Boat Holiday
Traveling the sea route through Kalmarsund—from Torsås to Västervik and the beautiful Tjust archipelago—is an experience you don’t want to miss. Both Småland and Öland offer hidden gems, whether you’re exploring mainland Småland or the island of Öland.
Västervik – Småland’s archipelago town
With over 5,000 islands, skerries and reefs, the Tjust archipelago is a paradise for boat-enthusiasts. From Blankaholm in the south to Loftahammar in the north you’ll find several guest marinas both along the mainland and on several of the islands in the archipelago. The largest islands with guest harbors offering a variety of restaurants, shops and activities are Hasselö, Idö and Rågö. Västervik is the centre of the archipelago, with just over 20,000 permanent residents. In summer the tempo rises and the town comes alive.
Discover Västervik’s city centre
Go on an exploratory walk through the centre. Here you can browse among the shops, attend one of the events organized, and enjoy food and fika at the local restaurants. Within Västervik you’ll find three guest harbors: Slottsholmen Marina, Pampas Guest Harbor and Gränsö Castle. Perfect if you want to feel a bit of city pulse. In Västervik there’s also a spa at Gränsö and one at the Warm Bath House for those who want to relax with a beautiful view.
Popular guest harbor on the Swedish east coast
Kalmar has one of the most popular guest harbors on the Swedish east coast. Here you can moor right in the town, within walking distance of shopping and entertainment. Kalmar Castle, which dominates the centre, has roots from the 12th century but got its present appearance during the reign of the Vasa kings in the 1500s. All year round you can enjoy exhibitions, guided tours in several languages and events for all ages. At the castle there’s also a café serving both meals and fika.
Kalmar’s town centre
Kvarnholmen is the city’s heart with shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as many cultural-buildings with exciting history. Here the city centre was moved during the mid-1600s from its previous location in the Old Town, near Kalmar Castle. For those who like to stroll there are charming streets and alleys to discover, with both good food and historic environments. All within walking distance from the popular guest harbour.
Explore Öland – the Island of the Sun and the Winds
Öland offers an outstanding combination of fantastic nature, rich cultural heritage, local craftsmanship and taste experiences beyond the ordinary. Here you can explore charming harbours, wide white sandy beaches and idyllic fishing villages. Visit picturesque places such as Byxelkrok, Borgholm and Färjestaden, where you can enjoy cosy neighbourhoods, nice restaurants, local breweries and farm-shops with locally produced delicacies.
Explore nature & culture
For those who love discovering nature on foot or by bike there’s a network of scenic routes that take you through a world of history and beautiful landscapes. Admire majestic castles, fascinating ancient remains and the unique agricultural landscape of southern Öland, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Along your journey you’ll also encounter the island’s iconic lighthouses – Långe Erik in the north and Sweden’s highest lighthouse, Långe Jan, in the south – both contributing to Öland’s distinctive character.
And of course there are the sunsets – an experience in itself. Many visitors travel here just to see the sun paint the sky in sparkling colours as it slowly sinks into the sea. It’s a sight you’ll not soon forget.
Mönsterås
Here begins the beautiful east-coast archipelago. Mönsterås municipality offers 150 km of coastline and several guest harbours, making it an ideal destination for boat-enthusiasts. When you moor in Mönsterås you can visit Kronobäcks monastery ruin, a fascinating historical place that takes you back to the Middle Ages. Explore the old walls and feel the wings of history in this unique environment.
If you instead choose to visit the gem Timmernabben you can savour an exquisite fish dish at Nabbens Rökeri & Fisk and buy locally produced sweets at the very popular Råsnäs Konfektyrer. Here you can enjoy handmade sweets and see how they’re made. The factory is known for its delicate roasted almonds and is a must for all who love sweets.
Oskarshamn
Along Småland’s coast lies Oskarshamn, a coastal gem with five unique guest harbours offering something for everyone. From north to south these stretches through beautiful archipelago areas and cosy small villages. In the north there are Klintemåla and Figeholm, two idyllic harbours surrounded by untouched archipelago. Klintemåla is perfect for exploring the Misterhult archipelago by canoe, while Figeholm offers a charming small-boat harbour near daily grocery stores.
More harbours
In the heart of the city lies Oskarshamn’s guest harbour, close to shopping, restaurants and boat trips to Blå Jungfrun National Park. Here you’ll also find a boat- & machine museum to discover. Just outside the centre lies Ernemar guest harbour, a quiet place with walking trails and a café. Furthest south awaits Påskallavik’s guest harbour, where we recommend you visit the harbour café with home-baked fika and family-friendly environment. The playground nearby and the peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for families with children.
No matter which harbour you choose, an experience filled with charm, proximity to nature and city energy awaits. Discover all the best the Oskarshamn coast has to offer!
Bergkvara Guest Harbour and Garpen Lighthouse
Bergkvara, the guest harbour outside Torsås, you’ll find right next to Dalskärs camping. Here you can wash away everyday stress and enjoy tranquillity in rural surroundings. Country lanes, fine for…
Bergkvara, the guest harbour outside Torsås, you’ll find right next to Dalskärs camping. Here you can wash away everyday stress and enjoy tranquillity in rural surroundings. Country lanes, fine forest paths and blooming meadows make the area perfect for walks, bike rides and other outdoor activities. The nature-lover can really satisfy all senses. From here you’ve fantastic views over Kalmarsund and a couple of kilometres out you’ll see the little island Garpen with Garpen Lighthouse.
The boat “Gustav” departs from Bergkvara small-boat harbour and takes you conveniently out to the island for a day trip. On the island you can have a fika at the café or a meal at the restaurant, which has full licence. Take the opportunity to go up in the lighthouse and marvel at the view!