Kalmar County, located in the southeast corner of Sweden, blends coastal allure, sunlit shores, historic towns, and natural beauty into a welcoming destination for every traveler. From colorful harbor towns to the expansive landscapes of Öland, this region invites families, couples, and groups to slow down, explore, and create memorable experiences. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or a longer vacation, Kalmar County offers a wide range of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfast stays, and other comfortable accommodation options designed to make your trip convenient, safe, and enjoyable. When you start planning your stay, a quick search on searchandstay.com can help you discover the perfect vacation rental, holiday rental, or Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Kalmar County and nearby areas.
Why Kalmar County is ideal for a vacation rental experience
Kalmar County is a destination built for relaxed days and memorable moments. Its coastline spans gentle beaches, rocky shores, and pristine archipelago views, while inland you’ll find rolling farmland, forests, and bike-friendly routes. The region is particularly appealing for families and safety-conscious travelers who value accessible services, clear signage, and friendly local hospitality. Availability of various vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Bed and Breakfast choices means you can tailor your stay to your family’s rhythm—whether you want a full kitchen for quick meals, a cozy breakfast nook to start mornings, or a private beach cove just steps from your door. For travelers seeking convenience, many accommodations in Kalmar County offer free parking, reliable Wi-Fi, child-friendly amenities, and easy access to public transport and major roads.
Where to stay in Kalmar County: vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Bed and Breakfast
Vacation rentals: houses, cottages, and lakeside retreats
Vacation rentals in Kalmar County range from waterfront cottages on the Baltic Sea to cozy inland homes that feel like a home-away-from-home. These properties are ideal for families and larger groups who value space, privacy, and a kitchen to prepare meals after day trips. Look for homes with kid-friendly features such as enclosed yards, high chairs, stair gates, and nearby playgrounds. A vacation rental can be your launchpad for a self-guided exploration of Kalmar’s towns, the Öland bridge, or a day-long bike ride along scenic routes. When you book a vacation rental through searchandstay.com, you’ll often find flexible check-in options, clear cancellation policies, and local host recommendations that help you plan downtime between adventures.
Holiday rentals: apartments, villas, and guest houses
Holiday rentals offer a balance of comfort and social space—perfect for couples, smaller families, or friends traveling together. Apartments with sea views in Kalmar’s harbor area make a bright base for exploring the old town on foot, while villas outside the city provide yard space for kids to run and for evenings spent under golden sunset skies. These properties often come with modern kitchens, laundry facilities, and easy laundry cycles after beach days or long bike rides. Searching on searchandstay.com can reveal a curated list of holiday rentals with verified photos, guest reviews, and host recommendations for local eateries and family-friendly activities.
Bed and Breakfast: cozy stays with a personal touch
Bed and Breakfast accommodations in Kalmar County offer a warm, intimate experience with homemade breakfasts and the opportunity to meet local hosts. B&Bs can be a great choice for first-time visitors who want insider tips on the best beaches, viewpoints, and kid-friendly attractions. Expect comfortable rooms, a welcoming environment, and breakfast options that showcase regional produce and Nordic flavors. For safety-conscious travelers, many B&Bs emphasize clean, well-maintained spaces, secure entrances, and easy access to parking and transit links. If you’re seeking a comfortable, authentic stay with a touch of local charm, a Bed and Breakfast in Kalmar County can be an excellent choice, and you can discover dependable listings on searchandstay.com.
Destinations to explore in Kalmar County
Kalmar city: history, harbor, and culture
Kalmar, the county seat, is a lively gateway to the region’s history and coastline. Kalmar Castle stands as a centerpiece of the old town, offering guided tours, medieval exhibits, and family-friendly events that transport visitors back in time. The surrounding waterfront area is perfect for strolls, casual seafood lunches, and boat-watching from the quays. For families, Kalmar’s parks and playgrounds provide downtime between sightseeing, while nearby museums give kids a glimpse into local industry, maritime heritage, and everyday life in this coastal city. When you choose a vacation rental or Bed and Breakfast in Kalmar city, you’ll be within easy reach of cafés, bakeries, and local markets, making every day convenient and relaxed.
Öland: the sunlit island with UNESCO-worthy landscapes
Öland is Sweden’s second-largest island and a defining feature of Kalmar County. The landscape is dramatic and diverse: long, open horizons, limestone coastal cliffs, and the world-famous Stora Alvaret—a vast limestone plain that hosts unique flora and fauna and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Öland is a paradise for cycling, hiking, and beach days, with a relaxed pace that’s ideal for family travel. Towns like Borgholm and Färjestaden offer a range of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Bed and Breakfast options with sea views, easy beach access, and kid-friendly activities. Don’t miss a visit to the Öland’s southern tip for lighthouse views, migratory bird spots at Ottenby Bird Observatory, and sunset strolls along the shore. For accommodations on Öland, searchandstay.com provides a comprehensive list of options to suit any budget and group size.
Borgholm, Färjestaden, and surrounding coastal towns
Borgholm is home to iconic castle ruins and waterfront charm, while Färjestaden serves as a convenient gateway with easy access to the Öland Bridge. These towns offer a mix of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Bed and Breakfast stays that keep you close to beaches, cafés, and local markets. The coastline around these towns is ideal for family outings—gentle shallow waters, calm bays, and safe swimming spots. Whether you’re seeking a small apartment near the harbor or a larger house with a private garden, you’ll find options that emphasize safety, convenience, and comfort.
Activities and local experiences in Kalmar County
Outdoor adventures: beaches, bikes, and boating
The Kalmar archipelago offers unforgettable days on the water. Kayaking along calm coves, paddleboarding near shallow shores, and family-friendly beach days are common highlights. Biking along well-marked routes across Kalmar and Öland is enjoyable for all ages, with routes that skirt coastlines, wind through forests, and reveal rural Sweden at its best. For those who love fishing, several coastal spots permit catch-and-release or local licenses for freshwater and sea fishing. Accommodations in Kalmar County often come with outdoor spaces—yards, decks, or terraces—where families can unwind after a day of exploration.
Cultural experiences and history
Kalmar County is rich in history and culture. In Kalmar, historical museums and the castle tours bring legends to life, while Öland’s landscapes inspire artists, writers, and photographers. Seasonal markets, local craft fairs, and cultural events highlight regional specialties, from glasswork and ceramics to locally produced foods. For wildlife lovers, birdwatching at Ottenby on Öland is a highlight during migration seasons, offering vantage points and guided observations for families and curious travelers alike.
Family-friendly activities and experiences
Family travelers will find Kalmar County welcoming with a mix of gentle nature experiences and interactive museums. Children’s programs at local museums, safe playgrounds, and easy trails make every day doable with strollers and young hikers. Sealife-inspired aquariums, farm visits, and short nature walks are common, short enough to hold little ones’ attention while still feeling like a real adventure. When you search for accommodations in Kalmar County on searchandstay.com, you’ll often see family-friendly features highlighted by hosts, such as cribs, high chairs, baby gates, and nearby family-friendly attractions.
Food, markets, and local specialties
Food lovers will enjoy local produce, seafood caught along the coast, and farm-to-table meals at small eateries and B&Bs. Seasonal markets are a great way to taste regional cheeses, smoked fish, breads, berries, and honey. A stay in Kalmar County can easily pair with a plan to sample coastal flavors, whether it’s a harbor-side lunch with fresh shrimp or a countryside meal featuring vegetables from a nearby farm. When you book a vacation rental or Bed and Breakfast, you often gain access to host recommendations for top local restaurants and hidden-gem eateries, a bonus for families seeking convenient, delicious options after a day of activities.
Planning tips for a smooth trip to Kalmar County
The best time to visit
Summer and early autumn are popular for Kalmar County, with long daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, and water activities at their best. Late spring brings blooming meadows and fewer crowds, while late autumn showcases tranquil beaches and dramatic skies. If you’re traveling with kids, consider school holiday periods when family-friendly events and guided activities are more abundant. Regardless of the season, Kalmar County’s accommodation options—vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and Bed and Breakfasts—offer amenities designed for convenience, safety, and comfort.
Getting around and staying connected
Having a car is a practical choice for exploring Kalmar County, especially if you want to hop between Kalmar city, Öland, and smaller coastal towns. Many vacation rentals include parking, and some host properties provide bicycles for easy rides along shorelines or through villages. Öland Bridge provides straightforward access between Kalmar and Öland for a flexible itinerary. If you prefer public transport, plan your days around regional bus schedules and local ferries where applicable. For booking, compare options on searchandstay.com to find locations with convenient access to roads, ports, and family-friendly amenities.
Safety-conscious and convenient stays
Safety and convenience are top priorities for travelers in Kalmar County. Look for accommodations with clean, well-lit interiors, secure entry points, and reliable hot water and heating. If traveling with children, choose properties with kid-friendly features and nearby pediatric care facilities or pharmacies. Clear house rules, contact information for hosts, and guest reviews help ensure a carefree stay. When you search for lodging on searchandstay.com, you can filter for safety features, accessibility, pet-friendly policies, and other practical needs to fit your family’s routine.
How to find the perfect stay in Kalmar County
Choosing the right vacation rental, holiday rental, or Bed and Breakfast can transform a trip from good to unforgettable. Start by identifying your priorities: space for the whole family, a kitchen for homemade meals, a garden or terrace for sunny afternoons, proximity to beaches, or easy access to Kalmar’s historic sites and Öland’s nature reserves. Use searchandstay.com to filter options by dates, price range, number of guests, and preferred amenities. Read recent guest reviews to get a sense of host responsiveness, the accuracy of listings, and real-world comforts. Look for listings that highlight family-friendly features, safety standards, and dependable local tips. By choosing accommodations with a focus on safety, convenience, and authentic local experiences, you’ll be ready to enjoy Kalmar County to the fullest.
As you plan, consider a balanced itinerary that combines cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and downtime. A typical day might start with a hearty breakfast at a Bed and Breakfast, followed by a morning by the coast or a visit to Kalmar Castle. After lunch, a family-friendly excursion to Öland—perhaps a bike ride along the coast, a visit to Stora Alvar, or a stop at Ottenby for birdwatching—can be followed by a sunset walk and a seafood dinner back in Kalmar. With the right accommodations, your days stay flexible, comfortable, and filled with the kinds of moments that travel memories are made of.
Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Kalmar city, the island-bound magic of Öland, or the quiet beauty of rural villages, Kalmar County is ready to welcome you. For a broad selection of vacation rentals, holiday rentals, Bed and Breakfasts, and other comfortable stays, visit searchandstay.com to find the right accommodation that meets your family’s needs, preferences, and budget.
Plan your Kalmar County getaway today and experience the best of Sweden’s southeast coast—where safety, convenience, and a love for memorable experiences come together in a destination that’s as welcoming as it is beautiful.
Discover accommodations in Kalmar County on searchandstay.com and start building your ideal vacation today.