Västervik

Come and witness the traditional methods of brickmaking from the olden days. Observe the time-honoured techniques and simple tools used in brick production. The manufacturing in Almvik started in the beginning of the 17th century. Since the mill was shut down in 1971, the brickworks transformed into a fascinating and popular museum, preserved exactly as it was when the factory shut down.

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.

Take a stroll up the 80-metre-high Garpedansberget. At the top, you'll discover an intriguing sculpture park set in an enchanting natural environment. The park features 87 sculptures of trolls, gnomes, goblins, nymphs, elves, snakes, fairies, dragons and other mythical creatures, ensuring a delightful family experience complemented by a spectacular view over Gamlebyviken.

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.