Kalmarsund

Kalmarsund is a strait in the Baltic Sea that lies between the island of Öland to the east and the Swedish mainland to the west, near the city of Kalmar in Kalmar County, southeastern Sweden. It forms a major maritime corridor in the region, with water depth and currents shaped by its location within the Baltic. The strait is adjacent to the Öland archipelago and supports commercial shipping, fishing, and recreational boating. The surrounding coastline includes Kalmar and the municipality of Mörbylånga on Öland, with varying coastal habitats.

Transport and infrastructure play a central role in Kalmarsund. The Öland Bridge (Ölandsbron) crosses the strait, linking Kalmar on the mainland with Färjestaden on Öland. The bridge, opened in 1972, is about six kilometers long and is a key road connection between Öland and the mainland, facilitating tourism and regional trade. Prior to the bridge, regular ferry services operated across the strait, carrying passengers and vehicles.

Name and historical significance. The name Kalmarsund derives from Kalmar, a historic port city situated on the strait’s western shore. The strait has long served as a strategic and economic link since medieval times, shaping trade routes into the Baltic region and influencing coastal defense. The vicinity of Kalmar’s harbor and castle underscored the area’s importance in regional politics and economics through early modern periods.

Ecology and recreation. The coastal zone along Kalmarsund includes brackish Baltic waters that support a variety of marine life, bird populations, and coastal habitats. The area is popular for boating, fishing, and sightseeing, with conservation areas and coastal landscapes contributing to its natural and cultural appeal.