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Västervik
A panorama of Västervik from the roof of St. Gertruds Church.
A panorama of Västervik from the roof of St. Gertruds Church.
Västervik is located in Kalmar
Västervik
Västervik
Location in Kalmar
Västervik is located in Sweden
Västervik
Västervik
Location in Sweden
Country Sweden Sweden
Province Småland
County Kalmar County
Municipality Västervik Municipality
Area
 • Total 12.92 km2 (4.99 sq mi)
Elevation
6 m (20 ft)
Population
 (31 December 2021)
 • Total 36,747
 • Density 1,637/km2 (4,240/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
593 80
Area code(s) (+46) 49
Climate Cfb
Västervik från Norrholmen
Västervik around 1900

Västervik is a city in Sweden. It is the main town in Västervik Municipality, located in Kalmar County. In 2021, about 36,747 people lived there. Västervik is one of the biggest coastal towns in the Småland area.

Västervik's Climate

Suecia 3-081 ; Västervik
Västervik in Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna

Västervik has a climate that is a mix between an oceanic climate and a humid continental climate. This means it has clear differences between its seasons. Summers are usually warm, and winters are cold.

The main weather station that collects information for the area is in Gladhammar. This town is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Västervik. The weather in Västervik is very similar to Gladhammar. However, because Västervik is right on the coast, its overnight temperatures might be a bit different.

Climate data for Gladhammar 2002-2016 for temperatures; Västervik 1961-1990 for precipitation
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 12.1
(53.8)
16.5
(61.7)
21.8
(71.2)
26.8
(80.2)
29.0
(84.2)
33.2
(91.8)
34.0
(93.2)
33.6
(92.5)
28.3
(82.9)
24.0
(75.2)
15.4
(59.7)
13.6
(56.5)
34.0
(93.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 1.2
(34.2)
2.2
(36.0)
5.8
(42.4)
11.7
(53.1)
16.6
(61.9)
20.6
(69.1)
23.3
(73.9)
22.1
(71.8)
18.3
(64.9)
11.2
(52.2)
6.4
(43.5)
3.0
(37.4)
11.9
(53.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) −1.5
(29.3)
−0.9
(30.4)
1.6
(34.9)
6.2
(43.2)
10.9
(51.6)
14.8
(58.6)
17.8
(64.0)
16.8
(62.2)
13.3
(55.9)
7.5
(45.5)
3.7
(38.7)
0.4
(32.7)
7.6
(45.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −4.1
(24.6)
−4.0
(24.8)
−2.6
(27.3)
0.7
(33.3)
5.1
(41.2)
9.0
(48.2)
12.3
(54.1)
11.4
(52.5)
8.2
(46.8)
3.8
(38.8)
1.0
(33.8)
−2.2
(28.0)
3.2
(37.8)
Record low °C (°F) −31.4
(−24.5)
−33.1
(−27.6)
−26.5
(−15.7)
−15.3
(4.5)
−4.5
(23.9)
−0.1
(31.8)
4.5
(40.1)
2.1
(35.8)
−4.0
(24.8)
−10.2
(13.6)
−13.8
(7.2)
−25.8
(−14.4)
−33.1
(−27.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 42.0
(1.65)
30.7
(1.21)
32.4
(1.28)
36.0
(1.42)
43.3
(1.70)
45.1
(1.78)
67.6
(2.66)
49.4
(1.94)
59.9
(2.36)
45.9
(1.81)
53.1
(2.09)
50.8
(2.00)
559.5
(22.03)
Source 1: SMHI
Source 2: SMHI Monthly Data 2002-2015

Västervik's Economy

Västervik's economy still relies a lot on its harbour. Many businesses started because of the harbour in the late 1800s. Some factories have closed down, like Electrolux, which meant some people lost their jobs.

Near Västervik, you can find Fårhultsmasten. This is a very tall tower, about 335 meters (1,099 feet) high. It is used for sending out FM radio and TV signals. It is one of the tallest structures in Sweden.

Culture in Västervik

Every year since 1966, Västervik hosts a folk music festival. This popular event takes place at the old ruins of the Stegeholm castle. The area is also home to many talented artists, including potters, craftspeople, and painters.

Sports and Fun in Västervik

Västervik is a very popular place to visit in the summer. Many people come here for holidays, especially in July. It's a favorite spot for people who enjoy sailing their yachts, camping, or just visiting for the day. Many former residents also return for summer visits.

The city offers lots of outdoor activities. You can go climbing, canoeing, or sailing. There are also many islands nearby to explore and stay on.

Björn Ulvaeus, who grew up in Västervik, is a famous member of the pop group ABBA. He is building a new tourist area near the Stegeholm castle. It will include a hotel, a restaurant, and apartments. This new project is expected to attract even more visitors to Västervik.

On the edge of the city, there is a speedway stadium called the Ljungheden. This is where the local speedway team, Västervik Speedway, competes.

Other Places Named Västervik

Västervik is also the name of a small village in Finland. It is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Vaasa. The name "Västervik" simply means "western bay." Because of this, there might be other small places with the same name.

Famous People from Västervik

  • Ellen Key, a well-known author and feminist
  • Björn Ulvaeus, one of the four members of the famous pop group ABBA
  • Alice Babs, a popular singer
  • Stefan Edberg, a famous tennis player
  • Ulf Grenander, a scientist who worked with statistics and computers
  • Magnus Härenstam, a comedian, actor, and TV host
  • Ola Källenius, a top leader at Daimler AG
  • Carl Rosenblad, a racing car driver

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Västervik para niños

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