Kalmar

Kalmar is a city in southeastern Sweden, situated on the Baltic coast at the inlet known as Kalmarsund, opposite the island of Öland. It is the seat of Kalmar Municipality and a major urban center in Kalmar County. The city lies along important transport routes and serves as a regional hub for commerce and culture.

Kalmar has a long history dating to the Middle Ages as a trading town. The dominant historic site is Kalmar Castle, a fortress whose core dates back to the medieval period and which later served as a royal residence. In 1397, Kalmar hosted the assembly that formed the Kalmar Union, a political alliance linking Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; the union dissolved in the early 16th century, reshaping Scandinavian history.

Today, Kalmar combines its historical heritage with a modern port, services, and fishing industries. The city is home to a campus of Linnaeus University, part of the university’s Kalmar–Växjö campuses, along with cultural institutions, museums, and festivals. Notable landmarks include Kalmar Cathedral and the surrounding old town with narrow streets and preserved wooden houses, as well as waterfront promenades and access to the Kalmar Strait.

For transportation, Kalmar is connected by road and rail with the broader region, and serves as a gateway to the island of Öland via the Ölandsbron (Öland Bridge). The regional economy emphasizes tourism, education, and public services, making Kalmar an important urban center in southeastern Sweden.