We seek out history

09.07.2024

Brilliant sunshine from the moment we wake up and completely calm when we leave the harbor.

We eventually encounter some sea fog that is quickly burned away by the sun. We enjoy the trip with pancakes for breakfast, sunbathing and games. We also need to stock up on some diesel, and stop along the way in Sandhamn, Blekinge where there are diesel refueling options.

After 7.5 hours we arrive in Kalmar, where we are met by the harbor guard in a dinghy who shows us our place. Very new and nice facility where everything is included in the harbor fee, even the opportunity to borrow your own kitchen!

Kalmar is a place with a historical buzz and is especially known for the Kalmar Union, which was a union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The union lasted from 1397 to 1523 and was mostly about the three countries having a common head of state. For Sweden, the union dissolved in 1523, when Gustav Vasa became king of Sweden.

The city of Kalmar has many historical buildings, and Kalmar Castle is the most famous. Kalmar Castle is considered to be Sweden's best preserved Renaissance castle. Next to the castle is Gamla Stan. Much of the buildings were built after the fire in 1647 and are therefore from the 18th and 19th centuries, but much of the old city wall is still intact.

It doesn't take long before we're on land and testing out some of the city. First stop is of course the ice cream cart on the quay, and then to Skippern's candy store - the boat equipment store!

Eventually take a walk into the city, which is located within an old city wall. Cozy pedestrian streets with shops and various places to eat and lots of old historic buildings.

The highlight for Olivia is when we find a toy store that is almost as good as Thomas's toys at Bekkestua. Here they have their own room, only with Squashmallows!

Hunger eventually sets in, and we find a restaurant that offers an Asian buffet.

The plan is actually to leave early the next morning, but we find out that we have to visit the Castle before we leave tomorrow.