Founded in 1680 as Sweden’s primary naval base, Karlskrona is surrounded by islands. Ships transit a beautiful archipelago and a series of fortresses en route to the Karlskrona’s harbor. Ships that dock at the city center put passengers within a five-minute walk of attractions. Most ships, however, must anchor, and cruise passengers enjoy a short tender past forts to a landing at the Naval Museum, a five-minute walk from the city center.
Hear how a local would spend one perfect day in Karlskrona.
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Situated on Sweden’s southwest coast, Karlskrona has been home to the Royal Swedish Navy since the 17th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city features a well-preserved dockyard and fortification, as well as a town layout that dates back to the Baroque period. Excursions from Karlskrona include archipelago cruises, featuring a stop at Kungsholm fortress; tours to Sweden’s crystal center; and Brändaholm, a popular area for walks.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Karlskrona’s well-preserved dockyards dating back from the 17th and 18th century.
Churches
Visit Sweden’s largest wooden church (Admiralty Church in Karlskrona).
Maritime Museums
The Karlskrona Naval Shipyard (pictured) is one of few dockyards in the world where it is still possible to see buildings and docks specially designed for the construction of sailing warships. Karlskrona’s National Naval Museum dates back to 1752 when Adolf Fredrik, then the King of Sweden, decreed that a Ship’s Model Room be established. Ever since, the museum has been charged with the collection and preservation of artifacts that document the history and development of the Swedish Navy. The Museum houses a unique collection of figureheads.
In Karlskrona we want you to experience something special. Baroque grandeur, stately churches, esplanades and a flourishing city beckon people to the outdoors. This was once Sweden’s second largest city, the main square was created to be a garden of delights. Entertainment and cultural events abound.
Spend a day in the best little cruise port in Sweden! Away from congestion, lines and irritation. In Karlskrona you dock in the middle of the city, with walking distance to the major attractions and the city centre. The anchorage for the mega cruise ships is located in the midst of the historical naval area of the city, with a few minutes transfer for the tenders.
It is no coincidence that Karlskrona has been the leading naval centre in southern Sweden. Already in the 17th century the military leaders found that Karlskrona had a strategic location and a safe harbour. The town has since been the home port for a large part of the naval fleet of Sweden. In 1998 Karlskrona was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, recognising the unique layout of the town with roots in the baroque and the well preserved dockyard and systems for fortification.
A unique attraction is the Naval Museum on Stumholmen. The museum houses a comprehensive permanent collection and presents numerous temporary exhibitions relating to the history of the Navy and the dockyards. But it is indeed a living modern city with prosperous industry, home of major telecom companies and hitech developers. With the prosperous industry comes an array of restaurants and bars for every palate. And certainly shopping opportunities galore!
Within easy reach are numerous interesting tours – to the famous crystal mills about an hour’s bus ride from the city and exploring the archipelago where quaint fishing villages co-exist with the remains of naval installations. The area truly lives up to the nickname ‘the Garden of Sweden’ with breathtaking views of a nature that is blessed.
We welcome you to Karlskrona and promise that we will do out utmost to make your stay interesting, pleasant and memorable.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Karlskrona.
