Conquest of Kalmar

The Conquest of Kalmar (Erövringen av Kalmar) took place on May 27 1523 during the Swedish War of Liberation (1521-1523). In the beginning of 1523, Kalmar and Stockholm remained as the only real Danish strongholds in Sweden. The situation in Kalmar is tense, with many German Landsknechte mercenaries in Danish hire stationed in the city. These had been ordered that when the city was attacked, they would kill all burghers of Swedish origin, burn the city and castle, retreat and regroup in Visby, Gotland.

When this order became known in the city, the inhabitants quickly made contact with the commanders of the besieging Swedish forces, Arvid Västgöte and Peder Hansson. An agreement was made, that the burghers would leave the northern city gate open on the night before May 27. This was done, and the attack began. Before dawn, the city was in Swedish hands. Eight days later Kalmar Castle surrendered as well, and Arvid Västgöte continued on to cleanse Öland of Danish troops.