Strategically sited at the mouth of Gamlebyviken Bay, Vastervik was the subject of frequent Danish attacks, despite protection from the once mighty fortress of Stegeholm. The last attacking 1677 destroyed the town. Rebuilt, it became a major seafaring centre. The area known as Gamla Norr contains the oldest preserved houses in Vastervik, including Aspagarden and the former poor-house, Cederflychtska Huset. Kulbackens Museum outlines the history of the town. Part of the museum is in the open air with animals and traditional buildings. The railway line was closed in 1984, but train enthusiasts have reopened the 70-kilometer stretch from Vastervik to Hultfred, to preserve it as part of Sweden’s industrial heritage.

The annual Folk Festival first took place in 1966 and has since grown to become a major event. It is held in the ruins of Stegeholm fortress.

Lunds By, just outside Vastervik, is the oldest and best preserved village in the region, comprising eight small red cottages around a square. This charming place was chosen as a location to film Astrid Lindgren’s book the Bullerby Children.