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Welcome to Karlskrona
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!
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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
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
Photos for Download
Sweden, Karlskrona
Copyright-free
Destination pictures
Karlskrona lifestyle, shopping street
Sweden, Karlskrona
Copyright-free
Destination pictures
The Coastal Road and town of Kristianopel
Sweden, Karlskrona
Copyright-free
Destination pictures
Free mini-train shuttle service to and from city center
Port information
Berthing policy: Information available here
Covid-19 Information
There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in any of the 32 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 tariffPassenger dues (Currency/PAX)
See Cruise ship tariffServices available for guests
Always available
Available in some cases
Pier
Shopping
Port
Destination collaboration/shore excursions
Transport
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
The Municipality of Karlskrona
Terje Pedersen
Head of Tourism
terje.pedersen@karlskrona.se
Phone +46 455 304 805
Mobile +46 733 615 708
Stortorget 2
371 34 Karlskrona, Sweden
The Municipality of Karlskrona
Liliann Bjerström Lidén
Strategist
liliann.bjerstrom@karlskrona.se
Phone +46 455 304 832
Mobile +46 733 615 762
Bredgatan 18
371 83 Karlskona, Sweden