Sights in Kalmar
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A
Kalmar Slott
Fairy-tale turrets, a drawbridge, a foul dungeon and secret passages…yes, Kalmar Slott has everything that a proper castle should. This powerful Renaissance building was once the most important in Sweden, and it’s fortified accordingly. It also boasts one of the best-preserved interiors from the period. King Erik’s chamber is a real scene-stealer. Erik’s rivalry with his brother Johan caused him to install a secret passage in the loo! There’s also a superb suspended ceiling in the Golden Hall; eye-boggling wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling marquetry in the Chequered Hall; an elaborate bed, stolen as war booty then carefully vandalised so that no Danish ghosts could haun…
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B
Kalmar Länsmuseum
The highlight of this fine museum, in an old steam mill by the harbour, are finds from the 17th-century flagship Kronan. The ship exploded and sank just before a battle in 1676, with the loss of almost 800 men. It was rediscovered in 1980, and over 22,000 wonderfully preserved items have been excavated so far, including a spectacular gold hoard, clothing and musical instruments.
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C
Krusenstiernska Gården
Krusenstiernska Gården is a stuck-in-time 19th-century middle-class home, around 500m from the castle’s entrance. Tours of the house are on the hour, but entry to the beautiful gardens and cafe is free.
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D
Domkyrkan
Home to a spectacular pulpit, the baroque Domkyrkan was designed by Tessin, King Karl X Gustav’s favourite architect. For the low-down, plug into one of the audiophones by the main door.
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E
Kalmar Sjöfartsmuseum
Aft and slightly to port of the county museum, Kalmar Sjöfartsmuseum houses an eccentric maritime collection, with bottled ships, foghorns and things made out of knots and armadillos.
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F
Kalmar Konstmuseum
The striking Kalmar Konstmuseum, in the park near the castle, dishes out brilliant temporary exhibitions featuring local and global art-scene ‘It’ kids.
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G
Västerport
Västerport was the original point of entry into the city. Nowadays you can watch glass-blowing and pottery-making at the studios here, and buy the results.
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