Founded in the twelfth century, Kalmar’s key position on Kalmarsund made it a flourishing trading post as well as a target for Danish attack. To present the latter, Kalmar Slott was built in 1200 and it was here in the castle that the Kalmar Union was formed in 1397, binding Scandinavian kingdoms for 130 years. In 1523 Gustav Vasa gained control of Kalmar and fortified the town.

Today, the magnificent Renaissance castle has been restored and contains furnished apartments and exhibitions. With its twisting streets and seventeenth and eighteenth century buildings, the area around the castle, Old Town, is made for walking. Next to the castle is Kalmar Art Museum showing Swedish art.

The Italian Baroque Domkyrkan on the island of Kvarnholmen dates from the second half of the seventeenth century and was designed by Tessin the Elder. In front of it is the square Stortorget, restored to its original austere appearance. Kvarnholmen is also home to Kalmar Lans Museum with the man-of-war Kronan and out on Kattrumpan Kalmar Sjofartsmuseum, featuring 5,000 maritime exhibits.