Kalmar entices expedition market for a taste of 'hidden Sweden'

Kalmar has a small quay for cruise vessels up to 175mtr. Ships up to 300mtr can anchor outside the city and tender in.

‘There are talks regarding future development of the harbour and train station but no plans have been agreed as yet,' said Jenny Roloff, marketing manager, cruise & leisure, Kalmar.

Small and characterful

This characterful scale makes the town ideal for small vessels.

‘Our clients tend to be the older generation who do not go for larger cruise ships but instead favour more intimate sized vessels with fewer passengers and will pay a premium for exclusivity,' said Jo Macnab, product manager, Noble Caledonia.

Some of the main winding, cobbled streets in town have been adapted to ensure accessibility for all levels of mobility.

Kalmar Castle

Attendees of last week's Cruise Baltic familiarisation trip got a taste of local history with a visit to the 12th-century Kalmar Castle and its insight into medieval times social history. The castle features a series of authentically reconstructed chambers with period exhibits and local historical accounts.

The museum is open daily with regular guided tours during peak seasons and requested tours for group bookings.

Tours include ghost tours and a guided dungeons visit, while permanent exhibitions tell the stories of the Kalmar Union, the Kalmar War or the time of the Vasa kings. Several special events and exhibits take place throughout the year. 'Van Gogh Alive – The Experience' is currently running at the castle. This exhibit of light, sound and images gives an immersion into the life and works of the post-impressionist artist.

County Museum

For a taste of local maritime history Cruise Baltic attendees visited Kalmar County Museum for a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Kronan Warship, sunk during battle in the 1600s. This wreck exhibition offers a special inside view of the reclamation of the battleship and its many precious recovered artefacts. A special feature includes one of the largest collections of Swedish gold and silver coins to have ever been discovered.

Group bookings for a behind-the-scenes tour are available upon request.