Kalmar County, or Kalmar län as it's known in Swedish, is a nestled in southern Sweden. It's a place where the past and present coexist, with its historical roots dating back to 1634. The county is a delightful mix of mainland and island landscapes, covering the eastern part of the Småland province and the entirety of the enchanting island of Öland.
Öland has been inhabited since 8,000 BCE by Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers, who crossed the ice that sometimes forms on the Kalmar Straight. As a result, it feels old but tamed in a way much of Sweden does not. Its smaller landmass and heavily farmed spaces make it feel a little like the English countryside. Still, then occasionally you travel past standing stones in a farmers field, giving you a brief glimpse into its uniquely Scandinavian history.
Kalmar gets its name from the word "kalm", a collection of stones, something found in large quantities on both the land and waters around Kalmar. It is first mentioned in writings from the beginning of the 13th century. However, archaeological evidence of a city wall, monastery, Church and courthouse from the 12th Century show it was a thriving community.
