Cruise port Kalmar
Info for port Kalmar on 15 May 2028
Port information & tips for Kalmar
Kalmar is an enchanting historical gem on Sweden's southeast coast and offers cruise guests a perfect combination of royal history and maritime charm. The location directly on the Kalmar Strait impresses thanks to the well-preserved Renaissance architecture, idyllic alleys, and the refreshing Baltic Sea breeze. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the magnificent Kalmar Castle, the picturesque Gamla Stan old town, and the Kalmar Läns Museum with the famous Kronan exhibition. Cruise ships usually dock at the central Elevatorkajen, from which visitors also enjoy direct and convenient access to the Kvarnholmen city center and the lively shopping streets, as all sights are reachable within just a few minutes' walk.
Kalmar welcomes its cruise guests in a charming and historic setting. The port is centrally located and easily accessible thanks to its manageable size. Smaller cruise ships dock directly at Elevatorkajen in the city center, while larger ships anchor south of the harbor and passengers are brought to a specially built pier in the city center by tender boat. The port follows a "One Ship a Day" policy to ensure a high-quality experience.
Car
To travel to Kalmar from the DACH region, primarily use the E22 European highway, which runs along the Swedish east coast and offers good connections. In Kalmar, various municipal parking options are available, divided into zones with different rates and maximum parking durations. For longer stays, there are long-term parking spaces for up to seven days in some zones on Kvarnholmen (the city center), although fees may vary. It is recommended to check local signage, parking meters, or the Mobill app for up-to-date information and payment.
Train
Kalmar's main station, Kalmar Centralstation, is centrally located and ideal for travel by train due to its proximity to the port. The cruise quay is only about 300 meters from the city center, allowing for convenient access on foot or a very short taxi ride. Lockers for luggage storage are also available at the station, providing flexibility before or after embarkation.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), located only about 5 kilometers from Kalmar city center. From the airport, you can easily reach the port: bus line 402 runs every 30 minutes to Kalmar Central Station, with a travel time of about 14 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi will take you to your destination in about 8 minutes, costing around 153 SEK. Seasonal direct flights to Kalmar Öland Airport are available from Frankfurt (Germany), offered on Mondays and Thursdays from May to October.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Kalmar welcomes its cruise guests in a charming and historic setting. The port is centrally located and easily accessible thanks to its manageable size. Smaller cruise ships dock directly at Elevatorkajen in the city center, while larger ships anchor south of the harbor and passengers are brought to a specially built pier in the city center by tender boat. The port follows a "One Ship a Day" policy to ensure a high-quality experience.
Car
To travel to Kalmar from the DACH region, primarily use the E22 European highway, which runs along the Swedish east coast and offers good connections. In Kalmar, various municipal parking options are available, divided into zones with different rates and maximum parking durations. For longer stays, there are long-term parking spaces for up to seven days in some zones on Kvarnholmen (the city center), although fees may vary. It is recommended to check local signage, parking meters, or the Mobill app for up-to-date information and payment.
Train
Kalmar's main station, Kalmar Centralstation, is centrally located and ideal for travel by train due to its proximity to the port. The cruise quay is only about 300 meters from the city center, allowing for convenient access on foot or a very short taxi ride. Lockers for luggage storage are also available at the station, providing flexibility before or after embarkation.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR), located only about 5 kilometers from Kalmar city center. From the airport, you can easily reach the port: bus line 402 runs every 30 minutes to Kalmar Central Station, with a travel time of about 14 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi will take you to your destination in about 8 minutes, costing around 153 SEK. Seasonal direct flights to Kalmar Öland Airport are available from Frankfurt (Germany), offered on Mondays and Thursdays from May to October.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Kalmar impresses with its excellent location and, thanks to the central berthing spots, allows for a particularly easy exploration of the city.
On foot
Most ships dock at Skeppsbrokajen, from where you can comfortably reach the historical center Kvarnholmen in just a few minutes. The path leads you directly to the cobblestone streets as well as to the most significant sights like Kalmar Castle.
Passenger ferry Dessie
From the harbor, the ferry M/S Dessie runs regularly, taking you comfortably across the Kalmarsund to the island of Öland. This connection simultaneously offers you a wonderful panorama of the coast and the impressive Öland Bridge.
Taxi and public transport
Taxis are available directly at the quay for individual trips and will quickly take you to destinations in the region. In addition, the nearby main station provides connections to the regional buses of Kalmar Länstrafik, which reliably and comfortably open up the green surroundings.
To make the most of your stay in Kalmar, we recommend exploring the historic Old Town and the impressive Kalmar Slott, both of which are located in the immediate vicinity of the pier.
Kalmar Slott
This majestic building is considered one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Scandinavia and fascinates as the historical heart of the city thanks to its magnificent halls and its location directly on the water.
Kvarnholmen & Gamla Stan
The charming city center on the island of Kvarnholmen offers a perfect blend of history-steeped architecture and modern shopping opportunities; additionally, the adjacent Gamla Stan district, with its picturesque wooden houses, invites you on a journey back in time.
Kalmarsundsparken
This extensive park on the shores of the sound is ideal for a relaxed stroll and also houses a popular sandy beach, which, thanks to the short distance to the harbor, represents a wonderful destination for a break with a view of the Öland Bridge.
Kalmar Slott
The majestic Kalmar Slott is located just a short, approximately ten-minute walk from the harbor and impresses as one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Northern Europe with its magnificent architecture directly on the water. The historic fortress offers fascinating insights into Scandinavian history and also invites you to a relaxed tour through the magnificent halls as well as the extensive ramparts. Thanks to the charming castle restaurant and the picturesque view of the Kalmarsund, you can enjoy a first-class atmosphere here and ideally combine the visit with a stroll through the adjacent, cobblestone streets of the old town. It is best to visit the castle directly when it opens in the morning to explore the site in peace and plan a relaxed return to the ship in the early afternoon, which you can easily reach on foot.
The port of Kalmar impresses with its immediate proximity to the city center, allowing you to start your return journey to the ship in a relaxed and punctual manner. Thanks to the central location, distances are short and orientation is particularly easy in this charming coastal city.
On Foot
From Kalmar Castle or the historic old town, you can easily walk back to the berth in about 10 to 15 minutes. The path leads directly through the well-kept Kvarnholmen city center and is easy to find thanks to the masts of the ships visible from afar and clear signage towards Hamn.
Taxi
Taxis are available at all times at the central main station (Kalmar Centralstation) as well as in front of larger hotels such as the Calmar Stadshotell. Additionally, you can conveniently be picked up from the beaches on the Stensö peninsula to reach the port terminal directly and safely.
Local Buses and Orientation
The central bus station is located directly next to the port area and serves as an ideal meeting point for returning from the surrounding area. The paths in the port area are level and well-lit, and the presence of port personnel ensures a sense of security when reaching the gangway.
In port on 15 May 2028

