On January 20, 1613, a peace treaty was signed in the village between Denmark and Sweden, which ended the Kalmar war. Sweden had to pay one million Reichsthalers - spread over six years - to keep the fortress Älvsborg. The memorial stone to this peace treaty is located near the hamlet Sjöared ..
The Kalmark War (Swedish Kalmarkriget) from 1611 to 1613 indicates a military conflict between the kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden.
Nominally it was about the title of "King of the Lapp", which claimed both the Danish-Norwegian King Christian IV and the Swedish King Charles IX, at that time already married to Christine of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf, for themselves (Already since 1607 Karl IX drove taxes in Finnmark). In fact, however, economic interests were crucial, as the trade in fish and furs from the Finnmark in the north of Scandinavia claimed by both countries was highly profitable. Another reason was the endeavor of Christians IV. And Charles IX. after the predominance in the Baltic region.
After Charles IX. Negotiations over the contentious issues had refused, both states mutually declared the war. After the death of Charles IX. In October 1611, the war was continued by the only 17-year-old heir apparent Gustav II Adolf, who had already enjoyed an excellent military training at this time.
In May 1612 succeeded the predominantly German mercenary Danish troops, the fortress Älvsborg (Danish Elfsborg) on Göta älv and thus the only access of Sweden to the Kattegat take, in August Kalmar was occupied. In the same year Swedish troops burned down the then Danish city Vä (Danish: Væ) in Schonen.
Through the mediation of England and the Netherlands, the Treaty of Knäred was signed on 20 January 1613. Sweden had to cede the Finnmark to Denmark. Although it got back Kalmar, but had until 1618 pay a million Taler compensation to the Danish King Christian IV. Until the final payment in 1619, the fortress Älvsborg remained in Danish hands.