Karlskrona Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and eat, local culture, and safety tips for Karlskrona, Sweden.


Karlskrona is a beautiful and historic city located in the southeast of Sweden in the province of Blekinge. Founded in 1680, Karlskrona is the country’s only Baroque city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is spread over 30 islands and islets connected by bridges, and it’s known for its impressive naval presence, vast parks, and a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere dedicated to maritime history. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to this fascinating city, including everything you need to know from where to stay, eat, and how to navigate around town.

Introduction to Karlskrona

Karlskrona is a unique destination that blends history with modernity, nature with urbanity; it is a stunning coastal city that visitors can explore through its well-preserved museums, historic buildings, and an array of exciting cultural and nature activities. Karlskrona’s rich maritime history is evident through the many preserved warships and naval exhibits, museums that showcase the city’s naval history. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore its stunning natural beauty, including the numerous small islands and surrounding nature reserves that offer great outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Karlskrona

Karlskrona has many attractions that explore naval history and its natural beauty. Here are some top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Naval Museum: The Naval Museum, located on the eastern bank of the city, houses a fantastic collection of warships, models, and historical objects related to the naval history of Sweden.
  • Karlskrona Art Hall: The Karlskrona Art Hall is a contemporary art museum showcasing Swedish and international artists.
  • Blekinge Museum: The Blekinge Museum is a regional museum dedicated to the cultural history of Blekinge Province, founded in 1903.
  • Fredrikskyrkan: This historic 18th-century church located on the main island of Karlskrona is a renowned landmark with a magnificent Baroque architecture.

Natural Attractions of Karlskrona: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dragsö, Senoren and Saltö Nature Reserves: These three nature reserves offer visitors stunning natural scenery, hiking trails, bird watching, and swimming opportunities.
  • Aspö Island: This small island in the Karlskrona archipelago is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning nature and hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Karlskrona

Thanks to the city’s unique landscape with several islands spread across natural parks and reserves, Karlskrona offers several hiking routes for tourists. These routes allow visitors to explore some of the city’s most scenic spots, learn about its cultural heritage, and experience its stunning beauty.

Here are some popular hiking and biking trails in Karlskrona:

  • Karlskrona’s Archipelago Trail: This 140 km hiking trail takes visitors across the Karlskrona archipelago. The trail passes through small islands, pristine beaches and offers hikers incredible views of the sea.
  • Salto Nature Reserve Trail: This trail is a nature lover’s delight, with 7km of hiking and bird neaching trails, and plenty of opportunities to observe the flora and fauna of the Blekinge region.

Best Things to Do in Karlskrona: Activities and Tours

Karlskrona has plenty of activities and tours to suit every traveler’s interests. Here are some of the must-try activities that make for the best holiday memories:

  • Boat tours of the Karlskrona archipelago: Discover the city’s stunning archipelago with a boat tour while admiring the exceptional scenery of the archipelago’s colorful houses, forts, and lighthouses.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak from Karlskrona’s many providers and kayak out at sea and through the area’s beautiful canals.
  • Scuba diving: With the city’s surrounding water so clear and calm, the city is an ideal destination for Scuba diving enthusiasts to explore the naval history that lies beneath the city’s water’s surface.

Week-Long Itinerary for Karlskrona

Here is an itinerary to make the most of your week-long stay in the beautiful town of Karlskrona:

Day 1: Arrive in Karlskrona, Head out for a guided city walk/tour. Day 2: Naval Museum Day 3: Karlskrona’s Archipelago Trail Day 4: Biking tour of Karlskrona Day 5: Kayaking around the Karlskrona archipelago Day 6: Salto Nature Reserve Trail Day 7: Market Day at Stortorget Square

## Food and Drink Scene of Karlskrona

The city of Karlskrona has a few terrific dining options for visitors searching for a great meal. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rödspätta: The Swedish name for a type of fish called Lenght or Plaice, served with boiled potatoes, sour cream and chives, and a wedge of lemon.
  • Kroppkakor: Swedish-style dumplings mainly made of potatoes and pork or bacon meat filling, tasted with lingonberry jam and butter.

Local Beverages

  • Krögers Blå: A local brew with a characteristically sweet, malty flavour and a light hop bitterness.
  • Svenska Bränneriets: The Swedish version of Vodka

Where to Stay in Karlskrona: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Karlskrona has a great selection of accommodations to suit all travelers’ budgets and choices. Visitors can choose from luxurious hotels, homey guesthouses and apartments with great views.

Here are some popular hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to consider during your visit:

  • First Hotel Statt: A contemporary hotel with elegant rooms in the heart of Karlskrona, close to popular tourist destinations.
  • Scandic Hotel: An eco-friendly hotel located on the waterfront with excellent views of the sea.
  • Hotell Rum Oscar: A cozy guesthouse offering budget-friendly, comfortable rooms with a touch of the vintage style.

What to Buy in Karlskrona: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Karlskrona offers several good points for unique gifts and souvenirs to take back home, some of which include:

  • Karlskrona porcelain: This white and blue porcelain is hand painted and frequently sought-after by collectors worldwide. Visitors can purchase these items directly from the Kosta Boda factory outlet or at local markets.
  • Kalev Spa Handmade Soaps: These handmade soaps are an excellent choice as they are made with all-natural ingredients and come in unique scents.
  • Blekinge handicrafts: Bring a touch of Blekinge back home by purchasing unique handicrafts made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Karlskrona

Karlskrona has a unique culture and customs that visitors should be aware of to get the most out of their visit:

  • Swedes are notoriously reserved and polite; visitors should respect their personal space and use a light measure of tone when communicating.
  • Tipping is not a custom that Swedes practice. While waitstaff do not expect tips, it is considered generous to leave a tip.
  • Understated style is a hallmark of Karlskrona’s locals, so dressing comfortably in casual clothes is recommended during your stay.

Best Time to Visit Karlskrona

The best time to visit Karlskrona is during the summer months of June to August when temperatures are warmer, and the city’s surrounding sea and archipelago are ideal for hiking, biking, and water activities. During the winter months, the city can be quiet, and many of its attractions may be closed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Karlskrona

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind during your visit to Karlskrona:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately according to the weather and the events-planned during your stay.
  • Follow all traffic rules while driving, biking or walking.
  • Enjoy hiking trails and the beautiful nature around Karlskrona.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas, including restaurants, bars, and parks.
  • Litter and leave trash on the streets or natural parks.
  • Bring any weapons or firearms.

Safety and Health

Karlskrona is a safe city with low crime rates. Nonetheless, visitors should take care of their personal safety and follow general safety guidelines.

Safety in Karlskrona

  • Avoid walking alone in isolated or unlit areas of the city.
  • Keep your money, passport, and other valuable belongings safe and secure.

Health in Karlskrona

  • Visitors should have medical insurance.
  • Be informed about tick bites, and if you intend to hike, carry insect repellent and protective clothing.

Getting to Karlskrona: Transportation Options and Logistics

Karlskrona can be reached by plane, train, and bus from several primary cities in Sweden and Denmark.

Airports Near Karlskrona

The Ronneby airport, located 27 km away, is the closest airport to Karlskrona, with direct connections to Stockholm.

Bus Stations Near Kalmar

The InterCity train line connects Karlskrona with other cities in Sweden and Denmark.

Other Options

Renting a car or bike is an excellent and easy option for visitors who want an independent and flexible mode of transportation.

How to Get Around in Karlskrona

Karlskrona is a city best explored by foot, especially its downtown area and cultural attractions, but public transportation, including buses, taxis, and ferries, is readily available.

Where to Go Next from Karlskrona: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Karlskrona is located near several beautiful cities and towns that are worth exploring during your Swedish holiday. Here are some top picks:

  • Kalmar: A picturesque city located in the Smaland region of Sweden, famous for Kalmar Castle and its Baroque architecture.
  • Öland: An island located on the east side near Kalmar coast, famous for its beaches, fortified road, and the Royal summer castle of Solliden.
  • Växjö: A vibrant town in the heart of Smaland famous for its museums, shopping, and old quarter.

Conclusion

Karlskrona is a unique city with a rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural parks. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your next trip to Karlskrona, discover exciting attractions, enjoy unique local dishes, and learn more about the city’s local customs and history. From its museums and hiking trails to its nearby cities, Karlskrona has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Karlskrona Lighthouse The Karlskrona Lighthouse The front of the maritime museum The front of the maritime museum Sweden's first submarine Sweden's first submarine The diving board at the 'beach' on Stumholmen The diving board at the 'beach' on Stumholmen A view over Brändaholm from Saltö A view over Brändaholm from Saltö Kronan, The road linking the centrum bus stop to the pedestrian mall Kronan, The road linking the centrum bus stop to the pedestrian mall The main road into Aspö The main road into Aspö