The small coastal city of Oskarshamn is just 47 miles north of the regional capital city, Kalmar. It grew up behind its busy harbour and has a heritage as a ship-building centre, which has now been supplemented by a thriving Scania truck factory and large nuclear power station. The harbour is also a centre of tourist trips to some of the 5, islands in the Oskarshamn Archipelago. Visitors who hire a car in Oskarshamn have an opportunity to visit the rest of the Kalmar area, including the World Heritage site on the island of Oland and the scenic coastline of the Kalmar Strait.
Hire a car in Oskershamn to fully explore the city and its immediate surroundings. The harbour is the first major sight: there are great views across the lively waterfront and to the islands beyond. Don't miss the gigantic 19th century wooden bench designed especially for enjoying the views: at 236 feet long, it's one of the longest benches in Europe. Another spot to enjoy the panoramic views is from the spectacular public viewing gallery at the top of the city's water tower. Wander the old quarter of Oskershamn to see plenty of 19th-century wooden houses. Other highlights include the Fredriksbergs Herrgård manor house, the city's maritime museum and the old preserved studio of renowned wood-carver Axel Petersson Döderhultarn.
