A Swedish Stroll

Our last evening in Kalmar. Malcolm decided on relaxing at the hotel, but mindful that the next two days woud be entirely seated on trains, I felt a walk was in order.

It starts very near our hotel. Kalmar’s Old Water Tower was built between 1897 and 1900 and operated until 1972. It was converted into 11 private apartments in the 1980s. The majestic brick exterior remains a central navigational sight, while I’m left wondering whether circular furniture is required.

I’m actually on Kvarnholmen (the city center island), which is surrounded by the sea (the Baltic/Kalmar Strait) and the town moat. So I decide to walk as far as I please on my side of the moat and waterways, and come back as far as possible on the other side. There’s nothing better than strolling along a path that’s vaguely urban – though tree-lined and traffic free – with more open views over the water, and little islands vying to be Bempton Cliff Marks III, IV, V etc. owing to being extremely noisy with bird life.

Eventually, I come to a waterway so broad it seems like a lake. I’m at the desirable suburb of Varvsholmen, and who wouldn’t want to live there with views like this, including the sight of the almost 4 mile long bridge connecting Kalmar to the island of Öland? This was once the longest bridge in Europe. We really should have gone to Öland , but … next time.

And then I pick out a route home by crossing a much more workaday bridge to find a different path. I know when I’m getting back into the home-zone, because …

But I’m done with surprises yet. Here’s the Cultural Centre, with its library, art gallery, theatre, creative spaces – all closed that Sunday evening, but still offering me two pieces I could find out little about, but still enjoyed.

And then onwards, past the white and almost homely looking prison, and over the little wooden bridge to the town walls, the water tower, and the hotel, for our last night in Sweden.

For Jo’s Monday Walk.

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Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

51 thoughts on “A Swedish Stroll”

  1. Looks sublime. Nothing beats an evening stroll by water in summer, unless bothered by midges, and you had some marvellous views on this wander. Will you be back? Did Malcolm enjoy it as much as you have?

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    1. Not a midge in sight the whole hliday, slighty to our surprise. It was a wonderful walk, and yes, M did enjoy the holiday. He feared Interrailing might be stressful, but it was in fact very relaxing, as we deliberately limited our destinations so we weren’t packing and moving on almost every day. Definitely the way forward.

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  3. That looks the perfect spot for an evening stroll especially as (I see from your comment to Jude) you didn’t have to contend with midges! The water tower is intriguing and could be a great place to live. I take your point about circular furniture though, while my main question would be, is there a lift?!

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  8. That’s the good thing about coming late to a post. You get to read all the comments. First of all, I would accept a 2nd or 3rd floor apartment, but of course it’s cost related. Thanks for a beautiful stroll, Margaret. I’ve graduated from the beach to a cafe. Next May I’m in Kraków for a wedding, but I’m sure I could make this work around June time… In our walking group we have a Scots gentleman who’s married to a lady of Polish/Swedish origin. She had a GP practise in Stockholm until recently and I’ve always fancied a Baltic cruise, and this sounds like a good alternative xx

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    1. Polish/Swedish married to a Scot and living in Portugal! What a woman! And sadly, none of us is going to get an apartment there, are we? Ah well. And as to cruises, you’ll have to get past the Andrew Petcher and Me police! xx

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  16. You certainly had a great visit to Sweden. Thank you for sharing. Your post takes me back to our European trip from a year ago…we had a grand time strolling the streets and maybe one we’ll get back again after I retire when we can visit off-peak. Who knows, but there are plenty of local adventures, too. Peace.

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  17. A beautiful post Margaret, and an area I’ve never seen. Loved the round building and found myself wondering what it would be like inside! My only experience in Sweden was as a student studying abroad (a VERY long time ago). My friends and I booked student lodging and it turns out there were locals who did the same to have a peek at the girls! After making some calls we were rescued by an incredibly hospitable couple who housed and fed us and restored our appreciation for the good in most people!

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    1. Sorry to hear that even in Sweden, Utter Creeps exist. But glad that you have generally positive impressions. You might guess that meeting Ann-Christine was right up there with the Good Impressions! I’m mentioning her in my Adventure post tomorrow. She was just as good company as we’d imagined. We had an excellent morning together.

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      1. Hurrying and stress should be undesirable at any age!
        We have learnt that more time in fewer places is way more satisfying than being constantly on the move. Not that we have done any travelling lately!

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