Things to do in Kalmar
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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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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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Bistrobar
The glam new kid in town, this restaurant-bar combo has an enviable location on a fountain-studded square. While the chocolate wicker lounges and Café del Mar tunes make for a perfect vino session, ditch the overpriced, underwhelming mains for the more satisfying pizzas.
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O'Leary's
Nearby, this Boston-style sports bar has outdoor seating on the square, and is a crowd-pleaser on summer evenings. Food is of the type that goes well with beer: fajitas, ribs, chicken wings and burgers. It turns into a lively spot later in the evening.
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Restaurang Källaren Kronan
Six cellars have been transformed into a high-calibre experience, where a select evening menu is served under a cosy vaulted ceiling. There’s even a 17th century–inspired menu, with mains like wild boar fillet with apple and plum compote.
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Byttan
Set in the park by the castle, sassy resto-bar Byttan combines a chi-chi terrace with velour lounges and a crackling fire inside. The bistro-style menu ranges from grilled meats to salads, with a competent cocktail list to sex things up.
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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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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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Kullzenska Caféet
The pick of the town’s cafes, this gorgeous maze of genteel 19th-century rooms features original tiled stoves and furniture. There’s a range of sandwiches and cakes (try the yummy fruit crumbles).
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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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Ernesto in Totale
Run by a real-deal Neapolitan, this Italian cafe, restaurant and bar also attracts scores of people with its baristi, extensive menu (including Neapolitan-style pizzas), and well-mixed drinks.
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Molly Malones
This cosy Irish pub serves bar snacks as well as 'authentic' Irish meals (such as steak-and-Guinness pie, and fish and chips) and turns into a lively drinking spot later in the evening.
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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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Graffiti Café
Part of the small food hall inside the Ströget arcade, this fast-food café offers salads, baguettes and tasty baked potatoes with a multitude of fillings.
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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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Calmar Hamnkrog
Harbourside Hamnkrog serves the best food in town, its small but well-formed menu combining Swedish favourites and continental innovation.
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ICA supermarket
There's an ICA supermarket in the Baronen shopping centre where you can stock up on supplies.
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Biostaden
The Biostaden cinema is in the Baronen shopping centre on Skeppsbrogatan.
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Systembolaget
For alcohol, visit Systembolaget, the state-owned liquor outlet.
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