In Sölvesborg, medieval architectural history, more recent architecture and routes connecting the town, harbour and countryside come together. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether you mainly want to explore historic sites, get around on foot or combine the two. The various routes have different starting points and destinations: the Blekingeleden runs from the travel centre to the harbour, then through the town centre towards Ryssberget; the town walk passes through historic streets.

Architectural history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century

S:t Nicolai Church is Sölvesborg’s only surviving medieval building. Construction of the choir, its oldest part, began around the year 1300. In the early years of the 15th century, the vaults and walls were decorated with magnificent, sometimes burlesque paintings. To the north of the church are the remains of a Carmelite monastery founded in 1486, excavated in 1945. The finds are on display at the Sölvesborg Museum.

Sölvesborg Castle tells another chapter in the town’s history. The ruins date from the 13th century; the castle was the largest and most important of the medieval fortifications in eastern Denmark. The castle ruins and the adjoining castle park are well suited to a visit and a walk. Listers Härads Courthouse adds a more recent architectural note: Gunnar Asplund designed the building, which was constructed between 1917 and 1921 and is protected as a listed building. Sölvesborg Art Gallery is housed in a grain and spirits warehouse that is around 150 years old.

For another historical point of reference, the museum is at Skeppsbrogatan 6, between Stortorget and Fyra Årstiders Park. Together with the archaeological finds from the monastery, it offers a distinct place to visit alongside the buildings and ruins. The town’s history can thus be explored through different periods: from the medieval choir and monastery remains to the castle and 20th-century buildings.

On foot through the town and its surroundings

The first section of the Blekingeleden begins at Sölvesborg travel centre. With views of Sölvesborg Bay and Sölvesborg Bridge, it descends to the harbour. The route then passes through the town centre and continues towards Ryssberget. The town walk has a different focus: it takes you along Sölvesborg’s cobbled streets, lined with historic buildings. You can choose between a route with views of the bay and bridge and a walk focused on the streets and their buildings.

Ryssberget Nature Reserve lies north of the town centre and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. The cycling routes also have different starting points and points of reference: the Banvallsleden begins at Sölvesborg railway station. A section of the Sydostleden passes through Sölvesborg, between Ysane to the north and the town centre. When planning, it is helpful to consider these details separately rather than combining them into a single route.

Views of the water and planning your stay

Sölvesborg Bridge is 760 metres long, carries pedestrians and cyclists, and is among the longest in Europe. From a widened area for stopping, you can enjoy views of the water and town and watch the birdlife. Havsparken offers another connection to the waterfront: it runs from Brofästet along Hamngatan by Sölvesborgsviken. The bridge and park offer different ways to enjoy a stay by the water.

If you are looking for a hotel in Sölvesborg, it helps to decide on your priorities in advance: are historic buildings and the museum your main focus, are you interested in routes through the town, or are you planning time in the nature reserve to the north? The places and routes described here give you specific themes to explore, without requiring you to follow a set order.

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