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Karlskrona, Sweden – A UNESCO World Heritage city built on the Sea

Walk among baroque buildings, naval docks and island bridges. Karlskrona is not just a destination – it's a journey through history on the edge of the Baltic Sea.

The Naval City of Karlskrona - A World Heritage Site in Southern Sweden

Plan Your Visit - See What’s Nearby

 

 

A city planned for war. Now perfect for peace.

Karlskrona was designed in the late 1600s as Sweden’s naval stronghold. Today, it’s a city of open waters, quiet islands, and culture-filled streets. It's the only town in Sweden listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its military architecture.

ARK56 - Guidad tur - Godnatt, Karlskrona

 

 

This city moves with the water

Watch the waves, walk the walls, wander through time. Karlskrona is more than historic – it’s alive.  

Foto över Karlskrona centrum med barockarkitektur, kustlinje och skärgård i Blekinge – en UNESCO-världsarvsstad vid havet.

 

 

Top 5 things to do in Karlskrona, Sweden

1. Explore the Swedish Naval Museum
2. Take the ferry to Aspö or Sturkö islands
3. Stroll around Björkholmen’s wooden houses
4. Visit Blekinge Museum
5. Enjoy fika at Stortorget with a view of Fredrik Church

Ta färjan till Aspö i Blekinge

 

 

FAQ about Karlskrona, Sweden

Why is Karlskrona a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

It was designed as a perfect naval base in the 17th century, and its baroque city plan and buildings are uniquely preserved.

How do I get to Karlskrona?

Karlskrona is easily accessible by train from Malmö or Copenhagen, or via domestic flights from Stockholm.

When is the best time to visit?

Between May and September, when the archipelago and city life are in full swing.

How do I get to Karlskrona?

Karlskrona is easily accessible by train from Malmö or Copenhagen, or via domestic flights from Stockholm.

 

Äta i Karlskrona

Karlskrona’s food scene is as diverse as its coastline

  • Blomlöfs at Saltö – local seafood served with a side of sea breeze.
  • Antonio’s – Italian flavors and the city’s beloved social hub.
  • Bistro Skeppsgossen – modern Swedish dishes with harbor views at the Naval Museum.
  • Farm shops & cafés – taste handcrafted treats across the archipelago and countryside.

Whether it’s a lazy lunch or a sunset dinner by the water, this is a city where every bite tells a story.

Mat och dryck i Karlskrona – njut av lokala smaker och skärgårdsmiljö på restaurang i Blekinge.
Smaka på Karlskrona – här möts lokala råvaror och kulinariska upplevelser i skärgårdens hjärta.

In Karlskrona, the sea is never more than a few steps away

  • Sandy beaches and rocky coves – Dragsö, Saltö and Långö offer dips for all moods.
  • Island day trips – Hop on a ferry with your bike to Aspö or Sturkö.
  • Paddle through history – Discover the UNESCO World Heritage from the water via ARK56 kayak routes.

Swim, sail or simply sit by the sea – here, the Baltic is part of your everyday.

Bad, hav och sjö i Karlskrona – upplev sommarens bästa badplatser och skärgårdsmiljö i Blekinge.
Känslan av frihet – njut av bad, hav och sjö i vackra Karlskrona skärgård.

Karlskrona is more than sights – it’s sounds, smells, and stories

  • Guided city walks and digital tours like “Be Here Then”
  • Hike & bike ARK56’s nature trails through protected island landscapes
  • Brändaholm – Sweden’s postcard-perfect garden village
  • Tjurkö Island – meet artists and makers crafting the archipelago's soul

From slow strolls to creative discoveries, this city rewards the curious.

Sleep by the sea or in the city – your choice, your comfort

  • Waterfront hotels – like Home Hotel Carlscrona or Scandic
  • Charming B&Bs – in the city or among the islands (Hotell Conrad, Boråkra B&B)
  • Camping and cottages – Dragsö and Hasslö offer island getaways for all ages

Wake up to waves or wind down with city lights – Karlskrona gives you room to breathe.

 

 

Shopping, swimming, dining, discovering – and just being

In Karlskrona, you get the best of both worlds. Urban comforts meet archipelago peace, every day. So plan your weekend, your holiday or your impulse escape – and find out why life tastes better here.