KarlskronaThings to do

Things to do in Karlskrona

  1. A

    Marinmuseum

    The striking Marinmuseum is the national naval museum. Dive in for reconstructions of a battle deck in wartime, a hall full of fantastic figureheads, piles of model boats, and even some of the real thing – such as a minesweeper, a sailing ship and the Swedish navy’s debut submarine. Temporary exhibitions move beyond the marine (a recent show focused on contemporary Polish art) and the savvy cafe boasts generous servings and waterside decking for a satisfying recharge.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Trefaldighetskyrkan

    Karlskrona’s monumental square, Stortorget, was planned to rival Europe’s best. Alas, the funds ran out, resulting in a somewhat odd mix of grand architectural gestures and humble stand-ins. Dominating the square are the courthouse, along with the baroque church Fredrikskyrkan and Trefaldighetskyrkan, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Fredrikskyrkan

    Karlskrona’s monumental square, Stortorget, was planned to rival Europe’s best. Alas, the funds ran out, resulting in a somewhat odd mix of grand architectural gestures and humble stand-ins. Dominating the square are the courthouse, along with the baroque church Fredrikskyrkan and Trefaldighetskyrkan, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Blekinge Museum

    The evocative Blekinge Museum explores the local fishing, boat-building and quarrying trades. The most captivating part is Grevagården, an impressively preserved 18th-century abode crammed with thousands of vintage objects, from fans and fashion to bizarre wax models of syphilis-plagued faces. Topping it off is a petite baroque garden and a pleasant cafe.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Montmartre

    Next door to the Museum Leonardo da Vinci Ideale, the atmospheric Montmartre evokes a French bistro with its wine-red drapes, tasselled lampshades and oil paintings. The menu is a worldlier affair, with pizzas, Swedish favourites and zestier fusion numbers such as grilled tuna with wasabi, lime and chilli.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Goa

    Veggies and diners with a conscience will love this small, welcoming café, decorated with bright Mexican colours and cacti. It serves tasty lunches of lasagne, soup, salads, quiches and so on, that you can wash down with a healthy smoothie or Fair Trade tea.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Hamnkrogen

    Right on the guest harbour, easy-going Hamnkrogen keeps punters chuffed with pizzas, steaks and grills. If you fancy something spicier, opt for the great tandoori dishes, baltis and biryanis, cooked by the restaurant’s Indian chef.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Nivå

    Just off Stortorget, this slinky steakhouse has an excellent menu of light, well-priced dishes (nachos, burgers, salads), plus heartier meals from the grill. It’s also a popular evening bar; its doors stay open until at least 1am.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Amiralitetskyrkan

    Sweden’s oldest wooden church is the stocky Amiralitetskyrkan, whose gorgeous pastel interior is worth a peek. Outside, the wooden statue Old Rosenbom raises his hat to charitable visitors.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Skärgårdstrafiken

    The boat operated by Skärgårdstrafiken runs from Fisktorget and circles the Kungsholms Fort five times daily from mid-June to mid-August; you must inform the tourist office of your visit in advance if you take this option.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. Café Tre G

    Run by the team from Lennarths Konditori, this cafe is a hit with everyone from prim pensioners to indie types. Fill up on anything from baked potatoes, quiche and pasta salads to perfect pralines, pastries and muffins.

    reviewed

  13. Archipelago

    Pick a sunny summer afternoon for a tour around Karlskrona's Archipelago, made up of an astounding 1,650 islands. Contact the Skärgårdstrafiken office at Fisktorget for timetables and information.

    reviewed

  14. Drottningskärs Kastell

    Bristling with cannons, the tower Drottningskärs Kastell on the island of Aspö was described by Admiral Nelson of the British Royal Navy as 'impregnable' - and it looks it.

    reviewed

  15. K

    Lennarths Konditori

    We dig the tubular retro ceiling almost as much as we dig the calorific treats at this old-school bakery; try the delectable munk (think doughnut meets apple strudel).

    reviewed

  16. L

    Två Rum & Kök

    Another good choice for evening dining is this gourmet den, best known for its magnificent fondue (minimum two persons); with flavours spanning Tex-Mex and French to Cajun.

    reviewed

  17. M

    Glassiärens Glassbar

    The queues at this legendary ice-cream peddler are matched by the mammoth serves. Piled high in a heavenly waffle cone, the two-flavour option (Skr30) is a virtual meal.

    reviewed

  18. Kungsholms Fort

    The finest attraction is the extraordinary off-shore Kungsholms Fort, with its curious circular harbour, established in 1680 to defend the town.

    reviewed

  19. N

    boat tours

    Four-hour boat tours to Kungholms Fort, including a guided tour of Kungsholm, depart from Fisktorget; book at the tourist office.

    reviewed

  20. O

    Museum Leonardo da Vinci Ideale

    Museum Leonardo da Vinci Ideale showcases a private collection of original art. Call ahead to visit.

    reviewed

  21. P

    Guided Walks

    Enquire at the tourist office about two-hour Guided Walks of the city, held on Saturdays from May to mid-September.

    reviewed

  22. Advertisement

  23. Q

    ICA supermarket

    The ICA supermarket is inside the Wachtmeister shopping centre, just the place to stock up on supplies.

    reviewed

  24. R

    Systembolaget

    The Systembolaget - state-owned liquor outlet - is inside the Wachtmeister shopping centre.

    reviewed

  25. S

    Konstmuseet

    The Konstmuseet, once a seamen's barracks, is now a modern art gallery.

    reviewed

  26. T

    Beach

    There's a small Blue-Flag Beach on Stumholmen.

    reviewed