Kalmar is an excellent base for exploring southeastern Sweden. Within a short drive, ferry ride or train journey, you can reach royal palaces, ancient fortresses, peaceful beaches, creative villages and historic coastal towns. Whether you have one free afternoon or several days to explore, these day trips from Kalmar offer a varied introduction to Småland, Öland and the Baltic coast.
Why Kalmar is a great base for day trips
Kalmar sits in a convenient position between the mainland province of Småland and the island of Öland. The Öland Bridge begins just outside the city, making it easy to travel from the historic centre to open landscapes, seaside villages and UNESCO listed agricultural scenery. The regional road network also connects Kalmar with Karlskrona, Oskarshamn, the Kingdom of Crystal and several other destinations within comfortable reach.
Many of the best excursions from Kalmar are easiest by car, particularly if you want to visit several places on Öland in one day. However, some destinations can also be reached by bus or train. Before setting out, check seasonal opening hours, public transport timetables and ferry information, since services and attractions may operate less frequently outside summer.
1. Borgholm and Solliden Palace
Borgholm is one of the most popular places to visit nearby Kalmar and makes an easy first day trip. The attractive town is located on Öland’s west coast, around 40 kilometres from Kalmar by road. Its harbour, small shops, cafés and seaside walking routes make it pleasant to explore at a relaxed pace.
The main attraction is Borgholm Castle, a dramatic limestone ruin overlooking the Kalmarsund strait. Construction began in the 12th century, and the castle was later transformed into a grand Renaissance fortress before a fire left it in its present ruined form in the 19th century. You can walk through the large courtyards, climb sections of the towers and learn about the castle’s long military and royal history through exhibitions and information boards.
Close to the castle stands Solliden Palace, the Swedish royal family’s summer residence. Visitors cannot normally enter the palace itself, but the gardens are open during the main season. Formal terraces, rose gardens, woodland paths and carefully designed planting create a peaceful contrast to the rugged castle nearby. A visit to both sites works well because they are close together and can be combined with lunch in Borgholm.
How to plan a Borgholm visit
- Allow at least half a day for Borgholm Castle, Solliden and the town centre.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the castle site includes uneven stone surfaces and steps.
- Visit early in the day during July when both attractions can be busy.
- Extend the trip with a coastal walk or a swim at one of the beaches north of town.
2. Southern Öland and the Stora Alvaret
For a day trip filled with wide horizons and unusual scenery, drive south across Öland. The southern part of the island is known for the Stora Alvaret, a vast limestone plain shaped by thin soils, grazing animals and centuries of farming. The landscape may look sparse at first, but it supports rare plants, colourful wildflowers and a remarkable variety of birds and insects.
The Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its value comes not only from the natural environment but also from the relationship between villages, coastal meadows, cultivated fields and traditional grazing land. Small roads lead through settlements such as Resmo, Vickleby and Kastlösa, where stone walls, old farmhouses and village churches provide a sense of the island’s history.
Vickleby is a particularly rewarding stop. The village has long attracted artists and craftspeople, and its narrow lanes, gardens and traditional buildings are ideal for a slow walk. You can also visit galleries, studios and places serving local food, depending on the season. Further south, Mörbylånga offers a harbour, restaurants and views across the Kalmar Strait.
What to see in southern Öland
- Walk a marked trail across the Stora Alvaret and look for seasonal wildflowers.
- Stop in Vickleby for art, crafts and traditional Öland architecture.
- Visit Mörbylånga harbour for a quiet seaside break.
- Explore one of the island’s historic churches, many of which have medieval origins.
- Bring water, sun protection and sensible footwear because shade can be limited on the limestone plain.
Southern Öland is best explored without rushing. Choose two or three stops rather than trying to see the entire area in one outing. In spring and early summer, the landscape is especially rewarding for walkers and photographers, while autumn brings softer light and fewer visitors.
3. Eketorp Castle and the southern tip of Öland
Eketorp Castle is one of the most distinctive excursions from Kalmar. Located in the south of Öland, this reconstructed ring fortress is built on the site of three settlements dating from the Iron Age and medieval period. The circular stone walls and wooden buildings give visitors a vivid impression of life in an ancient fortified community.
During the main season, guides and staff often demonstrate historical crafts, cooking and daily activities. The experience is more engaging than simply walking through an archaeological site, especially for families. Children can learn how people lived, worked and defended themselves, while adults can explore the excavated foundations and museum displays.
After visiting Eketorp, continue south towards Ottenby and the island’s southern tip. Ottenby nature reserve is one of Sweden’s best-known birdwatching areas. Långe Jan, the tall lighthouse at the southern point, is a landmark that can be visited during the open season. The surrounding shoreline, meadows and wetlands attract migrating birds, seals and other wildlife.
Tips for visiting Eketorp and Ottenby
- Set aside a full day if you want to combine Eketorp, Ottenby and several stops in southern Öland.
- Check the opening dates for the castle and lighthouse before travelling outside summer.
- Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.
- Stay on marked paths in the nature reserve and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
4. Northern Öland and Långe Erik
Northern Öland offers a different atmosphere from the southern part of the island. The landscape includes pine forests, limestone beaches, small harbours and long stretches of open coast. It is a longer drive from Kalmar, but it is worthwhile if you want a full day of nature and seaside scenery.
Böda is one of the best-known areas in the north. Its long sandy beaches are popular for swimming, walking and cycling, and the surrounding forest provides welcome shade on hot summer days. Nearby Byxelkrok is a small harbour village with restaurants, galleries and boat connections in the summer season. The village is also a convenient base for exploring the northwestern coast.
At the northern tip of Öland stands Långe Erik, a white lighthouse on the island of Stora grundet. A short bridge connects the island to the mainland, and the surrounding reserve is well suited to a coastal walk. The exposed setting can be windy, but it offers broad views across the Baltic Sea and the northern shoreline.
A practical northern Öland route
- Drive from Kalmar to Borgholm and continue north towards Böda.
- Take a beach break near Böda before continuing to Byxelkrok.
- Walk around the coast near Långe Erik if weather conditions are suitable.
- Return via the eastern side of the island for a change of scenery.
This is one of the more ambitious day trips from Kalmar, especially if you want to reach the lighthouse. Start early, allow extra time for summer traffic and consider staying overnight if you prefer a slower journey.
5. Karlskrona and the naval city
Travel east along the coast to Karlskrona, a historic city spread across several islands in the Blekinge archipelago. The journey from Kalmar takes roughly one hour and 30 minutes by car, making Karlskrona a realistic destination for a full day out.
Karlskrona was founded in the 17th century as Sweden’s main naval base. Its planned streets, shipyards, naval buildings and fortifications reflect its strategic importance. The naval port and parts of the military area remain active, while the Naval Museum offers an accessible way to understand the city’s maritime history. Exhibits include historic vessels, submarine displays and stories about life at sea.
The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Visit Stortorget, look for the churches and historic buildings, then walk towards the waterfront. In summer, boat tours provide another perspective on the islands and coastal defences. You can also take a local ferry to nearby islands, although schedules should be checked carefully before planning a short visit.
Good reasons to choose Karlskrona
- It combines culture, architecture and coastal scenery in one destination.
- The Naval Museum is suitable for both adults and children.
- The pedestrian-friendly centre is easy to explore without a car.
- Boat trips and island ferries add variety during the warmer months.
6. The Kingdom of Crystal: Kosta and Boda
Småland’s Kingdom of Crystal is a strong choice for travellers interested in Swedish design, glassmaking and forests. Kosta is about an hour and 15 minutes from Kalmar by car, while several other glassworks are located along the surrounding roads.
Kosta Boda has a long glassmaking tradition, and visitors can see demonstrations, browse galleries and learn how hot glass is shaped. The work is physical, precise and surprisingly dramatic, particularly when molten glass is gathered from the furnace and formed with tools. The area also has factory shops where you can find both practical tableware and colourful art glass.
If you have time, build a wider route through the glass villages. Målerås, Orrefors and other nearby communities each have their own studios, exhibitions or outlets. Some places are small and may have limited opening hours, so check in advance. The surrounding woodland is part of the appeal too, with quiet roads, lakes and walking trails between the glassworks.
Planning a glassmaking day trip
- Choose two or three glassworks rather than attempting to visit every location.
- Check demonstration times before leaving Kalmar.
- Allow space in your luggage for carefully wrapped purchases.
- Combine the visit with a forest walk or a traditional Swedish lunch.
7. Oskarshamn and the northern coast
Oskarshamn lies north of Kalmar on the Baltic coast and is a good option when you want a town visit with maritime history. The drive takes about one hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and your chosen route. Oskarshamn has a working harbour, a compact centre and several viewpoints over the archipelago.
The Döderhultarn Museum is one of the town’s notable cultural attractions. It presents the expressive wooden sculptures of Axel Petersson, known as Döderhultarn, whose work depicts people and everyday life with great character. The museum can be combined with a walk through the older parts of town and a visit to the harbour.
Oskarshamn is also a departure point for ferries to Gotland and the island of Blå Jungfrun, although the latter is a seasonal destination requiring careful planning. For a simple day trip, stay on the mainland and explore the coastal paths, cafés and local viewpoints. The northern coast is particularly attractive in calm weather, when the sea and rocky islands create a peaceful setting.
8. Västervik and the Tjust archipelago
Västervik is farther north, but it can still work as a long day trip from Kalmar for visitors who want to experience a classic Swedish archipelago town. The journey takes around one hour and 45 minutes by car. Västervik is known for its sheltered harbour, red wooden buildings, rocky islands and lively summer atmosphere.
Stroll around the harbour, visit local shops and enjoy the views from the waterfront. Boat excursions run during the warmer months and can take you among the islands of the Tjust archipelago. If you prefer to remain on land, nearby nature reserves and coastal walking routes provide access to the region’s distinctive rocks, pine trees and open sea.
Västervik is especially appealing in summer, when outdoor events and restaurants bring energy to the town. Since the drive is longer than many other options nearby Kalmar, leave early and check return transport if you are not driving.
9. Astrid Lindgren’s World in Vimmerby
Families looking for a full day of activities can travel to Vimmerby, the birthplace of author Astrid Lindgren. Astrid Lindgren’s World is a large outdoor theme park where visitors encounter settings and characters from stories such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and The Brothers Lionheart.
The park combines theatre, play areas, recognisable storybook environments and activities for different ages. Performances are mainly in Swedish, but the visual settings and physical comedy can still be enjoyable for international visitors. Vimmerby itself has connections to Lindgren’s life, and the Astrid Lindgren museum and childhood home offer a more personal look at the author and her work.
Vimmerby is one of the longest day trips from Kalmar, so it is best suited to families who plan to spend most of the day at the park. Check the calendar carefully, as opening dates and performance schedules vary significantly through the year.
How to choose between these day trips from Kalmar
If this is your first visit, Borgholm and Solliden provide the easiest introduction to Öland and require relatively little travel. Choose southern Öland for landscapes, heritage and birdwatching, or northern Öland for beaches, forests and lighthouses. Karlskrona is the strongest option for museums and naval history, while the Kingdom of Crystal suits design enthusiasts and shoppers.
Families may prefer Eketorp Castle or Astrid Lindgren’s World, depending on the children’s interests and the season. Oskarshamn and Västervik are good choices for travellers who want a coastal town without spending the entire day on Öland.
Practical travel advice
- Use a car for the greatest flexibility, particularly in southern and northern Öland.
- Check opening hours before visiting castles, museums, gardens and glassworks.
- Pack layers because coastal weather can change quickly.
- Carry water and snacks when exploring remote nature reserves.
- Reserve accommodation early if travelling in July or during major summer events.
- Respect private land, grazing animals and protected habitats when walking in the countryside.
The variety of excursions from Kalmar makes it easy to tailor a trip to your interests. You can spend one day among castle ruins and royal gardens, another exploring limestone plains, and a third discovering glassmaking traditions or maritime history. With sensible planning, Kalmar offers an ideal starting point for seeing much more of southeastern Sweden.