You can’t go see Kalmar without seeing the island of Öland next to it. Origins of this island date back to 8000 BC so the amount of history here is enormous. Rent a car and see places like Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace, Långe Erik, Långe Jan, Lerkaka, Ismantorp Fortress, Eketorps Borg, Mysinge Hög, Köpingsvik Beach, and countless Rune stones (Runsten) from old Swedish lore.

This small Swedish town on the Southeast Coast is perfect for a weekend getaway. Take the train or rent a car to see Kalmar Castle, Kalmar Konstmuseum, Tripp Trapp Trull, Klapphuset, Laboritorieholmen, Svinö, and Kalmar Domkyrka. If you have even more time, take a day trip to the island of Öland just nearby.