Karlskrona: World Heritage, naval history and archipelago nature

Karlskrona was founded in 1680 as the site of a new naval base. The Naval Port of Karlskrona is considered an outstanding example of a planned European naval city from the late 17th century. The town plan and many buildings have been preserved; its well-preserved architecture and town plan led to its World Heritage status in 1998.

Naval history in the townscape

Located on Stumholmen in the city centre, the Naval Museum is Sweden’s national museum for the history of coastal defence from 1522 to the present day. More than 20 exhibitions cover the period from the 16th century to the Cold War. In the Submarine Hall, you can enter the Cold War-era submarine Neptune; access restrictions may apply. The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Karlskrona Travel Center.

History shapes the experience beyond the Naval Museum, too: the Blekinge Museum in Karlskrona features various exhibitions about Blekinge County. The Karlskrona Porcelain Museum displays porcelain from the factory’s entire production period, from 1918 to 1968. A private guided tour can be arranged there by contacting the museum in advance.

Archipelago, protected nature and trails

The Municipality of Karlskrona includes an archipelago with 1,650 islands. Its landscape ranges from coastal islands and skerries to coastal meadows, juniper heaths and deciduous forests, as well as coniferous forests farther north. The municipality has 25 nature reserves protecting archipelago, agricultural, deciduous forest and mixed forest landscapes. Skärva Nature Reserve also includes species-rich broadleaf forests, beaches, meadows, pastures, groves and marshes.

Torhamns udde is a popular birdwatching destination, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. Its open cultural landscape has a long cultural history and numerous archaeological remains. Torhamns udde has been a nature reserve since 1977 and is also a Natura 2000 site. It also has a bird station and an accessible birdwatching tower.

In the Karlskrona area, you can experience nature and culture on foot, by bike, by kayak or by boat. The municipality’s exercise and hiking trails total 26 Swedish miles; Blekingeleden is the longest hiking trail offered by the municipality. On Tjurkö, a marked 1.5-kilometre cultural trail passes historic and reconstructed buildings, the harbour and an old quarry. Check the trail’s condition locally.

Islands and places to visit

The free Aspöleden car and passenger 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 family activities such as the Commander’s Challenge are offered; the programme may vary by season.

Another destination with restricted access is Kungsholms Fort: visits are possible in summer as part of guided tours, but independent access is not permitted. The fort also has a museum about its history. If you plan to visit Tjurkö, the archipelago service regularly runs from Fisketorget in central Karlskrona to the Herrgårdsviken landing. Archipelago cruises are also available. Routes, timetables and prices vary by season; check the connection before you travel.

Architecture and activities for a range of interests

Skärva Herrgård was built in 1785–86 as a summer residence for shipyard admiral F. H. Chapman. This unusual 18th-century architectural work combines local and vernacular building traditions with classical architecture. Tjurkö also preserves the memory of its large-scale stone industry.

Wämöparken combines culture, nature and entertainment. You can walk along Vilsestigen and visit 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. In Karlskrona, you can choose from a range of cultural and recreational activities alongside naval history and archipelago nature.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rödeby, Drottningskär, Fågelmara, Karlskrona, Kristianopel, Nävragöl, Torhamn, Tving, Ramdala, Holmsjö, Nättraby, Lyckeby, Jämjö, Hasslö, Ebbenäs, Sturkö.

For the overview of the wider area: Blekinge.