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.

The local institution has supported disadvantaged women for decades now, offering training in fabric processing, craft-making, sewing, and other practical skills. Hand-made products created by learners and graduates may be purchased at the adjacent shop at very reasonable prices.

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.