Kalmar - Kalmar

Kalmar
City hall
StateSweden
RegionGötaland
TerritorySmåland
Surface18.85 km²
Inhabitants36392 (2010)
Name inhabitantsKalmaresi
POSTAL CODE39X XX
Time zone UTC 1
Position
Map of Sweden
Reddot.svg
Kalmar
Tourism site
Institutional website
Disambig colour.svg
Disambiguation - For toponyms of identical name, see Kalmar (disambiguation).

Kalmar is a city of Götaland.

To know

Kalmar is the administrative center of the Kalmar County. With its castle, its islets embraced by the Baltic Sea, its historical and cultural attractions and its many shops, Kalmar has a lot to offer tourists. The first feature that will strike the Italian tourist arriving here is its fusion with nature that the Kalmarese live by observing a silence that is incredible for us Italians. It is not rare to find yourself in the city center, perhaps on Sundays and see a slow stroll of people without being able to hear a single sound other than those of nature; just as often it will happen to observe some wild animals, mostly ducks and rabbits, strolling quietly through the streets of the city center. , so much so that it seems difficult to believe that you have arrived in one of the largest cities in Småland (the third after Jönköping is Växjö).

Background

Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in all of Sweden. Its first settlements date back to the Stone Age and over the centuries this seemingly peaceful city has been the setting for numerous historical events of international significance.A central element in the history of Kalmar has been its protected harbor. from the island of Öland which is only about ten kilometers from the city center. Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, this port was a must for anyone wishing to reach the islands of Öland or Gotland but also for those wishing to venture up to Finland or the Baltic countries. The first mention of the port in historical sources, in fact, dates back to the year 1000 when the city could not yet call itself such. Not far away, deposits of iron, oil and immense forests were found and still remain today, which have contributed to increasing Kalmar's importance as a center of trade.

From 1000 the port began to be important also as a defensive structure and was equipped with a tower around which the first stable city nucleus of Kalmar was formed. It was here that in 1397 the Council of the Crown of Sweden was held which decreed the birth of the Kalmar Union and the beginning of the eponymous period. For nearly a century the Nordic kingdoms of Norway, Denmark and Sweden were united under the control of the Queen of Denmark (the most important of the period was certainly Margaret I) and Kalmar became the center of this united Nordic empire. and the rise of the House of Vasa, the Swedes regained absolute control over Kalmar and much of today's Sweden, ending the Union. The construction of the current wonderful and well-preserved castle that fascinates and welcomes every tourist at the entrance of Kalmar if you arrive by train is to be ascribed to this period.In the following centuries, this fortress became the symbol of Swedish nationalism and had a enormous importance in the numerous historical events that preceded the formation of the Swedish state as we know it today.

In 1611-1613 much of the city was razed to the ground by the Danes during their attempt to conquer the southern part of the peninsula. Freshly rebuilt, Kalmar burned in the terrible fire of 1647 when only the buildings on the outer islets were saved from total destruction. From this point on, Kalmar experienced a period of decline. The center was abandoned and the population moved to the two islets, now home to the neighborhoods of the same name, Kvarnholmen and Ängö.

Kalmar's revival began in 1874 with the construction of the railway line connecting it to all other major Swedish cities. A not negligible consequence of the arrival of the railway was the birth of a huge industrial area in the city area. Consequently, with industries, there was a new wave of demographic increase, new buildings and new services as if to recover the ancient splendor of this important city. The industrialization process came to a halt with the beginning of the 21st century and in recent years, Kalar has experienced a period of significant crisis seeing the headquarters of important industries and companies such as Volvo, RIFA, Candelia, Nordchocklad and Teleskolan migrate away from its territory. Today Kalmar seems to have changed its orientation in the field of industries by focusing more on the tertiary sector (services and trade) and no longer on production.

How to orient yourself

Neighborhoods

  • Berga
  • Bergavik
  • Djurängen
  • Falkenberg
  • Funkabo
  • Gamla stan
  • Getingen
  • Hagbygärde
  • Johannesborg
  • Kalmarsund
  • Krafslösa
  • Kvarnholmen
  • Malmen
  • Norrgård
  • Norrliden
  • Oxhagen
  • Sandås
  • Stensö
  • Svaneberg
  • Tegelviken
  • Tjärhovet
  • Törnebylund
  • Ängö


How to get

By plane

  • 1 Kalmar airport (Kalmar flygplats), Flygplatsvägen, ☎ 46 0480 45 90 00. Ecb copyright.svgapprox. 150 € Kalmar-Stockholm. Kalmar airport offers several destinations but undoubtedly the cheapest are those to Stockholm (both to Stockholm-Bromma and Stockholm-Arlanda). It is built on an older military airport for the F 12s and is about 4km from the center. Clearly there are several options available to reach Kalmar from the airport and vice versa. The public transport line is particularly noteworthy Kalmar läns trafik and bus line n. 402. It is also possible to rent a car at the airport. 

By car

Although automobile cycling is much more popular in Kalmar, the city has convenient access to the E22 expressway (direction Nybro) which connects all of the eastern part of Sweden.

On boat

On the train

Kalmar Central Station
  • 2 Kalmar Central Station, ☎ 46 0771-75 75 75. Kalmar's rail service is undoubtedly the best way to use for those wishing to make excursions outside the city. The railway network connects practically all of Sweden with comfort and speed that in Italy we can only dream of having. Almost all regional and national trains are equipped with a bar wagon with the possibility of having a coffee at a very low cost (when not payable directly with the points accumulated by purchasing the ticket) and a small snack. Direct trains also depart daily for Copenhagen is Malmö. It goes without saying that the connections with the capital are very regular. On the website of the state railways (Swedish abbreviation: SJ) it is also possible to buy discounted tickets for travel sista minuten (last minute, not before 24h from departure) or special offers for young people, students and retirees. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station. 

By bus

  • Swebus Express, ☎ 46 0771 21 82 18. The Swebus line makes trips to major Swedish cities. There is a bus to Stockholm practically every day. 
  • Silverlinjen, ☎ 46 0485 261 11, @. In the summer, this company offers three options for travel a day to Stockholm as well as regular transport to the island of Öland (terminating in Byxelkrok). The rest of the year the travel tables may undergo changes, always however reported in time on the official website. 
  • Svenska buss, ☎ 46 0771 67 67 67, @. The company offers exclusively the Kalmar-Stockholm route with the possibility, however, to book intermediate stops. 


How to get around

Although Kalmar seems to have been designed especially for the tourist who likes to travel on foot or by bike, it will not be difficult to find a way to get around differently. Below we propose the main services:

By public transport

Kalmar does not have a metro line and the preferred way to get around is by bus.

By taxi

By car

The car is definitely the worst choice for those who want to move within Kalmar. In the center of Kalmar it is forbidden to park except for limited categories of people and almost all the streets are one-way, which forces you to often long turns for journeys that would otherwise be short. On the other hand, since only a minority of Kalmarese use the car you will certainly not have traffic problems.

By bike

The bicycle is certainly the preferred means of transport for the Kalmarese. There is no local, whatever the age, who does not have at least one bicycle always at hand in his garden. Places frequented by students are often overrun with bicycles. All streets in Kalmar, including the suburbs, have a cycle path.

What see

Kalmar ancient cemetery by the sea
Bridge to the Öland
The Tripp houses, Trapp och Trull, in Fiskaregatan
Kalmar Castle seen from the rear

As already mentioned in the introduction, Kalmar was in the past a city of capital importance for Swedish history and beyond; of this glorious past you can admire many testimonies both in the city center and in the suburbs. Since 1997 Kalmar has obtained the title of historic city of Sweden, which has increased the organization of cultural events and the conservation of the historical and artistic heritage present on its territory.

  • 1 Kalmar Castle (Kalmar slott), ☎ 46 0480-45 14 91, @. Ecb copyright.svgfree (paid guide). Simple icon time.svg10: 00-16: 00, cultural events begin from 16:00 onwards. Without doubt it is the symbol of Kalmar and the major tourist attraction. In the castle, which occupies an entire islet, there is a permanent exhibition on the period in which the castle served as a prison. Guided tours can be booked in several languages. A jewel set in this sixteenth-century fortress is certainly the internal church. Favorite destination of many couples who intend to get married in this magnificent church, it is also the site of periodic musical events, especially organ concerts. 
  • 2 Modern art museum (Konstmuseum), Stadsparken, ☎ 46 0480-42 62 82, @. Simple icon time.svg11:00-17:00. Museum of modern art opened a few years ago. In addition to the exhibitions of various international artists, there is also the possibility of pedagogical courses on art for children and young people. 
  • Kalmar County Museum (Kalmar Läns Museum), Skeppsbrogatan 51, ☎ 46 0480 - 45 13 00, @. Located in a historic building just across the Kalmar harbor, this museum houses a permanent exhibition on the royal Kronan vessel as well as numerous temporary exhibits on the history of the county and the city. 
  • Maritime Museum, Södra Långgatan 81, ☎ 46 0480-158 75. Simple icon time.svgJune-September and by reservation. A semi-unknown museum, built in 1942 and located behind the old mill. There are finds and testimonies of the naval vocation of the city with the possibility, from time to time, to take advantage of a guide. 


Events and parties


What to do

  • 1 Kalmarpasset, Ölandskajen 9, ☎ 46 480417700. Simple icon time.svgJune 1st - August 31st. Tourist card that allows you to get 50% discount on the major attractions of Kalmar 
  • Badplatser. Maybe a bit extreme for us, accustomed to the heat, but one of the most typically Swedish attractions is swimming in the Baltic Sea right in the shadow of the castle. 
  • 2 Cinema (Biostaden), Skeppsbrogatan 12. Multiplex city cinema 
  • 3 Bowling (at the Giraffen Shopping Center), ☎ 46 0480-230 07, @. 
  • Cycling (Cykeluthyrning), Ölandskajen, Kalmar Gästhamn. On the website you will find directions on how to make fantastic bike tours in Kalmar and the surrounding area. 


Shopping

In Sweden it is practically always possible to pay by credit card (in some cases the card is even the only accepted payment method) but small shops, especially souvenir shops outside the city, are an exception. As for the shops in Kalmar, it is impossible to list all the small boutiques and small shops in the city center. Therefore, the major shopping centers are:

  • 1 Baronen, Skeppsbrogatan 12. Simple icon time.svg10:00-19:00. Shopping center consisting of several separate shops on two floors, although not very large, it has the great advantage of being close to the city center. In addition, there are several smaller shops nearby. 
  • 2 Giraffen, Änglamat Catering AB, ☎ 46 0480-36 23 37, @. Simple icon time.svg08:00-22:00. Large shopping center just outside the center of Kalmar and still accessible by bicycle. In addition to the large hypermarket, this center hosts no less than 40 shops and different big names including Lindex, Parelle, Intersport, Maxi, Coop Forum and others. 
  • 3 Net on Net, Dösebackevägen 5. The largest purchasing center in the electronics / technology sector. 


How to have fun

Night clubs


Where to eat

Moderate prices

  • 1 Café Gamla Lotsutkiken, Tjärhovet, ☎ 46 0480-189 96. Nice place by the sea, famous for its smörgås and sausages with hard-boiled eggs. 
  • 2 Cönig konditori, Storgatan 28, ☎ 46 0480-148 65. typical Swedish coffee shop, right in the central square 

Average prices

  • Calmar hamnkrog, Skeppsbrogatan 30, ☎ 46 0480-41 10 20, @. As the name itself reveals (hamn means port in Swedish), this little restaurant is located right on the sea and is one of the finest places to eat a little something. The choice of wines is particularly wide. 
  • Källaren Kronan, Ölandsgatan 7, ☎ 46 0480-41 14 00, @. Built in the Sahlsteenska Palace, this restaurant has a history spanning four hundred years. The menu is quite varied and focused on typical Swedish cuisine. A great place if you want to try the best of Nordic cuisine. 
  • Larmgatan 10, Södra Långgatan 6, ☎ 46 0480-865 25. Good food at reasonable prices. 
  • Stekhuset Kom snart igen, Skeppsbron 1, @. Simple icon time.svgWeekdays 17: 00-22: 00, Saturday 13: 00-23: 00, closed on Sundays. A restaurant with a historical tradition here in Kalmar, particularly oriented towards Southern European cuisine with a good choice of Italian foods as well. However, the prices are not as attractive. 
  • Piccolino, Kaggensgatan 1. Simple icon time.svgMon-Fri 11: 00-14: 00 and 17: 00-22: 00, Sat 12: 00-23: 00. Great Italian food in this cute restaurant set against the city walls. Recommended visit. 


Where stay

Moderate prices

  • 1 Svanen Hotel and Hostel, Rappegatan, 1 (Ängö district), ☎ 46 0480-255 60, @. Ecb copyright.svg22 € (195 SEK) for the hostel, 65 € (590 SEK) for the hotel. Property offering both hostel and hotel service. Some rooms also have a TV in the room. The advantage of this hotel is certainly the location: it is located in the district / island of Ängö, near a pleasant grove where you can go jogging, cycling and visit a riding school. Next to the hotel you can rent canoes at 100SEK to visit Kalmar by sea, a very recommended experience. 

Average prices

  • 2 Best Western Kalmarsund Hotell, Fiskaregatan 5, ☎ 46 0480 48 03 80, @. Ecb copyright.svgstarting from 700 SEK. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel located near the landmark tower of Kalmar (after the castle), the old aqueduct tower. It also has separate rooms in three small and characteristic houses commonly called Tripp, Trapp, Trull. In 2007 and 2008 the hotel was completely renovated and equipped with a restaurant. 

High prices


Safety

A number of pharmacies are located throughout Kalmar. One, the largest, is located in the Giraffen shopping center.

How to keep in touch


Around

  • Nybro
  • Öland, the island with which Kalmar is connected by a bridge. There are scheduled buses that depart from the central station and take you directly to the island.
  • Karlskrona

Useful information

The Swedish currency is the Swedish krona (SEK) equivalent to approximately € 0.11. Bankomats are scattered everywhere even in shopping malls. However, be aware that it is not as easy to exchange euros for kroner as Swedish banks only offer this service to their customers. There is only one stockbroker in the center of Kalmar:

  • 4 Foretax Bank, Fiskaregatan, 6 (in the historic center). 


Other projects

  • Collaborate on WikipediaWikipedia contains an entry concerning Kalmar
  • Collaborate on CommonsCommons contains images or other files on Kalmar
2-4 star.svgUsable : the article respects the characteristics of a draft but in addition it contains enough information to allow a short visit to the city. Use i correctly listing (the right type in the right sections).