When Västervik was founded at its current location in 1433 by Eric of Pomerania, the inhabitants were granted four tax-free years, the first of which was to build a church. Services were held here for nearly 500 years, with the last high mass on the Feast of Christ the King (Domssöndagen) in 1905. The new church, St Peter's, was consecrated on the first Advent of the same year. Since then, St Gertrud's was used for various purposes, including for grain storage during the First World War. Eventually, the idea to restore the church as a place of worship emerged, and St Gertrud's was re-consecrated on 18th June 1933. The church's original tower, destroyed by lightning during a service in 1762, was replaced in the 1780s by the current one, designed by the renowned architect Carl-Fredrik Adelcratz. Among the church's many valuable artefacts is a Wistenius organ from 1743, considered one of Sweden's most precious organs.

The Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Byway covers 700 years of history. The seven-mile stretch of road takes you through the centuries of Hawaii’s Alii, or the ruling class. You will be led past four of Kona's seven “Royal Centers,” which were the sacred locations chosen due to an abundance of natural resources and recreational value. These centers were reserved for the kings and queens of Hawaii. Count among them Hulihee Palace (one of three palaces in the United States), the royal surfing grounds of Kahaluu, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church and several heiau, or sites of sacred Hawaiian temples.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a gigantic playground for both adults and children. Focusing on natural sciences and technology, the museum features several labs in five exhibition halls – chemistry, paleontology, space, and more. You can also explore the USS Blueback Submarine and a planetarium. The Empirical Café and Theory Restaurant will provide you with refreshments if needed.