Happy TravellerWelcome to Kalmar, a picturesque city located in the southeast of Sweden, overlooking the Baltic Sea. With a population of 36,392 inhabitants in 2010, Kalmar is the seat of Kalmar Municipality and the capital of Kalmar County, which comprises 12 municipalities with a total of 236,399 inhabitants (2015). Kalmar is the third largest urban area in the province and cultural region of Småland. From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Kalmar was one of Sweden’s most important cities. Today, it is a charming destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Let’s explore what Kalmar has to offer.
History:
Kalmar has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area around Kalmar has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and excavations have found traces of Stone Age gravefields. The oldest evidence for there being a town is from the 11th century. According to a medieval folk tale, the Norwegian king Saint Olav had his ships moved to Kalmar. The oldest city seal of Kalmar is from somewhere between 1255 and 1267, making it the oldest known city seal in Scandinavia. In the 12th century, the first foundations of a castle were established, with the construction of a round tower for guard and lookout. The tower was continuously expanded in the 13th century, and as such, Queen Margaret called an assembly there between the heads of state of Sweden and Norway, and on 13 July 1397, the Kalmar Union treaty was signed, which would last until 1523. Kalmars strategic location, near the Danish border, and its harbor and trade, also involved it in several feuds. There are two events independently labeled the Kalmar Bloodbath, 1505: the first in 1505, when King John of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden had the mayor and city council of Kalmar executed; the second in 1599 by command of Duke Charles, later to become King Charles IX of Sweden. In the 1540s, first King Gustav Vasa, and later his sons Erik XIV of Sweden and John III of Sweden would organize a rebuilding of the castle into the magnificent Renaissance castle it is today. Kalmar became a diocese in 1603, a position it held until 1915. In 1634, Kalmar County was founded, with Kalmar as the natural capital. In 1660, the Kalmar Cathedral was begun by drawings of Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. It would be inaugurated in 1703.
Main Sights:
Kalmar Castle: The castle is the most famous landmark of Kalmar and is a must-visit attraction. The castle was built in the 12th century and was continuously expanded in the 13th century. The castle was rebuilt in the 16th century into the magnificent Renaissance castle it is today. The castle is now a museum and houses exhibitions on the history of the castle and the city.
Kalmar Cathedral: The cathedral is one of the foremost examples of baroque classicism in Sweden. Its design reflects the complex interaction between the new style, liturgical considerations, tradition, and the fortress-city requirements. The work began in 1660, but it was interrupted on several occasions, including when the Scanian War (1675–1679) raged. Construction resumed, and Kalmar Cathedral stood finished in 1703.
General views: Kalmar is a beautiful city with many picturesque streets and squares. Stortorget is the main square of Kalmar and is surrounded by many historic buildings. The city is also home to many parks and gardens, including the Kalmar Slottspark, which is a beautiful park located next to the castle.
Sports:
Kalmar FF: Kalmar FF is the premier division football club from the city. The team plays its home matches at the Guldfågeln Arena, which has a capacity of 12,000 people and is one of the newest stadiums in Sweden.
Notable people:
Kalmar has been home to many notable people, including Khamzat Chimaev, a UFC fighter, Mikael Adolphson, a historian, Charlotta Djurström, a theatre director, Helena Josefsson, a musician, lead singer in Sandy Mouche, Ivar Kreuger, a civil engineer and industrialist, Jangir Maddadi, a designer living in Kalmar, Carl Gustaf Mosander, a chemist who discovered lanthanum, erbium, terbium, Anna-Stina Nilstoft, a painter, Jenny Nyström, a painter and illustrator, Henrik Strindberg, a composer, and Hans Villius, a historian.
Twin towns – sister cities:
Kalmar is twinned with eleven cities: Árborg, Iceland, Arendal, Norway, Entebbe, Uganda, Gdańsk, Poland, Kaliningrad, Russia, Panevėžys, Lithuania, Samsun, Turkey, Savonlinna, Finland, Silkeborg, Denmark, Wilmington, United States, and Wismar, Germany.
Kalmar is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s rich history, visiting its many museums and landmarks, or simply enjoying its beautiful parks and gardens, Kalmar has something for everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to Kalmar and discover this enchanting destination for yourself?
