Kalmar - Sweden

Kalmar is a coastal city in southeastern Sweden, located in Kalmar County on the Kalmar Strait, opposite the island of Öland. Kalmar has around 40,000 inhabitants and is the county seat. Kalmar has a long and rich history – during the Middle Ages it was one of Sweden's most important cities and played a central role in Nordic politics. The Kalmar Union was signed here in 1397, uniting the Nordic kingdoms under a common monarch. One of Kalmar's most famous landmarks is Kalmar Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and is one of Sweden's best-preserved Renaissance castles. The older city centre, Gamla stan, is characterised by cobblestone streets and historic buildings, which provides a clear connection to the city's past. Today, Kalmar is a modern city with strong links to education, culture and business. It is home to Linnaeus University, one of Sweden's major universities, which contributes to a lively student environment. The city is also an important hub for traffic to and from Öland, thanks to the approximately six kilometer long Öland Bridge. Kalmar offers both city life and proximity to nature and the sea, with popular bathing areas, marinas and a rich cultural offering with concerts, museums and festivals. The city has also been named one of Sweden's best summer cities several times.