Kalmar slott

About the museum

As early as the 12th century there was a defensive tower on the islet by Kalmarsund, and in the late 13th century Magnus Ladulås had a curtain wall with towers built around the older tower. The castle lay close to the border with Denmark and was one of the realm's most important fortresses. In 1397 the Nordic Kalmar Union was sealed here, a union that lasted until 1523, when Gustav Vasa took power.

During the 16th century the castle was transformed into a Renaissance palace in European style under Gustav Vasa, Erik XIV and Johan III. Artists and craftsmen from the Continent decorated the halls, and the gilded ceiling of the Gyllene salen (the Golden Hall) is among the features that survived. The castle was besieged during the Kalmar War in 1611 and handed over to the Danes, who held it until 1613.

After the Peace of Roskilde in 1658 the border was moved away, and the castle lost its role as a fortification. Royal visits became rare, and the building was used, among other things, as a prison and a crown brandy distillery. Restoration began in the mid-19th century, and a comprehensive renovation was carried out from 1921. Today the castle is one of Kalmar's main visitor attractions, with rooms from different eras, exhibitions and activities for children.

Highlights

• The castle of the Kalmar Union, where the union was sealed in 1397
• The Paradvåningen (the state floor) and the Gyllene salen with its gilded ceiling
• Kungsköket (the royal kitchen) and the exhibition Johan III:s påskmåltid (Johan III's Easter Feast)
• The permanent exhibition 800 år av krig, makt och ära (War, Power and Glory)
• Barnens Slott (Children's Castle) with knights and adventures during the summer

Permanent exhibitions

• 800 år av krig, makt och ära! – Permanent exhibition on the 800-year history of the castle and of Kalmar.
• Kungsköket – Shows how food was prepared in the castle kitchen.
• Johan III:s påskmåltid – A laid Easter table from 1586.

Admission & discounts

The prices apply 2 November–31 December 2026 (and 2 January–25 March). In high season they are higher: 26 March–21 June and 10 August–1 November adults SEK 180, pensioners SEK 165, students SEK 160, children aged 6–19 SEK 90, children aged 3–5 SEK 65; 22 June–9 August adults SEK 190, pensioners SEK 175, students SEK 170, children aged 4–19 SEK 135, children under 4 free. Groups (at least 10 people) pay SEK 115–175 per person depending on the season. Admission covers exhibitions, standard guided tours and children's activities. Discounts are available with the Kalmar VIP card, the Kulturarvskortet (Cultural Heritage Card), the ICOM card and the Kompiskortet. The castle is cashless.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Lift to the Gröna salen (Green Hall), the castle church, Borgstugan, Sturesalen and the Gyllene salen (door opening 90 cm); staff can be called to the lift in the inner courtyard. Most of the rest of the castle has no step-free route, and the Paradvåningen and the Förbrända salen can only be reached by stairs; wheelchair users can, by arrangement with staff, get help. An accessible toilet is in the outer courtyard. Seven steps from the inner courtyard to the entrance, 24 steps up to the Paradvåningen. Induction loop in the Gröna salen. Disabled parking is about 100 metres from the castle, and folding chairs can be borrowed. Only guide dogs may accompany visitors indoors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

In summer the outer courtyard turns into Barnens Slott (Children's Castle) with theatre, missions, a knights' duel and a castle hunt. In autumn, winter and spring, activities such as Petits äventyr, picture bingo and Barnens söndag (Children's Sunday) are included, and there are children's tours during the school holidays. Pushchairs may not be brought in and must be left in the inner courtyard; a baby carrier can be borrowed in the shop. Changing tables are available in three toilets. The restaurant offers children's portions.

Getting there & parking

Roadworks at Tullslätten may affect traffic until 2027; follow the signs.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The castle restaurant (run in cooperation with Restaurang Postgatan) serves lunch, fika and light dishes and generally follows the castle's opening hours. Castle shop with the same opening hours. Own packed food may not be brought into the castle or the restaurant, but it can be eaten in the outer courtyard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Conference rooms such as the Gröna salen, Sturesalen and Borgstugan, company dinners, kick-off events, weddings and civil ceremonies in the castle church, and parties in the castle restaurant.

Plan your visit