Things to do & places to visit in Kalmar County, Sweden

Kalmar County #8 destination in Sweden 2023. The average rating score is 4.44 based on 4.733 traveler reviews, of 227 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Stockholm, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 16:57.

Top things to do (39)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Virum Algpark (261 reviews)
- Mouse contact of its extraordinary discovery
Nature & Wildlife Tours

The family expected same as from other parks. Walking around and seeing or feeding the animals through a fence. Here it is totally opposite. Sitting in trailer towed by a tractor, commencing with an introduction in English as well, the Tour into the fenced area was very much different. The animals male, female, calw were guided to each of the trailers, where mouse could even stick their head into the trailer to be feeded. All in all a surprise as the mouse are dangerous at all. Even a mouse kiss could be made, which I leave to your interpretation. We as German visitors in Sweden enjoyed the tour and rate it as an unique experience. Pre- booking via internet is highly recommended as seats are limited. Enjoy the unforgettable „elk“ kiss . See more..
5.0 Jailbreak Oskarshamn (98 reviews)
- Escaping Jailbreak
Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Välkomna till Oskarshamns och Kalmar läns första real escape game! Här blir du inlåst i ett rum och ska inom 60 minuter lösa rummets mysterier i form av kluriga gåtor, pussel och utmaningar. Samla familjen, vännerna eller kollegorna och utnyttja allas kreativitet och samarbetsförmåga för att bryta er ut innan ni blir fast för alltid. Förutom escape rooms erbjuder vi även escape game-äventyr utomhus, escape game med hemleverans och upphämtning samt två- och trekamper för företag och föreningar. Fängslande underhållning helt enkelt! Vi ser fram emot att låsa in er! See more..
5.0 Gränsö naturreservat (23 reviews)
- Nice area close to the Baltic Sea
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Walking path, and preperd fireplaces. Wind schelter were you can sleep i a sleepingbag only. Choce beetwen 2 - 4 -9 km long paths. See more..
5.0 Eriksgården (22 reviews)
- Quality time with family and horses
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

Honestly, I didn't hope that this week on the farm would give me so much new knowledge and an easy way to overcome my childhood fears! We decided to enjoy a week on the farm, doing the work that needs to be done on a daily basis to take care of the animals and especially the horses. My 4 and 2 year old daughters are on the excited and don't want to drive away... Daily horse care, stable cleaning, horseback riding and many different jobs. From childhood, when the best contact with the horses had not been established, I tried to keep a safe distance, even taking into account that the daughter trains in horseriding sport. Farm owner Annelie dispelled these fears from me in just one day, making me see what kind of communication is possible between a horse and a human. Excellent experience. I highly recommend people who are afraid of horses. We will definitely return here. Thanks for the great time and experience! See more..
5.0 Casimirsborg Gård (19 reviews)
- Nice historic visit
Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

OPEN ALL DAYS - ONLY AFTER AGREEMENT Guided tours of the Fiefdom Casimirsborg - the unique axis from Bronze age (even Stone age) via Middle ages to Regency / Empire. See the fantastic world known bronze landscape with rock drawings etc, the fortress from 14th century (incl prison cell) and one of the few Regency Castles / Manor houses of Sweden. The tours mix short lectures with studies of the actual object. Booked tours after agreement, 150 SEK per person, min pay 1500 per tour. Coffee and bun included. Tablet with the guided tour for your own walk around the Bronze area can be hired. See more..
5.0 Mickejohans Konstglas (17 reviews)
- A world-class glass artist with amazing techniques
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Seeing Micke blow and shape his signature glass object was one of the 2 highlights of our visit to the Kingdom of Glass in Smaland. We have seen glass blowers in action in Murano/Italy, in the US and in France, but his skills and techniques are among to top we have experienced anywhere. When he is in his studio working, he doesn't work on simple items for the lucky people who watch him, but he blows complex and heavy items that make you appreciate the skills required in reaching this level of artistry and skills. We stopped breathing a few times during the process. You may miss him as he frequently travels to exhibitions or to teach (e.g. at Pilchuk or Corning), but his shop offers the whole range of his creativity. We couldn't leave without buying one of his pieces as a memento of a great vacation experience. See more..
5.0 Vimmerby Adventure (15 reviews)
- So fun!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

This was so fun! It was raining all day and we were soaked but climbing the obstacle courses took your mind away from that and it wasn’t until afterwards that you realised how soaked you were. I haven’t tried other tree top adventures but understand that this is the largest in Sweden. The safety procedures felt reliable, the staff was very helpful and supportive and the courses were fun. For such a rainy day with a lot of peole visiting there wasn’t enough room to fit indoors afterwards (given Covid-situation) so plan to have lunch somewhere else if it’s raining. Otherwise there is a picnic area with tables that should work well. See more..
5.0 Hasselö and Sladö (11 reviews)
- A slice of heaven
Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Hasselö is located in the Tjust archipelago , between Västervik and Loftahammar in northern Småland - without a fixed connection to the mainland. Together with the neighboring island and the Sladö nature reserve, the island is two of the archipelago's most vibrant islands. Connected by a small bridge, they stretch nine km through varied nature - from lush deciduous and barren pine forest to meadows and bare cliffs to the open horizon. See more..
5.0 Mx World Collection (11 reviews)
- MX World
Speciality Museums

Himmelriket för en mc fantast
Det finns så mycket att titta på, så en dag försvinner väldigt fort där See more..
4.5 Astrid Lindgren's Worlds guest (931 reviews)
- Well worth the drive from Stockholm 3 hours
Amusement & Theme Parks

Astrid Lindgren's World is a theatre park where visitors can experience characters from Astrid Lindgren's books in their true settings. The park covers 180,000 square metres in area and is in Astrid Lindgren's native town of Vimmerby in southern Sweden, not far from her parental home, Nas. The park features well-known settings from the best-loved stories of Astrid Lindgren. See more..
4.5 Kalmar Castle (901 reviews)
- Very nice historic site with something for everyone.
Friday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The history of this legendary castle goes back 800 years. For a long time, Kalmar Castle was an important fortification and known as the key to the kingdom because of its strategical location. The Swedish-Danish border was located only a short distance to the south, because Scania and Blekinge were Danish territories at the time. Kalmar Castle was given its current design during the 16th century, when the Vasa kings Gustav, Erik XIV and Johan III rebuilt the medieval castle and made it into a Renaissance palace, furnished and decorated in continental fashion. Even before then the castle had played an important role in Nordic politics, for example as the location for the signing of the Kalmar Union in 1397. This event was celebrated during the whole year of 1997, the union's 600th anniversary. Kalmar Castle is a symbol for Kalmar. The castle's history features international politics, court intrigues, fiery sieges and fierce battles. Today the castle is vibrant and lively place where many people visit. See more..
4.5 Fyren Långe Jan (240 reviews)
- Worth the travel
Lighthouses

A long trip down south to the tip of Øland and absolutely worth it. Very nice area with the famous lighthouse, a museum and a nice cafe serving a good selection of food and beverages, alcohol included. For birdwatchers this is a must be place obviously. Very many birdwatchers this time of year. See more..
4.5 Kalmar County Museum (157 reviews)
- Terrific museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours History Museums

We followed the audio tour in English on our phones. We enjoyed the museum’s Kronan exhibit particularly. The gift shop is great and the lunch buffet was lovely. Well worth a trip. See more..
4.5 Katthult (142 reviews)
- Pure nostalgia
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Katthult is the place where classic Emil films were shot in 1971-73. Experience the atmosphere in the well-preserved film setting and visit the world-famous tool shed into which Allan Edwall chased Emil so many times. Meet all the animals on the farm in the idyllic and unique environment. In the Katthult shop, you can buy souvenirs, coffee, ice cream See more..
4.5 Astrid Lindgrens Childhood Home (115 reviews)
- Inspiring place to visit!
Speciality Museums

As a writer of books for children, I try to visit Astrid Lindgrens Näs each year. The place is wonderful. You can see the one and only lemonadetree there, visit wonderful exhibitions, eat great food and experience a wonderful environment where this superb author, my greatest example, once lived. You can meet relatives of Astrid Lindgren, buy books and other fantastic stuff ... Can't wait to go back. Each time, I try to do some writing there too. There's no better place for it! You can visit Näs free. For some exhibitions, there is a fee. See more..
4.5 Ottenby Naturum (91 reviews)
- Bird station exhibition
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This is a small free exhibition about the birds seen at the bird station and how marking is done and how they migrate etc. Next to it is Sweden's tallest light house which is also possible to visit. The bird station is a very popular bird watching site. See more..
4.5 Skalby 4H-gard (72 reviews)
- Great
Spent 2-3 hours Farms

It was a great place where so much of items were seen and makes me so happy to stay there and I enjoyed a lot See more..
4.5 Stadsparken (60 reviews)
- Favorite spot in Kalmar
Spent < 1 hour Parks • Gardens • Playgrounds

Green, charming, beautiful, silent, busy, colorful, peaceful, great for picnic, strolls, yoga etc. Visit Kalmar slott whatever you do. so beautiful <3 See more..
4.5 Malilla Algpark (54 reviews)
- What a great place to take the family
Nature & Wildlife Areas

As you drive along the dirt road you wonder if you are going the right way. You are! This is a very 'relaxed' venue, but park up, enter the shop, pay the very reasonable fee, and you are in a great place for families! Not only can you get up close and feed the Elg (Moose) but there is such a relaxed environment for walking around, playing with the goats and rabbits, as well as exploring the estate. It isn't Disney World, but it is a wonderful place to take a family. My daughter spent five minutes 'kidnapping' a kid goat, and neither the kid, nor the owners thought it was anything except great! (The 'kid' then spent time following her around for more hugs). It is an interesting estate as the owner or his wife will explain, and this all tells you that it is not a 'corporation' running this venue, but two very professional people, who love having guests. Really worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Gamleby Trollskogen (53 reviews)
- Nice walk and artwork
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

On the slopes of a hill an artist erected several troll and dwarf statues. They are beautifully embedded in the landscape. Our kids had a lot of fun chasing from troll to troll. We spend ~1.5 hours there. The walk goes uphill. Proper footwear is helpful since there are a lots of rocks and roots and sometimes you have to climb a bit. The area is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. From up the hill you have a beautiful view across the bay. There is also a rest area with benches. Definitely worth the visit. See more..
4.5 James Bond 007 Museum (45 reviews)
- Much, much more than we expected! Great Experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Welcome to the worlds only James Bond 007 Museum in Nybro Sweden Offers the world an exclusive exhibition on the British secret James Bond agent 007 in Nybro Sweden. See more..
4.5 Maleras Glasbruk (42 reviews)
- Our favorite of all the glassworks
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Factory Tours

The products here are beautiful and unique. We enjoyed watching the workers, looking at all the products for sale, and seeing the incredible art glass. It is free to visit and you can wander about as you wish. It was near the midsummer holiday and there was not too much activity in the hot shop but it was still interesting. The shop was incredible and I loved a lot of the things for sale. I limited myself to two small pieces. This was the only place I bought anything or was even tempted to buy. See more..
4.5 Stensjö By (42 reviews)
- So many rocks!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mistifying how farms got started in a place like this, so many rocks! (the name of the village is literally 'Rocksea village'.) The village itself is nice to walk around and have a peek inside. If there is a key symbol on the building, you are free to go inside and look around. Be sure to take one of the walking trails around the village for a more complete experience, there are a couple to choose from and very easy to find your way around. There is quite some parking space, but it can get a little packed on a nice sunny day. A plus: there are proper (clean!) toilets at the car park. See more..
4.5 Astrid Lindgren Statue (42 reviews)
- A piece of the past
Monuments & Statues

It might be a statue, but it's a statue of one of the greatest writers in the whole world. Her stories are worldwide. See more..
4.5 Glasrikets Algpark (40 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Zoos

A lovely place run by really nice people. You can see moose up really close, feed them with some branches. The animals are well taken care of. See more..
4.5 Norra Kvill National Park (39 reviews)
- Where the forest trolls live
National Parks • Parks

Norra Kvill is a very beautiful national park, it even kind of seems like an enchanted forest where you wouldn't be surprised to see trolls behind the mossy rocks or a fairy fluttering among the trees. We did both possible paths, Lilla and Stora Idgölenrundan. One is 3 and the other 1,7 km. The shorter one leads around a lake and the longer one leads up and down through the absoutely stunning rocky forest. You do need good shoes because the path isn't close to even and there are parts where the ground is very muddy. We also went to see Kvill oak, a tree which is nearly 1000 years old and even though it's now at the end of it's life, very impressive. See more..
4.5 A world of Dinosaurs (35 reviews)
- Dinosaur exhibit for ALL
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums

Superb display, well documented exhibits. Suitable for all ages, Even though remotely located, I accessed by public transport. Just 10m from the gate. Staff on hand to help with pushchairs, on two short flights of stairs. See more..
4.5 Ingebo Hagar (33 reviews)
- We had an amazing lamb burger
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Farms

I was a little put off by the idea that if wanted to park closest you needed to pay for parking. With that said we didn't pay for parking and had to walk up a narrow road. It's just something to mention if you have small kids and/or a baby carriage. We had a good experience, cozy place out in the nature. You can walk around it is very open and nice. We had a lamb burger that tasted superb. The price was good, service was more like help yourself and all in all the experience was good. See more..
4.5 Döderhultarmuseet (32 reviews)
- Surprisingly good museum
Speciality Museums

Museum dedicated to the art of a famous Swedish wood carver. His work is both eclectic and fascinating. A must see when you visit Oskarshamn. See more..
4.5 Trolly route (14 reviews)
- Wonderful!!
Bike Tours • Rail Tours

We took the trolley route 2 adults and 3 children (two 10 year olds and one 6 year old). We rented 2 trolleys, and that was perfect. It was amazing scenery..... absolutely breathtaking. We brought a picnic and stopped by the lake which is about half way. It was a lovely day and I highly recommend it :) See more..