• The low wooden boatswain or bosun cottages dates back to the 18th century

    Sweden

    Västervik

Provided by: Imfoto/Shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
Casimirsborg Country House

Casimirsborg Country House

Casimirsborg, a historic estate dating back to 1380, features parts of its original castle in the cellar vaults. The current building, from 1829, boasts period details like the grand salon, the largest private hall in Tjust and northern Småland, and a unique neo-Gothic chapel. It houses a cultural museum in the old granary, showcasing exhibitions on agricultural history, the Bronze Age, and painted floors. The estate also holds significant Bronze Age remains, indicating its past as a regional power centre. With untouched Bronze Age environments, Casimirsborg offers popular guided tours combining lectures with visits to ancient graves and rock carvings.
Read more
Gladhammar Mines

Gladhammar Mines

Gladhammar Mines, among Sweden's oldest, reveal a rich history of metal extraction dating back to the 12th century. The site, once pivotal in cobalt and copper mining, now offers a glimpse into its industrious past with informative displays and scenic spots for visitors to enjoy. A short trail leads past the mines to a serene lake, perfect for a reflective stroll. Although the deep shafts are safely cordoned off, the area remains a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Read more
Båtsmansgränd — the Boatman's Alley

Båtsmansgränd — the Boatman's Alley

Båtsmansgränd is a narrow alley located in Gamla Öster, the area above the harbour. Here, you'll find eight quaint, timber-framed boatmen's cottages, constructed in the 1740s. Their simple yet traditional design reflects the era's architectural style. Originally, they served as homes for the boatmen and their families, whom Västervik town was obliged to equip on behalf of the Crown. In the first half of the 20th century, the cottages housed members of the citizens' fire brigade. In the 1970s, these now heritage-listed cottages were converted into a hostel, available for rent in the summer.
Read more
Psychiatric Museum Västervik

Psychiatric Museum Västervik

Västervik's hospital, opened in 1912, was established due to the acute need for psychiatric care facilities. The hospital functioned as a self-contained community, housing approximately 1,400 patients and 900 staff at its peak. It was a closed world, now revealed at the Psychiatric Museum. The museum is housed in a former ward restored to its original condition. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the care practices during the hospital's operational days. The museum also features photographs from that era. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are several smaller events organized each year.
Read more
St Gertrud's Church

St Gertrud's Church

When Västervik was founded at its current location in 1433 by Eric of Pomerania, the inhabitants were granted four tax-free years, the first of which was to build a church. Services were held here for nearly 500 years, with the last high mass on the Feast of Christ the King (Domssöndagen) in 1905. The new church, St Peter's, was consecrated on the first Advent of the same year. Since then, St Gertrud's was used for various purposes, including for grain storage during the First World War. Eventually, the idea to restore the church as a place of worship emerged, and St Gertrud's was re-consecrated on 18th June 1933. The church's original tower, destroyed by lightning during a service in 1762, was replaced in the 1780s by the current one, designed by the renowned architect Carl-Fredrik Adelcratz. Among the church's many valuable artefacts is a Wistenius organ from 1743, considered one of Sweden's most precious organs.
Read more
Narrow-gauge Railway Hultsfred–Västervik

Narrow-gauge Railway Hultsfred–Västervik

Welcome to the Nordic region's longest narrow-gauge railway between Hultsfred and Västervik. Smalspåret is a living museum showcasing the railway journey some 40–50 years ago. In the summer, both steam trains and railbuses roll along the tracks, with booked tours for groups available year-round. Designated by the Swedish National Heritage Board as one of the country's most interesting industrial monuments, the railway traverses scenic landscapes, alongside lakes and past steep mountains.
Read more