Kalmar War

The Kalmar War (1611–1613) was fought between Denmark–Norway and Sweden. This war was about who would control the Baltic Sea, an important area for trade.

At first, Denmark–Norway did well in the fighting. However, they could not fully defeat Sweden. Even though Denmark–Norway didn’t win completely, the war was important. It was the last time they successfully kept control of the Baltic Sea from Sweden.

This war showed that both countries were becoming more powerful. It helped shape how these nations interacted with each other and with other countries around the Baltic Sea for many years.

Background

See also: dominium maris baltici

Denmark–Norway controlled the sea route between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Sweden wanted a new trade path through Lapland to avoid paying Denmark's fees, called the Sound Dues.

In 1607, Charles IX of Sweden claimed land in Norwegian areas, even south of Tromsø. Denmark–Norway did not want Sweden to create this new route. They protested, but Charles IX ignored them. In April 1611, Denmark–Norway declared war on Sweden after Sweden claimed part of Northern Norway.

War

Main articles: Siege of Kalmar and Storming of Kristianopel

The Kalmar War was fought between Denmark–Norway and Sweden from 1611 to 1613. Denmark–Norway attacked Sweden, including the city of Kalmar. They captured Kalmar, and the Swedes sank some of their ships to protect them.

Sweden also took some areas in Norway but later left because of local resistance.

As the war went on, Sweden had trouble keeping some important fortresses. Both sides tried to attack each other but could not fully win. With help from England, a peace treaty was signed in 1613. Denmark–Norway kept some areas, but Sweden got the right to trade freely through an important strait.

Aftermath

The Kalmar War helped Denmark–Norway build a strong army that was respected in Europe. But because Denmark–Norway did not win completely, Sweden was able to grow stronger under Gustavus Adolphus. Later, Sweden and Denmark–Norway even worked together for a short time during the Thirty Years' War. But Sweden became stronger and later defeated Denmark–Norway in the Torstenson War, taking control of the Baltic Sea.

The Kalmar War, along with the earlier Northern Seven Years' War, started a long rivalry between Norway and Sweden. After losing a battle in 1814, Norway chose not to be ruled by Sweden and fought back in the Norwegian War of Independence. This led to a treaty where Norway kept most of its independence while staying loosely connected to Sweden until it fully became independent in 1905.

The Baltic Sea was an important trade route, and other countries watched as Denmark–Norway defended its control there. This led to competition from other powerful nations, including Great Britain and the Dutch, who wanted influence in the region.

In popular memory

The Battle of Kringen was a famous event during the Kalmar War. In this battle, Scottish soldiers were defeated by local soldiers from several places in Norway, including Gudbrandsdal, Lesja, Dovre, Vågå, Fron, Lom, Skjåk, and Ringebu. People in Norway still remember and celebrate this battle today.