The most beautiful places in Sweden

Sweden is a country of rare beauty, even amid its starkest northern landscapes. Its cities and towns testify to 1000 years of urban life, but there are precious places offering glimpses into even older traditions of human settlement.

Kalmar

Welcome to the city that moved and became a fortress. Kalmar’s medieval town was replanned as a Baroque stronghold against Denmark and a centre for the Swedish fleet. The newer town is one of the best-preserved historical centres in Sweden and its stone-paved streets are lined with heritage buildings. Kalmar is also the jumping-off point for visits to the fascinating Baltic island Öland.

The city’s powerful and well restored Renaissance castle is one of the premier Swedish attractions and its museum houses the famous navel wreck Kronan, second only to the Vasa in Stockholm.