Plan a CruiseKalmar Cruise Port Guide
Kalmar is a charming city in southeastern Sweden, home to approximately 38,000 residents in the Småland province. Cruise ships docking at Kalmar benefit from a "one ship a day" policy, ensuring a less crowded and more enjoyable experience for passengers.
Smaller cruise vessels will moor at Elevatorkajen, a dedicated cruise quay conveniently located right in the city center. For larger ships that anchor south of the port, a new, purpose-built jetty (constructed in 2022) is used for tender boats, allowing for easy and safe transfer ashore. The town center is highly accessible, just 300 meters from the quay and 200 meters from the tender jetty.
Getting Around from the Port
From both the main quay (Elevatorkajen) and the tender jetty, Kalmar's city center is a short walk away (300 meters and 200 meters respectively). This makes exploring local attractions like Kalmar Castle and the Royal Warship Kronan exhibition very convenient on foot.
To reach the Island of Öland, including attractions like Solliden Palace and Paradisverkstan, you can take the m/s DESSI boat transfer. This scenic sea crossing takes just under half an hour. For destinations further afield, such as the Kingdom of Crystal, which is located a few Swedish miles outside the city, independent transport like a rental car would be recommended as specific public transport options are not readily available for these locations.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Kalmar and its surroundings offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty:
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Kalmar Castle: A must-see, this is one of Scandinavia's best-preserved Renaissance castles. Dating back to the 12th century, its current appearance reflects a 16th-century Renaissance transformation by the Vasa Kings. Guides in period Renaissance clothing enhance the historical atmosphere. The castle is within easy walking distance from the port.
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Royal Warship Kronan: Explore the fascinating history of this royal warship, which exploded and sank in 1686. Its wreck was located in 1981, and ongoing underwater archaeology continues to uncover new artifacts. The exhibition proudly displays over 25,000 finds, including several cannons and Sweden's largest gold coin discovery. The museum is also conveniently located within Kalmar city.
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Island of Öland (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Take the m/s DESSI boat for a scenic, under half-hour ride to this beautiful island. Once there, you can visit:
- Solliden Palace: An Italian-style white palace built by Queen Victoria of Sweden between 1903-1906. It remains a summer residence for the Swedish Royal Family, featuring extensive and highly regarded gardens. Exhibitions with a royal theme are housed in a pavilion.
- Paradisverkstan: A purveyor of Scandinavian glass and ceramics to H.M. the King, set within a lovely garden.
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The Kingdom of Crystal: Located a few Swedish miles from Kalmar, this region is home to several glassworks. Here, you can experience the warmth of the glass ovens, observe skilled craftsmen transforming molten glass into unique art pieces using traditional and innovative techniques, and browse exhibitions of historic and modern glass art. Don't miss the tax-free shop offering both limited-edition art glass and everyday glassware. This excursion would typically require independent transport.
Dining & Shopping
Kalmar's city center, easily accessible from the port, offers various shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most shops in the downtown area are open throughout the week, including Sundays.
When shopping or dining, be aware that while most stores, restaurants, and bars accept major credit cards, some may apply a SEK 5 fee or require a minimum purchase of between 50-100 SEK.
Safety
No specific safety concerns or areas to avoid are highlighted for Kalmar. As with any travel, maintain awareness of your surroundings and personal belongings.
Currency and Language
The national currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK). At the time of writing, exchange rates are approximately 1 USD to 5.91 SEK, 1 EUR to 9.43 SEK, and 1 GBP to 12.28 SEK. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are readily available and accept major credit cards.
The official language is Swedish, but English is widely spoken, with an estimated 89% of Swedes, particularly those under 70, being proficient. In case of any emergency (fire, medical, or criminal), dial 112.