Karlskrona: Sweden's Naval City - Insights from a Former Resident

For two years, Karlskrona was my home while I studied for my Master's degree at Blekinge Tekniska Högskolan (BTH). Located in the southern part of Sweden, this city is notable – a small and beautiful city built across multiple islands in the archipelago, renowned for its significant naval history and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Living in Karlskrona offers a unique perspective on its blend of history, maritime culture, and the energy of a university town. It's a city where grand baroque architecture meets the everyday reality of island life, always connected to the sea.

Drawing on my experience as a student resident, this guide aims to provide visitors with detailed information about Karlskrona, offering insights beyond the typical tourist brochure and sharing what I came to appreciate about this city.

As a student, my travel to and from Karlskrona often involved public transport.

 

• Train: Karlskrona is well-connected by train (SJ, Öresundståg) to other parts of Sweden, though journeys from Stockholm typically involve at least one change (e.g., in Hässleholm or Lund). This was a common way for me to travel to or from other major cities.
 
• Bus: Intercity buses (like FlixBus or VY Buss) also serve Karlskrona, often offering a more budget-friendly option, though sometimes with longer travel times.
 
• Flying: The closest airport is Ronneby Airport (RNB), located about 30 minutes away. From the airport, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Karlskrona. This is the quickest option for longer distances within Sweden or internationally.
 
• Car: The E22 highway runs nearby, making Karlskrona accessible by car. If you're driving around Southern Sweden, it's a straightforward journey.

Living in Karlskrona, I quickly became familiar with navigating the city built on islands. The main island, Trossö, is where the city center, many key sights, and the main BTH campus are located.

 

• Walking: The city center on Trossö is compact and very walkable. Many of the main streets, squares, and the area around the university are easily explored on foot. Walking is often the best way to appreciate the architecture and the city's atmosphere. I walked almost everywhere within Trossö for daily errands and exploring.
 
• Local Buses: Blekingetrafiken operates a good network of local buses connecting the different islands and neighborhoods of Karlskrona. Local buses are essential for traveling beyond the core center or in bad weather. I used these regularly as part of daily life.
 
• Cycling: Cycling is also a popular way to get around, with paths available.
 
• Archipelago Boats: A unique part of getting around is using the local archipelago boats run by Blekingetrafiken. These connect the city center harbor to some of the islands further out in the archipelago. While not for daily commuting for everyone, they are great for exploring!

As part of my studies, I sometimes traveled to the other BTH campuses in Ronneby and Karlshamn, giving me a bit of familiarity with those towns as well (more on day trips later).

Spending two years living in Karlskrona as a Master's student was a great experience. It's a relatively small city, which means it feels manageable and easy to get to know. The presence of BTH adds to the city's character, bringing a younger, international element to the population.

The city feels safe and has a relaxed pace, especially outside of the academic year peak times or major summer events. The connection to the sea is always present, influencing the atmosphere and providing scenic views and recreational opportunities.

While not as large or bustling as Stockholm or Gothenburg, Karlskrona has necessary amenities, with a good range of shops, cafés, restaurants, and cultural activities for its size. As a student, finding a balance between study and enjoying the city and its surroundings was key.

What makes Karlskrona stand out is its history as a Swedish naval base and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city was purpose-built in the late 17th century to be the perfect naval city, and this heritage is incredibly well-preserved.

Walking around, you see impressive baroque buildings, strategic layouts, and defense structures that tell the story of this planned city. The UNESCO status covers not just the city center but also parts of the naval base and some outer fortifications.

This historical identity is deeply ingrained in the city's character and forms the backdrop for much of what there is to see and do.

During my time in Karlskrona, certain places became familiar parts of my routine or stood out as special. For visitors, here are key sights to consider:

 

• Marinmuseum (The Naval Museum): This is widely considered the most important museum in Karlskrona and a must-visit. Located on the island of Stumholmen (easily accessible from Trossö), it offers a fascinating journey through Swedish naval history, with impressive exhibits including real ships and figureheads. The scale of the exhibits and the modern building itself are often found to be engaging. Entry for adults is around 110-160 SEK depending on the season (as of 2025, free for under 18).
 
• Stortorget (The Main Square): One of the largest city squares in Europe, Stortorget is the heart of Trossö island. It's surrounded by impressive buildings, including the two main churches (Fredrikskyrkan and Trefaldighetskyrkan) and the City Hall. It's a key place to experience the city's atmosphere and appreciate the grand scale of its planning.
 
• The Churches: Fredrikskyrkan and Trefaldighetskyrkan (The Holy Trinity Church / German Church) on Stortorget are notable examples of Baroque architecture and central to the city's visual identity. Their scale and design reflect the city's importance when it was built.
 
• Blekinge Museum: Located near the city center, this museum provides insight into the regional history and culture of Blekinge.
 
• Stumholmen: The island adjacent to Trossö is a fascinating area to explore, home to the Marinmuseum and many historic naval buildings. It's easy to walk or cycle around and offers scenic views back towards Trossö and the sea.
 
• Archipelago Boat Trips: Taking one of the local archipelago boats is highly recommended, especially in summer. It's an excellent way to experience the beautiful archipelago nature and see the city from the water. Shorter trips to nearby islands or longer tours are available (check Blekingetrafiken schedules).
 
• Parks and Green Spaces: Enjoy the city's parks, like Hoglands Park, for a break from sightseeing. They are lovely for a quick stroll.
 
• Walking Around Trossö: Simply wandering the streets of the main island, discovering hidden courtyards and views of the water, is a lovely way to spend time. I spent many hours walking around, observing the details.

Blekinge Tekniska Högskolan (BTH) played a central role in my time in Karlskrona. The main campus is located in Karlskrona, primarily on Trossö and Stumholmen, integrated into the city environment.

BTH is a technical university with a strong focus on areas like engineering, IT, and spatial planning. Its presence contributes significantly to Karlskrona's atmosphere, bringing students from different backgrounds and influencing the local culture and services.

As I mentioned, I also had reason to travel to the other BTH campuses in Ronneby and Karlshamn during my studies, giving me a bit of familiarity with those towns as well (more on day trips later).

As a student, finding good food that fit a budget was often key! Karlskrona offers a variety of places to eat and enjoy fika.

Near the university and in the city center, you'll find various cafés perfect for fika (a quintessential Swedish experience). There are also restaurants ranging from casual and student-friendly options to more established places, many serving international cuisine alongside Swedish dishes. Given the coastal location, keep an eye out for seafood options.

Grocery stores are readily available for self-catering, which was a common strategy for managing costs as a student.

Having lived in Karlskrona for two full years, I experienced all four seasons. Each has its own charm, but the best time to visit really depends on your priorities:

 

• Summer (June-August): This is arguably the most popular time. The weather is warmest, the archipelago is at its best for boat trips and swimming, and there are more outdoor events. The city is lively, but not usually overwhelmingly crowded like some major tourist spots.
 
• Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October): These seasons offer beautiful light and colors, fewer tourists, and the city is lively with the academic year in full swing. The weather can be changeable but often pleasant for exploring.
 
• Winter (November-March): Karlskrona in winter is quiet and can be cold and windy, especially near the water. However, it can also be beautiful with crisp air or even snow, offering a different, more introspective experience focusing on indoor activities like museums and cozy cafés.

As a student, budgeting was a daily reality. Karlskrona is generally more affordable than larger Swedish cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg, but it's still Sweden, so costs can add up.

For visitors, typical costs include accommodation (hotels, guesthouses), food (eating out vs. self-catering), transport (getting to Karlskrona and using local buses/boats), and entry fees for attractions.

As a student, my main expenses were rent, groceries (cooking at home was budget-friendly), and local transport passes. There were also student discounts available for some things.

Based on my two years living there, here are some practical tips for visitors:

 

• Embrace the Islands: Karlskrona is spread out. Don't be afraid to use the local buses or walk across the bridges to explore different islands. It's part of the unique character.
 
• Weather: Being a coastal city, it can get windy and the weather can change. Pack layers, especially a windproof jacket, regardless of the season. This is a key takeaway from experiencing different seasons.
 
• UNESCO Walk: Dedicate time to simply walk around the main parts of Trossö and Stumholmen to soak in the UNESCO World Heritage architecture and planning. It's a recommended way to appreciate the city's foundation.
 
• Cashless: Like most of Sweden, Karlskrona is largely cashless. Card payment is standard everywhere.
 
• Student Life (during term time): If you visit during the academic year (roughly September-May), you'll experience the added dynamic of the student population, which can influence the atmosphere in cafés, pubs, and around campus areas.
 
• Blekingetrafiken App: If you plan to use local buses or archipelago boats, download the Blekingetrafiken app for tickets and journey planning. It is noted as being essential for getting around.

Karlskrona is a good base for exploring other parts of Blekinge, Sweden's Garden Kingdom. I had the opportunity to visit other towns due to the BTH campuses there:

 

• Ronneby: Easily reachable by train or bus (approx. 20-30 mins). Ronneby is known for its beautiful Ronneby Brunnspark, a large spa park perfect for walking and relaxation.
 
• Karlshamn: Also accessible by train or bus (approx. 45-60 mins). Karlshamn is another coastal town with a nice harbor area and the historic Kastellet fort located on an island just outside the town (accessible by a small boat).

These towns offer a taste of Blekinge beyond Karlskrona and are convenient day trip options.

Based on my knowledge of the city, the most convenient area for visitors to stay is generally on the main island of Trossö, particularly near the city center (Stortorget area) or the harbor. This puts you within easy walking distance of many sights, restaurants, and transport links.

You can find hotels, guesthouses, and potentially some vacation rentals on Trossö and the nearby islands connected by bridges.

Karlskrona is more than just a city with a history; it was my home for two years, a place where I studied, explored, and experienced daily life in Southern Sweden. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site is well-deserved, reflecting its unique historical significance and beautiful architecture.

I found it to be a welcoming and manageable city, with the ever-present sea providing a sense of calm and natural beauty right on your doorstep. The blend of naval heritage, island geography, and the energy of a university town creates a unique atmosphere.

For visitors to Sweden, Karlskrona offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's history and a beautiful coastal environment, easily explored on foot and by local transport. I highly recommend a visit!

Ready to plan your trip to Karlskrona? Here are some helpful links:

 

• 🔗 Official Visitor Site for Karlskrona
 
• 🔗 Marinmuseum (The Naval Museum)
 
• 🔗 Blekingetrafiken (Local Public Transport including archipelago boats)
   
• 🔗 Blekinge Tekniska Högskolan (BTH)