Historic Places in Blekinge

Gribshunden – kungens skepp på havsbotten

År 1495 sjönk den danske kungen Hans flaggskepp Gribshunden vid Stora Ekön utanför Ronneby. Discover Karlskrona’s Naval Story at the Naval Museum

Located on the island of Stumholmen in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Naval Museum brings Karlskrona’s maritime history to life.

Explore the story of the Swedish Navy, from sailing ships and traditional shipbuilding to submarines and modern naval technology. The museum explains why Karlskrona was founded and why it remains one of Sweden’s most important naval cities today.

With interactive exhibitions, historic vessels and family-friendly experiences, it’s a fascinating visit for all ages. Allow at least a couple of hours to make the most of your visit.

Visit the Naval Museum →

Bronze Age Rock Carvings – Stories Carved in Stone

At Hästhallen in Möckleryd, you’ll find ancient rock carvings depicting ships, animals, footprints and mysterious symbols, all carved into the smooth bedrock.

Created around 3,000 years ago during the Bronze Age, these carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. While no one knows the exact meaning of every motif, they reveal a society with a close connection to the sea, where travel, trade and seafaring played a vital role.

Discover Blekinge’s Bronze Age rock carvings →

Västra Vång – An Iron Age Centre of Power 

At Västra Vång, just outside Ronneby, archaeologists have uncovered remarkable discoveries, including gold foil figures, bronze figurines, jewellery, crucibles and evidence of ceremonial rituals.

These finds reveal that Västra Vång was an important centre of power during the Iron Age, with connections reaching far beyond Blekinge. Ongoing archaeological research continues to uncover new insights into the people who once lived here.

Discover the treasures of Västra Vång

Sölvesborg – A Medieval Danish Town

Sölvesborg was an important town in medieval Denmark and played a key role in the kingdom’s eastern territories. Stroll through the historic town centre, visit St Nicolai Church and explore the remains of the Carmelite monastery.

Nearby, the castle ruins mark the site of one of medieval Denmark’s most important strongholds. Inside the church porch, you’ll find the Stentoften Stone, one of the most significant and widely studied runestones in the Nordic countries.

Discover medieval Sölvesborg →

Karlshamn – Trade, Shipping and Emigration

Founded in the 17th century, Karlshamn grew into one of southern Sweden’s most important trading ports. At Kulturkvarteret, you’ll discover historic merchant houses, museums and stories of the town’s maritime heritage and industrial past.

Nearby, the Emigrants’ Monument at Näsviken commemorates the thousands of Swedes who left for a new life in North America.

Explore the history of Karlshamn →

Olofström – Industrial Heritage and Literary Landscapes

In western Blekinge, history follows the forests, rivers and the region’s historic ironworks and mill communities. This is where two of Sweden’s best-known authors, Harry Martinson and Sven Edvin Salje, grew up.

Around Jämshög and Lake Halen, you’ll discover stories of rural life, industry, education and communities shaped by their close connection to nature.

Discover Olofström’s cultural heritage →

Four stories that shaped Blekinge

Bronze Age rock carvings

Around 3,000 years ago people carved ships, people and symbols into the granite.

Today these remarkable carvings offer a rare glimpse into life along the Baltic coast during the Bronze Age.

Discover the rock carvings →