Karlskrona was founded in 1680, when Charles XI ordered a new naval base to be built there. The Naval Port of Karlskrona is an outstanding example of a planned European naval city from the late 17th century. The original town plan and many buildings have remained intact; the well-preserved architecture and town plan led to its World Heritage status in 1998. Karlskrona offers a chance to see how closely the city’s history is linked to its role as a naval base.
Maritime history at the museum
The Naval Museum on Stumholmen in central Karlskrona is dedicated to Swedish naval defence from 1522 to the present day. As Sweden’s national museum on this subject, it offers more than 20 exhibitions covering the period from the 16th century to the Cold War; the exhibition layout may change over time. Visitors can enter the Cold War-era submarine Neptune in the Submarine Hall; access restrictions may apply. The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Karlskrona Travel Center.
The Blekinge Museum, with its exhibitions about Blekinge County, and the Karlskrona Porcelain Museum offer further insights into the region’s history. The latter displays porcelain from the factory’s entire production period, from 1918 to 1968. A private guided tour can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance; availability may vary by season.
Archipelago, coast and protected nature
The Municipality of Karlskrona includes an archipelago with 1,650 islands. The landscape ranges from coastal islands and skerries to coastal meadows, juniper heaths and deciduous forests, as well as coniferous forests farther north. There are 25 nature reserves in total, protecting archipelago, agricultural, deciduous forest and mixed forest landscapes. The municipality also offers many different waterfront spots for swimming: Karlskrona has 32 official bathing sites and hundreds of swimming coves. Local conditions may change.
Torhamns udde is a particularly distinctive natural and cultural area. It has been a nature reserve since 1977 and is also part of the Natura 2000 network. The open cultural landscape preserves numerous archaeological remains and a long cultural history. Torhamns udde is a popular birdwatching destination, especially during spring and autumn migration. Facilities on site also include a bird station and an accessible birdwatching tower.
The Skärva Nature Reserve is home to species-rich deciduous forests, beaches, meadows, pastures, groves and wetlands. Skärva Herrgård adds an architectural chapter to this landscape: the manor house was built in 1785–86 as a summer residence for shipyard admiral F. H. Chapman. Its unusual design combines local and vernacular building traditions with classical architecture.
Trails and experiences for different interests
Those wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find municipal exercise and hiking trails with a total length of 26 Swedish miles. Blekingeleden is the longest hiking trail offered by the municipality. On Tjurkö, the marked Tjurkö Cultural Trail runs for 1.5 kilometres past historic and reconstructed buildings, the harbour and an old quarry. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. Nature and culture in the Karlskrona area can also be experienced by bicycle, kayak or boat.
Wämöparken brings together culture, nature and an amusement park. Visitors can walk along Vilsestigen and explore the park’s cultural buildings. Barnens Gård in Lyckeby offers animals, water play and large play areas for the whole family; some activities are seasonal. Each attraction has its own focus, from a walk to a visit with games and animals.
The islands also reveal different sides of the area. On Tjurkö, Skärgårdskraft konst & hantverksförening showcases the local design tradition through arts and crafts during the summer season; check before your visit to see whether it is currently open. The attractions also include a stone-cutting exhibition, antiques and curiosities, furniture, Karlskrona porcelain, a café and ice cream. Tjurkö also preserves the legacy of its large-scale stone industry. On Senoren, potatoes and sweet strawberries are considered typical island produce.
Planning island visits
The free Aspöleden car and road ferry connects Karlskrona with Aspö; the crossing takes 25 minutes. Check the timetable before travelling. On Aspö, Drottningskär Citadel is part of the Naval Port of Karlskrona World Heritage Site. Guided tours and seasonal family activities, such as the Commander’s Challenge, are offered there. Kungsholms Fort can be visited on guided tours in summer; independent access is not possible. The fort also has a museum about its history.
The archipelago ferry runs regularly from Fisketorget in central Karlskrona to the Herrgårdsviken landing on Tjurkö and also offers sightseeing trips around the archipelago. Timetables and services vary by season; check connections before travelling. This lets you put together visits to historic sites, museums and coastal landscapes to suit your interests.
Discover more destinations: Rödeby, Drottningskär, Fågelmara, Karlskrona, Kristianopel, Nävragöl, Torhamn, Tving, Ramdala, Holmsjö, Nättraby, Lyckeby, Jämjö, Sturkö, Hasslö, Ebbenäs.
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