Kalmar, Sweden

An imposing brick castle with verdigris copper roofs welcomes you to Kalmar. Tour the best preserved renaissance castle in Sweden for a look at the period when Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were joined. The region of lakes and forests beyond is world-renowned as the Swedish Kingdom of Crystal. Visit any of 15 glassworks large and small, including the internationally renowned Orrefors and Kosta factories. Their distinctive styles make perfect mementos of your visit to this bucolic region. Kalmar's Old Town is a maze of cobbled alleys and 17th and 18th century buildings.