Vstervik Municipality is a municipality in Kalmar County, in south-eastern Sweden, with its seat in the town of Vstervik (pop. 20,000)
The town is located by the water and has historically been well suited for harbour industry, and has a popular archipelago.
Vstervik was mentioned the first time in 1275 but at a somewhat different location. In 1433 Eric of Pommarania decided to give it a chart and move it to its present location at a strategically important location, and close to the castle of Stegeholm. In the ensueing centuries Vstervik suffered attacks from hostile armies. It was more or less completely demolished five times between 1450 and 1700. Despite this, King Gustav Vasa established a ship industry here in the 16th century, wherefrom ships sailed to Germany and the Baltic states, and from the 17th century they sailed to Portugal too.
In the 18th century peace finally ensued, and the ship industry was expanded, increasing the ship routes down to the Mediterranian.
Today
Every year since 1966 there is a ballad festival in Vstervik, at the ruins of the Stegeholm castle. The city still bases much of its industry on factory on its harbour, and on the industries that were established as a result of it in the late 19th century.
Natives
Ellen Key (18461926) author, feminist
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