Winner of the Europa Nostra award twice for its well-preserved historical atmosphere, Kalmar is a jewel of the Swedish coastline. Kalmar’s port takes one ship per day to ensure that each ship and passenger receives a high-quality and one-of-a-kind experience. As passengers disembark from the ship, they will be greeted with a comfortable Cruise Welcoming Area that includes tourist information and Wi-Fi, allowing guests to start their journey into the city with ease.

As one of Sweden’s oldest cities, Kalmar is filled with historical experiences. The city is well known for how beautifully preserved the architecture is, which dates back to the 17^th century. Visitors can spend time exploring the ancient architecture as they stroll through downtown or sit in one of the multiple outdoor eateries. Exploring Kalmar Castle, which sits at the edge of the water, is a must-do for any history buff. The story of the castle stretches over 800 years and is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Scandinavia. As one of the highlights of a day in Kalmar, the castle is a striking testament to the importance of history and preservation in the area. More history can be explored in the Kalmar Läns Museum. This museum hosts several exhibits on the origins of the region, most notably the exhibit on the Royal Warship Kronan from the late 1600s which highlights the archeological finds from the ship’s wreckage and the work to salvage the shipwreck.

Outside of Kalmar, visitors can find two unique sights. First, connected to Kalmar proper by a bridge, the island of Öland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by the shining Baltic Sea and is filled with unique nature. Along the grassy hills of the island sit a group of ancient ruins and windmills that are sure to captivate any visitor to Öland. In the opposite direction sits the Kingdom of Crystal. In this small community, visitors can be completely immersed in the world of glass blowing. Here, several artisans are always showing off their skills and selling their beautiful wares.

The port of Kalmar has much to offer cruise guests. Their one ship per day requirement allows for a personalized experience in port that will put guests at ease as they begin their travels throughout the area. With historical sights and modern delights, Kalmar is the ideal Swedish port for small and luxury ships that strive to deliver the experiences their guests expect.

Image credit: Holland America