Hostels in Kalmar

Kalmar is a county in southern Sweden. Founded in 1634, it comprises the eastern part of the province of Småland as well as the island of Öland. The county is made up of twelve municipalities, with its capital city, Kalmar, located in the municipality of the same name.

Tourists visit Kalmar county for both the beautiful architectural beauty as well as the beaches along the Baltic Sea. The capital is an old town containing cobble-stoned streets, the Renaissance-style Kalmar Castle, the baroque-style Kalmar Cathedral, and many buildings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The island of Öland, on the other hand, attracts vacationers who are drawn to the beaches, Borgholm Castle, and the Solliden Palace, summer home of the Swedish royal family.

Travelers can reach Kalmar county by flying into the Kalmar Airport within the capital. Once you have arrived, you can find a hostel in just about any area within the county. The cost of a hostel bed is comparative to those in other European countries. You can expect your hostel to be within an older building, with either traditional or modern furnishings, and clean. Meals and any extra amenities likely will incur an extra charge.

The first stop for many tourists visiting this region is the Kalmar Castle. Some visitors opt to view it just from outside while taking a walk around the surrounding park and marveling at the cannons facing the water, the turrets, and the drawbridge, yet the true beauty of this landmark is within its walls. For a modest fee, you can enter the castle and see the ornate interior. Exhibits show what life was like during the times when the castle was inhabited. Plaques inscribed in English allow just about every visitor to understand the history of the place. An onsite restaurant lets guests enjoy a nice meal in the historic setting. For a most mesmerizing vision, visit on New Years Eve when the castle is lit up amidst enchanting fireworks.

Another worthwhile stop in this region is the James Bond 007 Museum in Nybro. Whether you are a hardcore 007 fan or just want to visit a novel museum, this place is sure to impress you. You can see replicas of the cars, motorcycles and boats from the movies, take photos with life-sized likenesses of the characters, or indulge in the Bond lifestyle by playing a round of Black Jack in the casino. You can also grab a bite to eat, sip a drink at the bar, and watch films about the museum inside the small theatre. Last but not least, you can meet the real James Bond; the owner of the museum, Gunnar Bond James Schäfer enjoys sharing his collection with all his guests. For an ideal souvenir, take a photograph of yourself next to one of the exotic cars or life-sized Bond actor posters.

Handwritten by local expert for Kalmar hostels Jakob Lombardi