past. When you are in the southern parts of Sweden, there is no better place to learn the history and the region’s past than at Kalmar County Museum. The museum is housed in a stylish new building and has a magnificent display of beautiful contemporary works featuring clothes and other interesting exhibits by some of the country’s famous artists. The exhibits will give you a glimpse of the beautiful past as well as the region’s mastery of the art.

Kalmar County Museum

Address: Skeppsbrogatan 51, 392 31 Kalmar, Sweden

Website: Kalmar County Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

3. Treat your kids to a day of adventure at World of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs roamed the world millions of years ago, and though they are now extinct, the depiction of their appearance still amazes the little ones. If you visit Kalmar with your young ones, then World of Dinosaurs should be on your itinerary. Kids are known to go gaga when they see the massive monsters housed at Dino Museum. It may not be the famous Jurassic Park, but with a collection of over 100 authentic skeletons and full-scale models of the creatures are astonishing in the true sense.

A World of Dinosaurs

Address: Tingby gård, 395 91 Kalmar, Sweden

Website: A World of Dinosaurs

4. Marvel at the gigantic Kalmar Cathedral

Kalmar Cathedral is over 400 years old and is the work of famous castle architect Nicodemus Tessin. The inspiration of the cathedral was drawn from the Italian Baroque churches and though it has been standing for hundreds of years, its size and grandeur have never stopped to amaze even up to the present times. The entire cathedral is a nice piece of history, with every component having a story to tell. Visit it and learn more about the depiction of the trinity, the significance of the pulpit, and the history behind the three church bells that have been hanging at the cathedral for the last 300 years.

Kalmar Cathedral

Address: STORTORGET, 392 32 Kalmar, Sweden

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 3pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm

5. Appreciate authentic Swedish architecture at Old Town of Kalmar

The city of Kalmar is known to have one of the coolest old towns in Europe –the Old Town of Kalmar. The old city center is adjacent to the castle and it is a magnificent display of authentic Swedish architecture. It is the home to century-old houses that may appear old, still retain their original color and charm. Walking down the cobbled streets and the beautiful terraces will give you a feel of how it used to be hundreds of years ago when the city was still bustling with economic activities. While still here, be sure to sample some of the country’s traditional foods from food stalls that have served the restaurants for centuries.

Gamla Stan (former Old Town of Kalmar)

Address: Kalmar, Sweden

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

6. Sample the region’s artistic prowess at Kalmar Konstmusuem

Every region is unique when it comes to art. When you are in southern Sweden, the best way to sample this uniqueness is by taking a trip to Kalmar Konstmuseum. The museum may not have any permanent collection, but you won’t fail to find a full gallery with displays by some of the region’s most talented artists.

Kalmar Konstmuseum

Address: Stadsparken, Slottsvägen, 392 33 Kalmar, Sweden

Website: Kalmar Konstmuseum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 4 USD

7. Learn about Sweden’s maritime history at Kalmar Maritime Museum

At Kalmar Maritime Museum, you get the chance to have a glimpse of the largest ships that were constructed during the Era of Great Power. This is the home to the royal ship Kronan. What you find here is a rich history of the shipbuilding industry that once thrives in Europe and it is a great place to visit with kids due to the interactive displays that best explain the extent of the maritime industry in the region.

Kalmar Maritime Museum

Address: Södra Långgatan 81, 392 31 Kalmar, Sweden

Website: Kalmar Maritime Museum

Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

Price: 13 USD

8. Interact with the locals at Stortorget

A trip to a new destination will never be complete without finding a chance to interact with the locals. One of the best places to have such interactions is at public squares, and when in Kalmar, Stortorget is just the right place to visit. But this is not your ordinary public square. It is the oldest square in the country and a historic point of origin where the medieval urban conglomeration was first witnessed. Visit this square to learn about history, interact with the locals, and sample street performances by some of the local artists.

Stortorget

Address: Gamla Stan, Kalmar, Sweden

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

9. Tour the historic washhouse in Kalmar

Klapphuset started operations in 1857, and currently, it is the only remaining washhouse in Northern Europe and the entire Scandinavian region. The washhouse stands gently in the water at the eastern edge of the historic city center, and though it is more than a century old, it is still in use. Visit this place to observe and learn more about the art of washing and rinsing carpets – a craft that the Swedes have been practicing for hundreds of years.

Klapphuset

Address: Norra Långgatan 90, 392 31 Kalmar, Sweden

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 12 USD

10. Drop by the 19th-century home at Krussentiernska Garden

Krussentiernska Garden adjacent to the castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Kalmar. What you find here is a middle-class home that has now been turned into a museum to enlighten the current generations and the aspects of the middle-class lifestyle. You will learn more about middle age art and the sheltered gardens. You will also find strolling the beautiful gardens to be exceedingly refreshing. Not to be missed during this visit are the vital lessons on ancient traditions of the middle class.

Krussentiernska Garden

Address: Krussentiernska Garden, Kalmar, Sweden

Enjoy a memorable trip to Kalmar

The historic nature of Kalmar implies that you will never run short of things to do. Consider our recommendations for the best things to do here for a memorable trip.