Kalmar castle
“Your steps echo between the old walls as you walk through the vault, into Kalmar Castles courtyard. From here, the borders of Sweden have been defended for hundreds of years. Many peoples fates have been settled inside the walls of this castle, and you can feel the presence of their history in every room and every corner.”
800 Years of Royal History
Throughout the castle’s 800 years, history has offered up constant changes. Rulers have come and gone, the kingdom’s borders have shifted and the castle has been used in many different ways. The castle took on its current appearance during the 16th century when the medieval castle was reconstructed as a Renaissance palace by kings Gustav, Erik XIV and Johan III Vasa. The Governor’s Floor relates the history of Kalmar Castle. Each room displays an epoch, an event or a theme. You can immerse yourself in the history of the Kalmar Union, the life of Vasa princesses or perhaps pause a while and ponder the royal diet during past centuries.
Royal glamour is offered in the Castle Church, dating back to 1592. Here you can see the seats of the king and queen made in 1620 when Gustav II Adolf planned to marry Maria Eleonora. However, Kalmar was afflicted with the plague at that time, and the wedding had to be moved to Stockholm.
Those of you who have come to Kalmar Castle to experience something exceptional can take part in one of the daily guided tours or keep close watch on the events calendar for special guided tours that deal with the castle’s period as a women’s prison, the architectural masterpieces or the period as a border fortress. The brave among you can come along on a tour after nightfall. For children there are special guided tours, castle battles, treasure hunts and the castle’s own workshop.
In the summer, Kalmar Castle turns into the Children’s Castle, an exciting and fun getaway for families. If you dare, tickling adventures are waiting for you!
Visit Kalmar Castle’s website
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