We are in the planning stages of traveling from Stockholm to Copenhagen in late September via train. Thinking about splitting the rail journey into two parts with an overnight stop in Kalmar or Gothenburg. I’d be most appreciative of your must-sees for both cities, pros/cons to each and any suggestions to help us decide. We are not museum folks, but prefer to explore on foot or bicycle to take in the more outdoor sites. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1743 posts
I haven't been in Gothenburg, but I visited Kalmar for two nights in 2012 (traveling from Copenhagen to Stockholm via rail).
Kalmar itself is a great place worth seeing, mainly for its impressive castle, and the beautiful gardens surrounding it. The old town center has a large square and impressive baroque cathedral.
If you're only going to stay one night, I think you can get a good feel for Kalmar in that time. If you take two nights, you should rent a car and drive across the bridge to Öland, which you could spend a full day driving around and exploring.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
It may somewhat depend on what kind of experience you want to have. Kalmar is a smaller city with the wonderful castle and a very nice cathedral and it's very quiet at night (at least where we stayed). Gothenburg is a much bigger city with more 'action' so to speak. It has a really good art museum and good shopping. We took a nice little boat cruise on the canals one evening and we went to the amusement park (Liseberg) on another night. Both cities are easy to explore on foot and/or bike, maybe Kalmar a little more so.