This coastal city, spread across 33 islands, preserves its naval heritage with baroque architecture and a UNESCO-listed historic center. Explore the Naval Museum or kayak the archipelago.
Karlskrona, spread across 33 islands in Sweden's southernmost archipelago, is a city steeped in naval tradition. Founded in 1680 as a naval base, it has preserved its baroque architecture, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Explore the Naval Museum, walk through Stortorget square, or kayak around the surrounding islands.
Naval Museum: Exploring Sweden's Sea Power
About 250,000 people visit the Naval Museum in Karlskrona each year. Here, you'll find exhibits showcasing Sweden's naval history, including authentic battleships, 18th-century figureheads, and detailed models. Step aboard the HMS Neptun, a real submarine open for exploration. The museum offers free entry, welcoming all visitors.
Stortorget: Karlskrona's Main Square
Stortorget, Sweden's largest square, sits at the highest point of Trossö island. The square is surrounded by significant buildings that reflect the city's baroque architecture. Look for the Fredrik Church and the Church of the Holy Trinity, both constructed in the 18th century with distinctive architectural elements. A flower market in the square adds a splash of color to the historic setting.
Karlskrona's Archipelago
Karlskrona's archipelago consists of 1,650 islands, islets, and skerries. Take boat tours to various islands or rent kayaks to paddle through the waters on your own. For a more adventurous trip, hop on a fast boat to Utklippan, an uninhabited island with rugged terrain.
Björkholmen: 18th-Century District
Björkholmen, dating back to the 18th century, is Karlskrona's oldest district. Shipyard workers originally constructed their homes here using oak wood. Today, you can stroll through its streets and observe well-preserved houses that illustrate life from centuries past.
Local Food in Karlskrona
Karlskrona's cuisine reflects its coastal location and Swedish traditions. Try local dishes such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, and köttbullar (meatballs). Don't miss kroppkakor, a local specialty of dumplings filled with minced meat, served with berries and cream. Many Karlskrona restaurants serve fresh seafood caught in nearby waters.
How to Reach Karlskrona
Trains connect Karlskrona to major cities, with journeys taking about 4 hours from Stockholm and 3.5 hours from Copenhagen. If you prefer air travel, fly to Ronneby airport, a 30-minute drive from Karlskrona. Stena Line operates a ferry service from Gdynia, Poland, with two daily round trips.
