Karlskrona sprawls across a Baltic archipelago and will dazzle you with its beautiful historic architecture and plenty of Swedish charm. Stroll around the World Heritage centre, discover the city’s origins as a 17th-century naval base and set sail on a scenic boat tour of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Local cafes and restaurants will tempt you with farm-fresh produce.
Things to do in Karlskrona
Karlskrona’s beautifully preserved architecture has won the city's UNESCO World Heritage status. On every corner, you’ll see elegant townhouses, churches and centuries-old fortifications. The city’s Great Square is one of the largest in Europe and flanked by heritage-listed buildings, including the Baroque-style Holy Trinity Church.
The Naval Museum enjoys a beautiful waterfront location and is packed with information on the city’s maritime heritage. Learn about the city’s roots as a 17th-century Swedish naval base and peer into a decommissioned submarine.
In addition to being a World Heritage city, Karlskrona is part of the UNESCO Blekinge Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. Kayak rentals are a fun way to explore the archipelago and unlock fantastic views of the naval fortifications. Scenic boat tours depart from the Fisktorget jetty and cruise around the archipelago.
Karlskrona is a rewarding destination for foodies, with flavours for every palate. At local restaurants, you’ll see delicacies like fallow deer steaks, goat cheese and seafood. Pair your meal with wine and beer from a local microbrewery or winery. Outside the city, you’ll find farm shops where you can stock up on produce and learn about the paddock-to-plate process.
Getting around Karlskrona
Karlskrona is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, with a series of bridges linking the different islands and neighbourhoods. while bicycles are also a popular way to get around. Trains connect Karlskrona with Malmo in three hours and Stockholm in around five hours. Malmo Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.