Kalmar, Sweden

Est. 1963

Located on the Baltic coast in Southeastern Sweden, Kalmar is a small city with a rich history. Kalmar is the home of the "Key to the Kingdom," the name given to the magnificent Vasa fortress, Sweden's best-preserved Renaissance castle. When the old town from the Middle Ages could no longer be defended against the arch-enemy Denmark, a new Kalmar was built on Kvarnholmen. This part of the town, with its Baroque cathedral, fortified walls and bastions, cobbled streets, and stone-built houses from the 17th century is a wonderful reminder of Sweden's time as a great power. Today, Kalmar is located in one of Sweden's biggest tourist counties.