Making the most of Kalmar
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Smaller cruise ships use the city-centre “Elevatorkajen” cruise quay. Larger vessels anchor just south of port, where a purpose-built tender jetty, built in 2022, allows easy landing and return boarding.
The town centre is 300 meters from the quay and 200 meters from the jetty.
Kalmar follows a “one ship a day” policy to maintain a high-quality visitor experience.
Kalmar is in south-eastern Sweden’s Småland province and has 38,000 inhabitants.
Kalmar Castle is among Scandinavia’s best-preserved Renaissance castles. Its story begins in the 12th century, covering more than 800 years of brotherhood and blood. Vasa Kings gave it its current Renaissance-palace form in the 16th century. Guides wear elegant Renaissance costume, enhancing the historic setting.
Royal Warship Kronan was among Sweden’s biggest warships when it exploded and sank in 1686 during a battle off Öland. Located in 1981, the wreck still yields new pieces to professional divers each year, gradually revealing shipboard life. The exhibition now displays more than 25 000 finds, along with several canons and Sweden’s largest gold-coin discovery.
The Kingdom of Crystal is formed of several glassworks within a few Swedish miles. Many people once emigrated from this area to America, while it now thrives with art and activity. Watch craftspeople turn glowing molten glass into unique art glass using traditional blowing and inventive modern methods. Historic and contemporary work appears in the exhibition hall, while the tax-free shop sells limited-edition art glass and everyday glassware. Palace of Solliden is an Italian-style white palace built by Queen…
Getting around
m/s DESSI makes the journey between Kalmar and Öland easy and highly scenic. From the sun deck, enjoy the sea crossing, which lasts just under half an hour.
Nearby places
Öland Island (UNESCO).
Money
Sweden’s currency is the Swedish krona (SEK; plural kronor). Approximate rates are 1 USD = 5.91 SEK, 1 EUR = 9.43 SEK and 1 GBP = 12.28 SEK.
Automatic teller machines accept major credit cards. Most stores, bars and restaurants take major cards too, though some charge a SEK 5 fee or impose a minimum purchase of 50 - 100 SEK.
Staying connected
Swedish is Sweden’s national language. People, especially those under 70, generally speak English very well; an estimated 89% of Swedes can speak it.
For any fire, medical or criminal emergency, the number to dial is 112.
Opening Hours and
Most shops, particularly in the town centre, trade throughout the week, including Sundays.