Valdemarsvik is closely connected with water and here you find the legendary archipelagos of Gryt and Tjust, including the island of Harstena, still known for sealing activities in the past, the small fishing community of Fyrudden and the old shipping trade centre Skeppsgården.
Since the 17th century, the old village of Gusum has been renowned for the manufacturing of brass products. Today there is a museum showing both the history of the former factory of Gusums Bruk and antiquities produced there. Nowadays Gusum is known for first-class brass and glass crafts in modern design.

Within the rural district of Valdemarsvik there is 150 km of the well-known trail Östgötaleden. The trail runs through the varied countryside of this region, mixed forests, fields and rolling pastures.