Modern Architecture & Design
The Naval Museum on Stumholmen is a fine example of the town’s
modern, vibrant architecture. Nearby is a nationally famous housing
complex comprising old military barracks that have been converted
into modern accommodation. Cutting edge technology is developed
for military vessels at the shipyard.
The heart of Sweden’s crystal production is only 45 minutes
away by bus or car. Here you can find great glass art works for
bargain prices. Just outside Karlskrona is the newly inaugurated
Glashyttan, housed in a rebuilt water tower. This has become a
hotspot for innovative glass design. Those who are interested
in interior decoration will find several shops downtown with unique
ranges that attract visitors daily from far away.
City Life & Outdoor Activities
Karlskrona attracts Swedish and foreign tourists all year round.
The beautiful archipelago offers activities such as sailing, bathing
and fishing. Many tourists also visit Karlskrona because of its
status as a UNESCO world heritage maritime town, a distinction
it was awarded in 1998.
Going on one of our guided tours will enable you to learn more
about the world heritage concept, with the help of multilingual,
knowledgeable tour guides talking about the history of the town,
and pointing out places and buildings of special interest.
In early August the annual Sail Karlskrona festival is held. The
people of Karlskrona, together with tens of thousands of tourists,
gather on the quays to party and watch or sail with the many impressive
sailing boats taking part.
If you like to bath and bask in the sun, the island of Stumholmen
is just a few minutes walk from downtown Karlskrona. Here you
will find the Naval museum with its collection of items from Swedish
maritime history. Ronneby and its beautiful Brunnspark is just
a 20-minute bus ride from Karlskrona. The park was voted the most
beautiful in Sweden in 2005. A further 20 minutes west is the
Eriksberg nature and wildlife reserve, offering fantastic up-close
experiences.
Great Shopping and Fine Food
Karlskrona is a trade centre of Sweden that is under constant
development, and several different shopping malls have been opened
in the past decade. Here you can find special items, nautical
and antique, and all other shopping and dining is all within easy
reach.
Numerous indoor and open-air restaurants and cafés serve
excellent local and international cuisine in idyllic surroundings.
Try herring sandwich, a local specialty. And don’t miss
out on Karlskrona potato dumplings, served with lingonberries
and cream. Ask for it at the café in Hoglands Park, the
centrally located town park.
Ancient & Modern
Karlskrona’s architecture is characterised by the grand
plans hatched when Sweden was a military superpower and Karlskrona
the main base of the Swedish naval fleet. The town grid that Karlskrona
is based on, dating from 1680, is unique and was created by Erik
Dahlberg, the most famous urban architect of his time, whose inspiration
for the straight, broad streets centred on a huge square came
from Rome.
One of the largest European squares, Stortorget, is where you
can drink in the many cafes or enjoy an ice-cream in the sun with
the locals. Close by at Kungsbron is Amiralitetskyrkan, a wooden
church built in 1685 with the famous Old Man Rosenbom statue outside.
Top 10 attractions
Karlskrona Top 10 – don’t miss
• Guided tour of the world heritage town
• Naval Museum and Stumholmen - The museum document the
history and development of the Swedish Navy.
• Old Shipyard
• Skärfva Estate
• County Museum
• Stortorget with its beautiful churces
• Achipelago forts of Kungsholm and Aspö Kastell
• Amiraliteteskyrkan and Old Man Rosenbom
• Cottages at Brändaholm and Björkolmen
• View from Bryggarberget |
