Karlskrona
A UNESCO baroque naval city laid out on islands - a planned 17th-century base of shipyards, a grand square and a wooden church, still the navy's home.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Karlskrona was founded in 1680 as the base of the Swedish navy, a whole baroque town planned across a group of islands with shipyards, fortifications, a monumental square and grand churches. A rare surviving example of a planned naval city, it is a UNESCO site and remains the home of the Swedish fleet, with a fine maritime museum.
What you actually see
- Stortorget square - one of the largest and grandest baroque squares in Northern Europe.
- The naval museum - the story of the Swedish navy, with a walk-through submarine.
- Admiralty Church - the great wooden naval church, the largest in Sweden.
- The shipyard and forts - the historic dockyard and island fortifications.
When to go
Summer for the islands, boat trips and the full naval museum; the town is pleasant year-round. Clear days suit the waterfront and squares.
Honest expectations
As a working naval base, some areas are restricted, so you see the civilian town, the museum and the squares. It is spread across islands, so there is some walking. It is out on the south-east coast, a detour from the main routes.
Nearby
The Blekinge archipelago and coast spread around; the Baltic ferries to Poland leave nearby.
What to pack for Karlskrona
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
