Oskarshamn

The town of Oskarshamn was founded in 1856 on the site of a former fishing settlement and named after the then king, Oscar I. Oskarshamn lies at the northern end of the Kalmar Strait, which separates mainland Sweden from the island of Öland, on Sweden’s southern Baltic coast in Kalmar County. Naturally, Oskarshamn’s life revolves around the Baltic Sea, and its harbour is the starting point for ferry services to the islands of Gotland (Visby) and Öland (Byxelkrok). In summer, ferries also call at Blå Jungfru, a granite island in the middle of the Kalmar Strait, within sight of Oskarshamn. The island is a national park and may only be visited under supervision.

Enchanting nature and plenty of sunshine—that is Oskarshamn’s motto. The archipelago off the town boasts more than 5,400 islands, making it a recreational area in its own right.
History is very much alive in Oskarshamn: cobblestones still pave the streets in the oldest parts of town.
Oskarshamn comes alive in summer and hosts a unique event known as the Offshore Race. Some of Sweden’s best-known artists perform against a backdrop of almost deserted cliffs.
One relic of the town’s history is the world’s longest and oldest wooden sofa. This 72-metre-long wooden bench, built in 1867, still offers a place to sit today. It was originally made for the wives of sailors and fishermen, who could sit here and watch their husbands head out to sea.

Oskarshamn is surrounded by numerous beaches, campsites, holiday homes and leisure activities, stretching from Figeholm in the north—with its maritime museum and sailing harbour—to Paskallavik in the south. Two golf clubs and an adventure golf course with artificial turf set among the rocks invite visitors to enjoy this popular Swedish pastime. The archipelago is also ideal for canoeing, and trips can follow the Emån River upstream; it flows into the Baltic Sea at Paskallavik. A special attraction is the East Coast Activity Centre near Saltvik, just a few kilometres north of Oskarshamn. Visitors of all ages can take on challenges in climbing, kayaking, sailing and more.

You can book your holiday home in Oskarshamn directly.