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Destinations

A World Heritage City in the middle of the archipelago

Karlskrona is an exciting encounter with Sweden’s naval history. In 1680, King Carl XI ordered the construction of the city as Sweden’s naval base, due to its location. The naval presence has ensured distinctive architectural qualities, and UNESCO has named Karlskrona a World Heritage City. Despite its militant past, Karlskrona is a peaceful town, with an open and friendly atmosphere. Gunpowder towers and fortifications make a splendid backdrop, mixed with yellow ferries, white sails and lots of kayaks visible in the waters around the city. The city centre of Karlskrona is uniquely situated in the middle of an archipelago, 6 km from the mainland. This gives a unique, spacious sense to the city - and breathtaking views. Karlskrona holds yet another nomination from UNESCO, being part of a Blekinge biosphere reserve. We dare say it´s a one of a kind combination. Welcome to Karlskrona. Your calm getaway in the Baltic!

Want to learn more?

Visit our website HERE

Welcome to Karlskrona. Your calm getaway in the Baltic. HERE

Useful information

Language

Swedish

Distance from pier to city center

Karlskrona City Port is located in central Karlskrona with shopping, dining and all the attractions at easy walking distance.
300m from pier or tender landing

Transportation to/from airport

30 km - approx 25 min by taxi

Currency

Swedish krona SEK

Transport to/from city center

From pier: 3-5 minutes’ walk

City Card

Not available

Downloadable map

Available https://www.visitkarlskrona.se/sites/cb_visitkarlskrona/files/2022-04/final_a3_karta_2022.pdf

Port information

Berthing policy: Information available here

Karlskrona City Port

Max LOA: 160 m Max depth: 6,5 m Type of berth (passenger, cargo, bulk traffic): Passenger and traffic Restrictions: 130 m loa and depth 6,5 m Clean pier before arrival + maintenance during the day: Available Learn more
View port map

Covid-19 Information

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in any of the 31 Cruise Baltic destinations. If the situation changes, this section will be updated with the necessary information regarding each port and destination.

Port Fees

Harbour dues (Currency/GT)

Karlskrona City Port  See Cruise ship tariff

Passenger dues (Currency/PAX)

See Cruise ship tariff

Services available for guests

Always available
Available in some cases
Download PDF with an overview of services available at all Cruise Baltic destinations.
Pier
Personal welcome

Dressed in 18th century clothes, guards/soldiers and civilians greet our guests on a red carpet at the pier. Tourist office personell with cruise maps are always welcoming guests and crew.

Musical welcome and/or farewell

On request

Cruise guest national flags

On request

Shopping
Shops open on Sundays

Limited number of shops are open Sundays

Port
Independent guest reception and help

We offer all cruise lines to set up a hospitality desk on board with our personnel. Staff on pier provides information and brochures/maps. Depending on request and availability, we will try to provide bikes for rent on the pier.

Local life and events with locals

On request

Mailbox available
Signed walking route from pier to city centre and/or public transport

Signs and maps

Tourist information

Tourist information on pier

Free Wi-Fi in port

Free Wi-Fi with login

Free city maps

City map with suggestions for independents

Destination collaboration/shore excursions
Authorized guides

All guides are authorized World Heritage City guides

Education of tourism partners on the cruise guest

We have an ongoing education of local businesses and partners

Transport
Free shuttle available

Mini-train serves as shuttle service to/from the city centre and Naval Museum

City centre within 1 km from pier

City center 300 meters away from pier

Publicly regulated taxis

Taxi stand in the city center, 300 m from the pier

Bike rental including map or GPS

On request

Hop on/hop off services in port area

Hop-on hop-off boat service available within short walking distance

Credit cards accepted in taxis

Selected attractions

Karlskrona offers world class attractions in a World Heritage City. Most attractions are within walking distance from the port/tender port or can be reached by our Hop-on hop-off boat service. Many can off course also be enjoyed on our wide selection of guided tours.

Naval Museum (National)

A look inside the Swedish naval history with a real time submarine, underwater observation tunnel, and a full scale gun-deck of 18th century ship.

The Admirality Church and Rosenbom

An impressive wooden church dated back to 1685. Outside the church stands the statue of the local legend "Old Man Rosenbom"

Blekinge Museum and Grevagården

Local history. Exhibitions about the history of the county, Blekinge coastal culture, and 18th century Blekinge. Just next to the museum you find the world heritage building Grevagården where you can enjoy coffee in the baroque garden.

The allotment cottages of Brändaholm

Karlskrona's allotment cottages have a unique building style from the 1920s, with small houses built in similarl design, size and colours. These cottages are located on a small island in an area of great natural beauty that has been kept intact through the decades. All this makes Brändaholm a very popular place for walks; scenic, tranquile and "post card-pretty".

Björkholmen, picturesque part of the city

Take a stroll and get a sense of old times, amidst charming cottages and narrow alleys. The first dockworkers built their houses here, and it’s said that most of the timber came from the navy! The streets are named after types of vessels and admirals. Listen to the distinctive Karlskrona dialect, Björkholmskan! Enjoy the view of Saltösund and passing boats.

The Church of the Holy Trinity (The German Church)

The Church of the Holy Trinity is by some considered to be the grandest work of architecture in the city. It is also known as the German Church since it was the parish church for members of the German community in town until 1846. The church, modelled on the Pantheon in Rome, was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the younger and was consecrated in 1709 and by 1750 the copper-roofed church had been more or less completed. The fire that ravaged the town in 1790, also left the church in ruins and all that remained were the blackened walls. It took 12 years to rebuild. After the reconstruction, the church had a somewhat different appearance. The new dome, designed by Professor Olof Tempelman, was of a simpler, purer form, and more in keeping with the style of the Pantheon. The portico at the north end of the building was not completed until 1862, and followed Tessin´s original plans. Make sure you don´t miss the stunning church ceiling!

Exciting extras

Nostalgia Car Museum/ Porcelain Museum

Two small, family-owned museums under one roof. Enjoy local history and sweet nostalgia.Visit a somewhat odd blend that hits the spot.

The Holy Trinity Church

Stunning church ceiling, dating back to the 18th century.

Events

There are no upcoming events at the moment

Varied Shore Excurions

CLASSIC & POPULAR

Kungsholm Fortress
This fortress has guarded the entrance to Karlskrona for more than 300 years. A spectacular boat tour out in the archipelago let you experience the fort's exotic garden and stunning circular harbour. This is a great opportunity to see and learn about Karlskrona from its best side, seaside!
Old Naval Shipyard
Located inside the Naval base, available only through guided tours. Unique still ongoing naval history. Visit the Wasa shed, the Dry dock and the 300 m long wooden building holding the Ropery from 1690, where real ropemakers show you their skills.
Karlskrona City Tour
The Great Square, picturesque Stumholmen, Björkholmen and Brändaholm, the Old Naval Shipyard, a view of Karlskrona and the archipelago from its highest point, Bryggareberget.
Historical Kristianopel and the Coastal road
Venture into the spectacularly scenic countryside in southeastern Sweden and explore the country’s first renaissance town Kristianopel. Kristianopel, which was previously a danish town, was founded almost a century before Karlskrona. In its earliest years the town served as a remote frontier fortress for the Danes. The frontier were frequently under attack by the Swedes in a long power struggle between the countries.

NEW & ADVENTUROUS

Cold War Experience
A close encounter with a real cold war submarine in the Submarine Hall at the impressive Naval Museum in combination with an exciting tour of underground civil defense quarters and railway tunnels.

Contacts

Visit Karlskrona/The Municipality of Karlskrona
Malin Hagberg-Andersson
Guide- & Cruise Coordinator
malin.hagberg-andersson@karlskrona.se Phone +46 455 30 34 91
Karlskrona Kommun, Box 79
371 23 Karlskrona, Sweden
Visit Karlskrona/The Municipality of Karlskrona
Therése Silver-Sörensen
Guide- & Cruise Assistant
therese.silversorensen@karlskrona.se Phone +46 455 30 34 87
Karlskrona Kommun, Box 79
371 23 Karlskona, Sweden