KarlskronaSweden · Ferry Destinations

All About Karlskrona

When King Charles XI needed a harbor to construct a naval base in 1680, he decided upon Karlskrona for its location. Positioned alongside the Baltic Sea, this strategically planned city with several historically noteworthy buildings now has the only naval base in Sweden. Originally meant to be a fort, town developers gave Karlskrona a more city-like structure, resulting in it becoming a trading port over time. Destroyed by fire in 1790, Karlskrona has since metamorphosed into a cultural, educational, industrial, and tourism destination, attracting people and businesses from across the globe.

Having a population of 70,000, Karlskrona covers 30 islands and is the capital of Blekinge County. Vacations here are meant to be spent with loved ones, immersing in the local traditions that focus on living a physically and mentally healthy life.
 

Routes and Ferries to Karlskrona

Leasure travel enthusiasts will find that ferry tickets to Karlskrona are the most comfortable way to reach the port. Stena Line has boats arriving and leaving for Gdynia 14 times during the week. Tickets for this voyage are available for booking on Ferryscanner, all year round. The trip through the Baltic channel from Poland takes 10 hours and 30 minutes. Return tickets in a two-berth premier cabin on this ferry cost around €280.

Air travelers have a choice between two airports when planning their holiday to Karlskrona. Ronneby is about 30km from the city but has flights only from Frankfurt and Stockholm. To reach Karlskrona from the airport, take the 45-minute shuttle leaving from outside the departure gate. For better connections from European cities and elsewhere, you’ll have to plan on arriving at Copenhagen Airport. There are several three-hour-long trains from the airport to Karlskrona, costing €30 to €45. If driving, it takes four hours from Gothenburg and two and half hours from Malmö to reach the city.
 

Port of Karlskrona

Karlskrona’s importance as a commercial harbor is at the same level as its significance as a navy port. The city’s influential location on the Baltic coast, in south Sweden, makes it an essential hub for trade and tourism. Located on the island of Verkö, to the east of the main town, the port primarily caters to cargo ships. While the shipyard and warehouses offer services to different industries, the ferry terminal plays a critical role in increasing tourism.

The ferry terminal of Karlskrona has basic amenities such as vending machines, toilets, a play area for kids, and parking. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Karlskrona can take the 30-minute Bus #6 to the city for €2. Alternatively, a 10-minute taxi to town from the port will cost you €25.   
 

Best Beaches

Bathing points in Karlskrona definitely lack the traditionality of conventional sandy beaches. Nevertheless, these urban waterfronts have an upbeat, family-oriented atmosphere where the uttermost care is taken to create a safe and fun-filled haven for one and all.

Saltö Sand

A favorite with the locals, Saltö is a popular bathing location situated close to the city’s center. Monitored during the summer months, the beach offers plentiful grassy spaces to sunbathe, a diving tower, and jetties with ladders leading into deep waters. On-site facilities include toilets, fresh water showers, barbeque areas, kiosks, and a small playground with swings. The hiking trails behind the beach are an excellent way to get some exercise but do not miss out on the legendary sunsets at Saltö Beach. 

Studentviken Badplats

The name being a dead giveaway, Studentviken is a lovely seaside escape situated near the University in Karlskrona. A 10-minute drive from the main town, it is also possible to take a 20-minute bus ride to the beach. This collection of big and small bays, some with shallow water perfect for children, presents visitors with various swimming and playing possibilities. The short walk to the shore, through the wild, is dreamy, and the limited facilities at the beach keep the environment peaceful and uncrowded. However, a lawn to lounge on, jetties to dive into the water, toilets, showers, and barbeque areas will keep your visit here comfortable. There aren’t any food stalls nearby, so remember to pack a picnic basket.

Knösö Badplats

You are better off driving the 20 minutes to Knösö beach instead of the bus, which takes an hour. A beautiful seaside next to a charming village, it is perfect for nature walks and moments of introspection. Although small, the beach does have toilets, changing rooms, and a jetty. The seafloor here is mostly gravel, but you can always rent a kayak and go out into the water for an adventure-filled day.

Långö Badplats

A little over 2km away, you can either walk 30 minutes to Långö or get there in 15 minutes via the bus. Brimming with entertaining activities, Långö is a must-visit beach in Karlskrona for the whole family. There’s plenty of space to swim with ample green pastures to relax, a mini-golf course, and volleyball courts to stay busy. There are cliffs, a jetty, and a trampoline further out in the sea to jump into the water. Safe for children, the beach has toilets, barbeque grills, and kiosks selling comfort snacks.

Sandvik Hasslö

Sandvik is a sandy beach located on the southern edge of the island Hasslö, lovingly called ‘Little Hawaii’ by the locals. Ideal for all age groups, it takes roughly 25 minutes to get here by car. The waterfront has volleyball courts, a playground, green lawns, barbeque stations, a jetty with a ladder, and a trampoline further out in the deep. The sea near the beach is shallow, and the floor is primarily sand. There is ample parking available about 100 meters away from Sandvik beach.
 

Places to Visit

Museums, a fort, gourmet delights, and ancient churches – Karlskrona is a cultural melting pot where history, tradition, strong family values, and modernism combine in a fascinating manner.

Utklippan

The southernmost island in the Karlskrona Archipelago, Utklippan, is a tiny uninhabited piece of land where you can spend the night. Twenty-five minutes by speedboat from the city, a hostel welcomes adventurous travelers to enjoy a desert island experience without having to wander too far from the mainland. An excellent spot for birding, the island is chiefly flat. The best part about staying at Utklippan is the opportunity to swim or dive with hundreds of seals that call the waters surrounding the Utklippan their home.

Naval Port Museum

In addition to Karlskrona’s exquisite town planning and preserved heritage buildings, the city’s crown jewel is its impressive Naval Port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrating the port is the Naval Museum on Stumholmen island. A fun and interactive institution where visitors can learn about the Swedish Navy, it houses over 55,000 objects, photos, and books. Children especially love the boats moored here, ranging from the missile ship Västervik and minesweeper Bremön to the T38 torpedo launcher. Moreover, although a little far off, you can catch a glimpse of Verkö from here. It is the location of the ferry terminal where passengers traveling with ferry tickets to Karlskrona first arrive. Entry into the museum is free.

Kungsholm Fortress

Among the oldest forts still in use by the military, it is only possible to visit Kungsholm through guided tours organized by the tourist center. The fortress, positioned in the north of Tjurkö island, dates back to the time the city originated. The fortification is reachable only by boats leaving Fisktorget and is known in particular for its circular harbor, museum, and park with hundreds of plants from across the world.

Wämöparken

A beautiful green urban oasis situated 2.5km from the center, Wämöparken is a nature park and an amusement playground. Open from Spring till October end, the park offers an activity-filled respite for all ages. Among the most-loved features in the park are its mini-petting zoo with rabbits, goats, and pigs, their separate dog park, and the theatre where music events occur regularly. The well-marked walking trails at Wämöparken are a chance to appreciate the beauty of the city’s natural scenery.

Glassiären

A visit to Karlskrona’s most famous ice-cream parlor will undoubtedly add dollops of sweetness to your holiday experience. First-time customers are typically left awe-struck by the array of flavors that welcome them inside this otherwise modest shop. Glassiären is known for its somewhat over-the-top servings in large homemade waffle cones. There’s something here for everyone, from lactose-free pleasures and mega three-scoop ice-cream boats to limited edition seasonal flavors. During summers, expect to wait in line for up to 45 minutes.  
 

Transportation Around Karlskrona

Your ferry tickets to Karlskrona are just the beginning of what is going to be a memorable sailing holiday. With several archipelagos surrounding the city, the best way to explore the region is by boat. Operational primarily during the tourist season but also throughout the year, island ferries are both a mode of transport and also ideal for day trips. The Hop-On Hop-Off boats in the summertime stop at most touristic sites in Karlskrona. Tickets for the day cost €10 and include Swedish and English commentary by guides. Also available are two-hour and full-day tours from Fisktorget to various locations in the Karlskrona Archipelago, costing between €11.75 and €16.25.

Tourists planning to stay in Karlskrona for a while should purchase the 24-hour or three-day travel card. It is valid on buses, trains, and local boats. Ticket prices differ based on the zones you wish you cover. Bike and car rentals are an equally popular choice for transport. For something unusual, look into hiring a tuk-tuk for the day. Standard taxis, while easy to book, are a costly alternative.