Nybro is a town in Kalmar County in southeastern Sweden. It is the seat of the local municipality, in an area that was once a part of the historical Swedish province of Småland. Known for centuries as a resting spot for the many travelers through the area, the industrialization also made it known for its glass and forestry industries. It is especially the two glassworks of Nybro and Pukeberg that stand out. This is, after all, a part of Glasriket, or the “Kingdom of Crystal” in English. Other famous glassworks within Glasriket include Kosta Boda and Orrefors. In addition to the two glassworks, there is a population of around 13,500 inhabitants that call Nybro their home.
A Short History of Nybro
Nybro was for centuries a resting area for travelers between Kalmar and Växjö. Its location was at the bridge across the steam Bolanders Bäck and an inn was established at the river crossing. A new bridge was built in 1824 and the small settlement received its current name Nybro. A tannery was established at the same time and additional smaller industries followed during the first half of the 19th century.
Nybro became a market town in 1865 and had at the time close to 300 inhabitants. Important industries at the end of the 19th century were the Gustaf Kähr AB within wood turning and the glasswork Pukaberg. Pukaberg is one of the oldest of its kind in Sweden. The rapid industrialization resulted in a growing settlement that eventually received its town status in 1932.
The town of today has most of its layout and constructions dating back to the 1960s and onward. It was at this time that most of the older buildings were replaced to make room for new neighborhoods. It was also in the following two decades that Nybro reached its peak population of around 13,000 inhabitants.
Things to Do and See
The stream Bolanders Bäck still flows through the center of Nybro. Next to the small stream is one of the main squares and the main street Storgatan. It is here and along the adjacent streets that you will find most of the central shops and restaurants. Following Storgatan you will soon see Nybro Church from 1934. Prior to that, you will have passed by the town hall as well as Kristallen and Folkan, the local cultural center and cinema.
Pukeberg Glasbruk
The glasswork of Pukeberg was founded in 1871 and is one of the oldest ones in Sweden. It is part of the “Kingdom of Crystal” and small-scale production is still ongoing here. In addition to the small factory shop, this is a display of the area’s industrial heritage.
Nybro Glasbruk
Nybro Glasbruk was established in 1935 and is still in operation. Here you will find a factory shop, but not much more. There is not the same industrial history here as at Pukeberg.
Glas i Centrum
Glas i Centrum is one of the sculptures in the center of Nybro. It was inaugurated in 1968 and stands in front of the town hall. It was designed by Vicke Lindstrand and has become a symbol for the town and its glassworks.
Svartbäcksmåla
On the southeastern outskirt of Nybro is the recreational area of Svartbäcksmåla. Here you will find a large area of activities almost hidden in the surrounding nature. There are several paths here for hiking, running, and even cycling. Well, maybe more fit for a mountain bike than a regular bike. For kids, there is also a large playground.
James Bond 007 Museum
Believe it or not, there is a James Bond Museum in Småland. The collection has been growing since 1965 and is on display at the local James Bond exhibition.
Nybro Vikings IF & Liljas Arena
Nybro Vikings IF is the local ice hockey club that as of the season 2023-24 is one of the new teams in Hockeyallsvenskan, the second-tier league of Sweden. They were promoted from HockeyEttan in 2023, a return to Hockeyallsvenskan after a several-year-long tour in the lower leagues. This is their 30th season in the second-tier league of Sweden. They have had one tour in the top-tier league, that was for two seasons between 1968 and 1970.
The team has their home in Liljas Arena. The arena was inaugurated already in 1963, as the fourth indoor ice rink in Sweden. Its original name was Victoriahallen. That was up until 2016 when the company Liljas Personbilar AB purchased the naming rights. The arena has today a capacity of 2,380 spectators, but its record dates back to 1970 and a game between Nybro IF and INgsryd AIF. That time 4,027 spectators entered the area to see the game.
How to Get to Nybro
- Flights: The nearest larger airport is Kalmar Öland Airport (KLR) to the east.
- Car: Nybro is located at the intersection between Road 25 and Road 31, just to the west of Kalmar.
- Train: Krösatåg, SJ, and Öresundståg have trains to and from Nybro. Destinations include Copenhagen, Emmaboda, Gothenburg, and Kalmar.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Nybro with the surrounding area.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 433 kilometers (4 h 40 min)
- Gothenburg – 309 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
- Malmö – 254 kilometers (3 h)
- Linköping – 224 kilometers (3 h)
- Kiruna – 1669 kilometers (17 h 50 min)
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