Valdemarsvik
| Valdemarsvik | |
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Valdemarsvik postcard 1913
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 Valdemarsvik
Valdemarsvik
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| Coordinates: 58°12′N 16°36′E / 58.200°N 16.600°ECoordinates: 58°12′N 16°36′E / 58.200°N 16.600°E | |
| Country | Sweden |
| Province |
Östergötland and Småland |
| County | Östergötland County |
| Municipality | Valdemarsvik Municipality |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.89 km2 (1.12 sq mi) |
| Population (31 December 2010) | |
| • Total | 2,772 |
| • Density | 959/km2 (2,480/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
Valdemarsvik is a locality, situated alongside the bay of Valdemarsviken which connects to the Baltic Sea. It is the seat of Valdemarsvik Municipality which is located in Östergötland County, Sweden. The coastal area is a popular summer destination, particularly with Swedish tourists.
Valdemarsvik is surrounded by water. However, after the end of the last glacial period, it lay beneath the sea level. As a result of post-glacial rebound, the water withdrew as the land rose. The resulting appearance of fertile soil drew settlers in the Bronze Age, around 1500 BC. The surrounding archipelago has had a bloody history: remains of shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea and Viking era remnants witness of battles from that time. Industrialization occurred during the 1630s, when Valdemarsvik became a trade port for copper and leather; one of Sweden's largest tanneries was located in Valdemarsvik. The town's name was first mentioned in 1664.
Sailing to the Gryt archipelago to swim and fish is a popular summertime activity. Boat excursions and jetski rentals are also available.
Free access to the nearby forests is made possible by allemansrätten, or freedom to roam. The forests provide opportunities for mushroom hunters and berry pickers, as well as wildlife spotting: the moose, largest species in the deer family as well as a symbol of Swedish nature, is a common sight.
Other recreational activities include bicycle rentals, golf, cinemas, canoeing, riding, and museums. The internationally famed glass artist, sculptor and painter Milan Wobruba has a studio, where visitors have the opportunity to be involved in glass blowing and the manufacture of glass. An "October Market", held every October 4, is both a market, with a range of goods to be sold, and a fair, featuring acrobats, cotton candy, live music and various amusement rides.
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Wikipedia