Cities and Towns in Europe
Kalmar is a cute medieval town with a spectacular castle. The old part has cobbled streets and well-preserved colourful wooden buildings from mostly the 17th- and 18th-century. The grand cathedral on the main square is also worth a look. Kalmar played an important part in Scandinavian history, as it was here Denmark, Norway and Sweden were united in the Kalmar Union in 1397, an union which lasted about 125 years.
Karlskrona town is spread across 33 connected islands. The Naval Port is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the impressive 17th- and 18th-century naval architecture. Even to this day many of the fortresses and buildings are under the control of Sweden's only remaining naval base. Unfortunately, this means visiting some of the places (like Kungsholm Fortress and Drottningskär Citadel) is only possible on guided tours. Karlskrona's charm is best discovered from bicycling along the waterfront or kayaking among the whopping 1,650 islands, which make out Karlskrona Archipelago.
Lund is the second oldest still-existing city in Sweden. Founded in the 10th century and later in the 12th century spiffed up with what will become one of the grandest cathedral in Scandinavia. The first school was also founded here in the 11th century (and is still in use today), along with the first (kind of) university in 15th century. Today, the adorable historical city centre is a charming blend of striking buildings among cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. There are several fine museums and since Lund still is a big university town, there is a thriving student community - with an equal thriving bar scene (in Swedish terms).
Most visitors to Malmö focus their attention to the historical center, which is truly understandable. There are pretty water canals, parks, and Little Square is very inviting with cobbled stones and a row of cafes. But interesting things are also happening at the waterfront. The old industrial area have been transformed into a new sustainable neighbourhood. Water canals cut through the architect designed apartment buildings where high ceilings and open views across Oresund are some of the qualities. It’s also here in Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour) that you find the huge skate park Stapelbäddsparken and Malmö’s only true skyscraper, Turning Torso, which twists 200 m into the sky.
Due to its fine pebble stone beaches and proximity to Kullaberg Nature Reserve, this cute little fishing village has been a summer holiday spot for more than a century. There are charming wooden houses and several traditional seaside hotels. However, in off season it can feel quite deserted.
Cute Sigtuna is a true charmer. It was the first capital of Sweden (before Uppsala and then Stockholm), so the main street dates back to the 10th-century and is believed to be the oldest in Sweden. There are several stone ruins of Medieval churches and the town hall (the smallest in Sweden) still stands as it was, when it was built in 1744. The houses (old and new) along the main street are colorful and the small marina is popular.
As European Old Towns go, Stockholm's historical centre does not get the attention it deserves. Dating back some 700 years, the collection of cobble-stones alleyways and archaic architecture have had their ups and downs. Housing some of the city's most important landmarks and buildings (parliament, cathedral, museums) there was a time when the islet was considered a slum. However, years of effort and a bunch of cash have seen the old centre restored to its former beauty. Nowadays, the past and the present are inter-tangled with old shops, cafes and hotels attracting countless visitors every year. While the main thoroughfares can get a little congested with tourist hordes, with a seemingly endless supply of tiny little back alleys, solitude is never too far away.
Picturesque Vadstena lies right out to Vättern, the second largest lake in Sweden. The town's most famous landmark is the Vadstena Castle, built by King Gustav I in the mid 16th-century. The town's marina stretches from the castle to the shore of the lake, and since Vättern is connected to the Baltic sea by channels and lakes, there are boats from many places. There is a tiny patch of sand on the shore in front of the castle. The charming historical center attracts a fair bit of tourists and so does the imposing abbey, which is located right at the waterfront.
UNESCO enlisted Visby is perhaps the coolest town in Sweden, and certainly one of the most pleasant. For one thing, it’s enclosed by a thick stone wall, with several relatively intact portals and towers, dating back to the 12th and 13th century. The town itself consists of cute little stone and wooden houses, cobble-stone streets (only residents may drive here in summer), an abundance of roses and gorgeous views of the Baltic Sea. Add a host of cafes, restaurants, craft and deli shops and nearby beaches, and you’ve got your perfect summer destination. Because that’s what it is: a summer destination. In July, downtown Visby never sleeps as the party moves here from Stockholm, and in August the town goes medieval-crazy. But quiet corners are never far away, and if you visit in winter, although far gloomier, the snow-covered stone ruins are no less beautiful.
Diyarbakir is famous for PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), watermelons and the old walled city, where the last one is the reason to come here. The city wall is at places restored to polished monument while at others it is a crumbled adobe wall. You can climb it and walk along sections, which offer great views over the charming old town and its narrow twisting lanes with buzzing bazaar atmosphere. Hidden in corners of the cramped quarters you can find historical buildings like the restored Armenian church and the four-pillar minaret. You could easily spend several days exploring Diyarbakir old town - or just sitting in shady corner sipping Kurdish coffee.