BLEKINGE Wonderful Water / Great Outdoors / Art / Discoveries / Flavours
Discover Blekinge Blekinge is teeming with things to do and experience – from boisterous town festivals to small galleries in fishing villages off the beaten track. Here you can read about an assortment of places you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Blekinge’s postcard
The Sölvesborg Bridge – an international celebrity
Brändaholm is Blekinge’s most popular and most photographed islet. An idyllic summer hamlet of 45 small, red cabins with white trim, with living space no bigger than 32 m2. It is often pictured on postcards from Sweden, since the red cabins provide such a striking contrast to the surrounding blue sea. Brändaholm is best seen by bicycle, which can be rented in Karlskrona city.
There’s something special about walking or cycling on the Sölvesborg Bridge, which connects Sölvesborg’s town centre to the golf course and beach. The bridge design and lighting resulted in it being named one of the ten most spectacular bridges in the world by CNN. The Sölvesborg Bridge is the longest pedestrian and cycling bridge in Europe, and is dotted with picnic spots where you can enjoy the gorgeous views. Here, the newly-in-love can take a break at the ‘kissing stops’. Parking is available on both sides of the bridge.
A cultural treasure Ronneby is home to the beautiful Brunnspark as well as a cultural treasure – the old town of Bersglagen. It is an authentic neighbourhood boasting buildings and streets dating back to the Middle Ages. Here, you can stroll through historical surroundings along narrow, winding alleyways behind Heliga Kors Church with its vast collection of Renaissance art. You can also visit the local history museum and view art exhibitions at the Ronneby Cultural Centre. BLEKINGE | 2
Divine view Valhall is beautiful and mythical lookout point over Lake Orlunden in Olofström Municipality. A 40-metre high cliff with a stunning view of Sweden’s southernmost wilderness blanketed in pristine beech and oak forest, and brimming with flora and fauna. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Karlshamn. You can find your way here on hiking trails, but it’s also possible to cheat and take your car. Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket. There are grill areas and benches to use while you enjoy the dramatic view and tranquil surroundings.
A world of sound Experience a Baroque concert, headbang to the biggest hard rock bands in the world, or watch our most famous popstars on stage. Numerous music events are arranged throughout the year all over Blekinge. The most well-known – without a doubt – is Sweden Rock Festival, which draws large international audiences to the small village of Norje every year. The Karlskrona Archipelago Festival and the Karlshamn Baltic Festival always showcase some of the biggest Swedish live acts, and, in the small locality of Hällevik, a jazz festival is held every summer. Opera, traditional music, and choir concerts – we have everything in the repertoire!
A bath house for all the senses Karlshamn’s Cold Bath House is located in the scenic suburb of Vägga, which boasts a stunning beachfront promenade. The building itself is an experience for both body and soul, designed by architectural firm White Arkitekter, and brings to mind a flying saucer hovering over the water. Here you can swim in the sea all year round, relax in the sauna and take in the views of the archipelago from the sun terrace. The Cold Bath House received the 2015 Karlshamn Stadsbyggnadspris (Eng: Urban Planning Award).
PUBLISHER Visit Blekinge PRODUCTION Go Happi PRINTING COMPANY Mixi Print, Olofström PHOTOGRAPHERS Cover Picture Eriksberg Hotel & Nature Reserve – Angelica Zander, Joakim Johansson, Andreas Blomlöf, Linder Media, Ben GT Nyberg, Torbjörn Lingöy, Håkan Linder, Per Pixel Petersson, Peter Enckell, Jacob Zocherman, Björn Lindberg, Mickael Tannus, André Julinder, Ola Åkeborn, Digitalfilm, Joakim Lenell, Thomas Park photography, Helena Schütz , Jonatan Rennemark et al. MAGAZINE co-funded by Region Blekinge. 3 | BLEKINGE
Despite the copious number of islands punctuating Blekinge’s archipelago, it has so much more to offer than just sunshine, swimming, and fishing. Enchanted places, beautiful islet villages and good food all sound very appetising, right? Cast off and sail to four islands that are definitely worth a visit.
CHECK IN ON ASPÖ Taking the ferry from Handelshamn in Karlskrona to Aspö, an island with a population of around 500, takes less than 30 minutes. There’s plenty to do on the island, and, if you have a bicycle, Aspö offers two 10 km routes on winding roads that take you deep into the island’s summer haven. You can stop along the way to cool off at the island’s bathing spot or enjoy a lovely dip from the rocks. If you are interested in art, why not visit one of the galleries on the island? Aspö is also home to Drottningskär Citadel, dating back to the 17th century, which is part of the Karlskrona naval city World Heritage Site and well worth a visit, and you can have a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the restaurant there.
MYTHICAL HANÖ Hanö is a fairytale island just off Listerlandet peninsula and shrouded in enchanting myths and legends. Home to the famous Drakmärket rock carving, which legend says formed when a fire-breathing dragon crash-landed against the rock face when the signal fire was lit for the first time. In addition to fairytales and legends, Hanö offers real-life experiences such as the English Cemetery and Bönsäcken promontory, where millions of water-cut stones change shape according to the sea winds. There are also three lovely bathing spots and a cosy restaurant with views over Hanö bay. After a 20-minute ferry ride from Nogersund, you will be greeted by its magnificent nature. BLEKINGE | 4
Island life
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EXOTIC UTKLIPPAN Utklippan is not only Sweden’s most south-eastern island group, it is also an exotic place along the outermost maritime boundary with rarely seen wildlife. Here you go on a seal safari and can get up close to both grey seals and harbour seals. If you stay ashore, you can make your acquaintance with the European green toad and enjoy the island’s rich birdlife. Stay in comfort in the island’s hostel and eat heartily in the tavern next door. You can get to Utklippan on the archipelago boat, which departs regularly from Handelshamn Karlskrona in the summer.
POPULAR TJÄRÖ On Tjärö island take a dip to cool off at one of the island’s six bathing spots and stretch out on the rocks to soak up the evening sun. There’s a restaurant at the water’s edge where you can eat seafood from the local coast while enjoying a view over the magnificent archipelago. A feast for the palate, eyes and body! In the summer, the island comes alive with musical evenings alongside the glistening water while the sun warmly bids farewell. You can stay in charming, cosy cabins from the 1800s with the sea in every direction. Choose the room size and standard that suit you best. You can get to Tjärö by ferry from Järnavik, Matvik and Karlshamn. 5 | BLEKINGE
Treasured coast! Explore our pristine archipelago.Here you will find winding gravel roads, tranquil bays, uninhabited islands, and the open sea.
On foot, in a kayak or by bike. A phone app lets you explore Blekinge’s multifaceted archipelago any way you choose. ARK56 is a network of trails in the Blekinge Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO for its unique natural and cultural value. The trails guide you alongside the water through Blekinge’s archipelago. The trails are connected by 13 service hubs where food, accommodation and activities are on offer. And if you feel like swapping your mode of transport, kayaks and bicycles can be rented at the hubs. PLAN YOUR TRIP Navigate the various trails using the mobile phone app. The app guides you easily from wind shelters to suites, from grill sites to gourmet restaurants, from luxury to wilderness. The ARK56 nature guide app lets you plan your trip from the comfort of your home. If you prefer a map you can hold in your hand, one can be downloaded from the ARK56 website or collected from one of the tourist centres. ALONG THE COAST If you’re passionate about hiking, all you need to do is put on your boots, pack a backpack, and start trekking the hiking trails. If you’d prefer to ride a bike, the biking trails take you along small, winding roads through the archipelago landscape. The app will help you to find byways to take and sights to see. By kayak you can explore in between skerries, circumnavigate islands, and paddle alongside headlands. Drift through a World Heritage Site and a unique archipelago where the forest extends all the way down to the beach. The app offers suggestions for routes, passages, rest stops, restaurants and activities. If you’d prefer to skip the hassle of planning altogether, all-inclusive packages are available with food and accommodation, kayaking, and a whole lot more – just relax and enjoy. ark56.se
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Archipelago adventure A visit to Blekinge is not complete without having experienced the archipelago. Blekinge offers a living archipelago that takes you from Utlängan and Stenshamn in the east to Hanö in the west. Awaiting in between is a world of historical sites, picturesque islands, bathing spots and fishing villages for you to choose from. The best – and sometimes only – way to travel to these places is on the archipelago’s ferries. Some tours operate all year round and many people commute on the waterways – but the variety is best during the summer.
KARLSHAMN In Karlshamn, climb aboard the boat to the Citadel, which stands along the harbour inlet, or make an excursion to the delightful islands of Tärnö and Tjärö. Swim, paddle, grill or just take a stroll. SÖLVESBORG Take a boat from the Nogersund fishing community near Sölvesborg to mythical Hanö island. In addition to its magnificent nature – including the Bönsäcken promontory and hornbeam forest – Hanö is home to the English Cemetery and a rock carving referred to as ‘drakmärket’ (Eng: the dragon mark). Perfect for a day trip. For more information, visit blekingetrafiken.se. Experience your very own archipelago adventure!
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KARLSKRONA & RONNEBY In Karlskrona, most of the boats depart from Fisktorget square in the middle of town. From there, you can reach the eastern archipelago, enjoy guided tours or take the charming M/S Axel along Nättrabyån River. A Hop-on, Hop-off tour is also available in Karlskrona, which docks at various site in the town, including the Naval Museum. From Handelshamnen you can, among other things, take the Sturkö commuter ferry or Kustlinjen coastal route all the way to Karlshamn. When visiting Ronneby, you can’t miss a trip on M/F Astrid on Ronneby
River passing Brunnsparken, which is one of Sweden’s most beautiful parks full of historical buildings and where events are held regularly. The journey continues into the Ronneby archipelago before turning back.
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True wilderness Discover Blekinge’s all-encompassing nature by heading straight into it. Allow yourself to be filled with tranquillity while paddling a canoe. Take a canoe along Ronneby River, through meandering waterways and long, narrow lakes encircled by deep forests. You can also rent a sea kayak if you’d prefer to paddle along the coast in open water. You can rent equipment from Paddelkompaniet in Ronneby, which is available in both places. WILD BLEKINGE Another exciting family adventure is saddling up on horseback. Ride Icelandic horses along Sandviken’s white beaches or deep into the verdant forest. And, after a long ride in the forest, you can enjoy coffee and snacks on the beach. Get in touch with Fornhaga Islandshästar outside Sölvesborg, a popular place that arranges riding tours out into nature. Do you enjoy cycling while experiencing the colours and smells of nature and hearing its birdsongs? Then the southeast coastal road is ideal. Start your trip in Kristianopel and head to Torhamn. Or you can ride the southeast trail, where the 40 km long route from Karlshamn to Sölvesborg is highly recommended. A lovely coastal route! EXPLORE THE BLEKINGE TRAIL If you prefer hiking, you can get up close with nature on the Blekinge trail. It’s a 270 km long hiking trail through the great outdoors across woodlands, valleys and coastlines. You can hike the entire trail or parts of thereof, since it is divided into 15 legs. Experience the nature on offer and its many diverse elements.
Adventure and excitement, with nature as your companion.
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An adventurer’s dream
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OLOFSTRÖM – Sweden’s Outdoor Recreation Municipality 2019!
Did you know that Sweden’s southernmost wilderness is located in Blekinge? All around Halen – Blekinge’s largest lake – you can hike, ride horses and bike along trails and ridges, visit majestic lookout points, and paddle over water in a dramatic landscape. Halen Lake is part of a massive lake system in Sweden’s most lake-dense region. The ideal place for those who love nature, adventure and expeditions into the wilderness, while remaining relatively close to civilisation. There are plenty of amenities around Halen Lake for relaxing in luxury in between excursions. Camping, hotels, bathing spots, diving platforms, spas and all the services you can imagine. Not to mention the array of cultural and historical attractions. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard at Olofströms Kanotcentral down at the
lake’s edge. If you’d like to paddle through the entire lake system, the professional staff there will help you with equipment, maps and good service. If you’re keen to do some fishing, head on over to Harasjömåla Fiskecamp. A well-maintained facility where you can fish for trout in lakes and enjoy fly-fishing in flowing waters, with accommodation at the campsite. Make your way to Halen Nature Reserve to challenge yourself, become one with nature, or just unwind. If you’re looking to treat yourself with accommodation in an idyllic setting, head to Brokamåla Gård. Stay in a red cabin, pick berries and mushrooms, do some fishing and relax in a hot tub. You’ll find all amenities here along with amazing service – in the middle of Olofström’s glorious wilderness.
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Paddle a canoe during mystical twilight and overnight in a wind shelter. Embark on excursions through Halen’s thrilling wilderness.
For the love of fishing “ ” Whether you’re looking to catch a big pike,
cast your rod lazily on vacation, or wrestle with the biggest salmon and trout in the world – Blekinge’s wonderful waters offer it all.
The whole of Blekinge is like a massive fishing centre with a wide range of fishing activities, and all within an hour by car. There are plenty of professional and well-maintained fishing facilities with both accommodation and guides. Start your fishing trip at Harasjömåla Fiskecamp where you can also stay in Sweden’s southernmost wilderness. Here you have access to 23 lakes and flowing water with put-and-take fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout, as well as regular fishing for pike, perch and whitefish. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or beginner. Not far from Harasjömåla you’ll find Brokamåla gård where you can rent your very own lake. Or why not book an all-inclusive fly-fishing course over a weekend? Salmon fishing in Mörrumsån River is world famous, and kings
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and presidents alike have landed glittering salmon and sea trout from the banks of Kungsforsen. Move stealthily through the currents and try your luck, or enlist the help of seasoned fishing guides. Pike fishing along the Blekinge coast is probably the best in the country, and here you have the chance to hook something really big! The guides at PikeStrike Sweden are experts when it comes to the best pike fishing spots in the Ronneby and Karlskrona archipelago. The same can be said of Camp Dragsö Sportfishing, and both companies rent out boats and kayaks. Just remember that catch and release is practised to conserve the pike population so that others can enjoy the same opportunity. Abels Laxtrolling & Charter offers world-class deep sea fishing and salmon trolling. Using cutting-edge sonar equipment, they will find fish for you to catch. Everything you will need can be rented – just climb aboard.
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Unique fishing with many species in a 10 km radius. Experience Sweden’s best fishing waters!
Exclusive glamping – in the middle of Scandinavia’s largest safari park
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Wake up surrounded by wild animals who roam freely, with a stunning view over the world’s largest populations of red water lilies. It makes you feel like you are in Africa, even though you’re in Blekinge. Book a glamping trip: spend the night in a luxurious tent in the middle of Eriksberg’s wilderness. Roaming freely outside, you’ll spot fallow deer, red deer, Père David’s deer, European bison, wild boar, and mouflon sheep. In the midst of all these wild animals you live in an architecturally designed luxury tent located on a mountain with sumptuous views. The tent interior is well-appointed with brass details, puffed pillows, and oak furniture. You won’t find anything more like a real safari – book this grand experience in Eriksberg!
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eriksberg.se
Magical Järnavik Bay Järnavik is part of Ark 56, designated by UNESCO as one of Sweden’s 5 biosphere reserves. In this magical bay you can paddle, fish, enjoy a boat ride, eat heartily and swim in the blue water. JÄRNAVIKS CAMPING. There’s room for both tents and caravans at this idyllic campsite. If you’d prefer to stay in more comfortable accommodation, opt for one of the gorgeous cabins near the sea. jarnavikscamping.se
PAGELSBORGS GÅRD. Surround yourself in peace and quiet at Pagelsborgs Gård. Stay in comfortable accommodation high up on an ancient esker overlooking Järnavik’s valley. pagelsborg.se
SVALEMÅLA STUGBY. Svalemåla Stugby is situated just 300 metres from the sea. Fishing, boating and other activities are all a stone’s throw way. Plus, there’s a wood-fired sauna and hot tub to warm yourself up in. svalemala.se
PADDELKOMPANIET. Canoe along Ronneby River or kayak the open waters in Järnavik. It’s up to you how you would like to experience the wilderness – Paddelkompaniet can assist you. paddelkompaniet.se
PENSIONAT JÄRNAVIK. Ninni and Lars run the idyllic Pensionat Järnavik guesthouse in Järnavik harbour. Enjoy an overnight stay and eat heartily all year round. A lovely place for conferences and various events. pensionatjarnavik.se
GARNANÄS FISHINGCAMP. This is where you can enjoy proper sport fishing! If you’re eager to reel in a pike, Garnanäs Fishingcamp offers one of the best pike fishing experiences in the country! fishingcamp.se
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Picturesque Listerland Lapping waters, sandy beaches, small, charming restaurants, melodious jazz tones, and – not least of all – the dialect. This is Listerlandet in all its glory.
The old Listerlandish dialect is spoken on Listerlandet, a peninsula outside Sölvesborg where fishing has long been the bread and butter of the inhabitants. The old fishing villages have made their mark and today make up small convivial villages that offer rewarding experiences for visitors. SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES Hällevik is very well-known and one of Blekinge’s real gems. Stroll along the white sandy beach where the smell of seaweed soon turns into the smell of smoked fish from Hennings rökeri smokehouse and caresses the nostrils. In Hällevik you can enjoy smoked seafood at Dagmars or at trendy restaurant Direktör Nyfiken. During the second week in August, the whole of Hällevik lets it hair down to smooth jazz melodies at the Hällevik Tradjazz Festival – an event for everyone, not only jazz lovers. RUSTIC FISHING VILLAGES Not far from Hällevik lies Nogersund. Nogersund harbour used to be one of Sweden’s largest fishing ports. Fishing is still an active pastime here, and Nogersund also has one of the most popular campervan sites in the country. In the harbour, you’ll find the charming Skutan restaurant. Boats to Hanö island also depart from here. If we head farther towards the northeast, we arrive at Hörvik, where some of the older buildings have been preserved. A few cosy taverns can be found in Hörvik, while to the west you come to Hörviks Hallar, which is home to one of the region’s most spectacular rock pools.
Authentic seaside hotel for summer lovers
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Treat yourself to a stay at the beautiful seaside hotel Hälleviks Havsbad.
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Both the location of the hotel and Listerlandet itself are absolutely stunning. The views, forests, and fishing villages, not to mention the coastline blanketed in gorgeous sandy beaches. Check in to this classic seaside hotel with its turn-of-the-century feel – and its modern service. Stay overnight, enjoy a scrumptious dinner, and wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast.
Or stay in one the self-catering apartments. There’s plenty going on in the summer, like tennis events and children’s weeks. And in August there’s a jazz festival. The Nogersund ferry is in close proximity for when you want to explore mythical Hanö island – the gem of the archipelago. From the hotel, it’s just a short 200 metres to the waves. Want to get married? Then the pre- and post-season are popular times for weddings at this stunning seaside hotel. Say Yes on the veranda! hallevikshavsbad.com
Sweden’s Golf Coast Have you played golf on Sweden’s Golf Coast? If not, now’s the time! time, try out several courses, and still have time to return to your favourite course. Campervan sites, cabin hamlets, and hotels are always nearby, with some right next to the courses. The same goes for cultural and historical sites, delicious food, and exciting attractions. Summer is high season, but in Blekinge you can golf both in the early spring and late autumn thanks to the mild winters. So perhaps the golfing holiday abroad can wait? Play golf along Sweden’s Golf Coast instead!
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Blekinge may be small but it’s full of golfing, attractions, and stunning waterside settings. Dotted along the coast are 8 golf courses within a 120 km radius, so calling this the Golf Coast is no exaggeration. The courses you can play on are either located in the middle of the archipelago or a ways inland surrounded by forest. The perfect place to adapt your game to different challenges like wind, weather, and the various characteristics of the golf courses. The short distance means you can maximise your playing
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Artful elements Industrial design and art occupy a broad spectrum. Fire, metal, air, earth or water can all form the base. You’ll discover several artistic elements during your stay in Blekinge.
fire Ebbamåla Bruk outside Kyrkhult tells the fascinating story of Sweden’s industrial revolution. It shines a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, workers, inventors, and engineers, and on the interaction between humans and machinery in the integral engineering industry from 1850 to 1950. Smell the emanations and feel the heat from the iron foundry and forge, and hear the sounds of water turbines and other unusual machines. In the factory shop you can see forged and cast-iron artisanal products that in the past laid the foundation of Sweden’s industrial society. Ebbamåla Bruk is an award-winning attraction and perhaps Europe’s best preserved industrial museum. BLEKINGE | 14
Saxemara Boatyard has been in the same location in Saxemaraviken outside Ronneby since 1927, and symbolises the old and authentic tradition of boatbuilding. In the 1930s, the boatyard was one of the foremost boat builders in Sweden, known for its high-class pleasure boats and yachts. Traditional wooden boats – preferably Blekinge designs – are still made here. The boatyard is a living cultural heritage and is owned by Blekinge Museum. Visitors can experience classic boat building handiwork, enjoy beautiful wooden boats, and soak up the unique boatyard environment.
air
water
Saxemara Boatyard
Malin Mena
Glass-blown artworks that sometimes carry an elegant patterned engraving and sculptures inspired by nature’s seeds, pistils, and foliage. A recurring theme that over the years has become glassblower Malin Mena’s signature. She has converted the old, abandoned water tower in the village of Nättraby into a gleaming glassworks and shop, which she has fittingly named Glastornet (Eng: The Glass Tower). A wonderful experience of colours and shapes for which Malin has been lauded. Her collection of works is on display – everything from utility objects to extravagant glass artworks.
The Karlskrona Lampfabrik lighting factory is like an industrial museum. With the difference being that production is still going strong. The lamps and lights are crafted from brass, mostly according to authentic styles from the late 1800s. Here, the metal is processed into luminaires in the same German turret punch used when the luminaires were first delivered in 1884. Production still takes place in Pantarholmskajen, Karlskrona in the factory built in 1899.
earth
metal Karlskrona Lampfabrik
Susanne Demåne
When artist Susanne Demåne saw the old, abandoned school in Edestad, she felt like she belonged there. Using her creative, artistic hands, she started planting. Seeing what emerged from the earth filled her with a zest for life, from which a sprawling garden arose and which has become a frequently visited sculpture park. Susanne’s ideas are born in nature, which is also where the material she uses in her sculptures comes from. She shapes tree trunks and creates art from the clay and mud.
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Stay in a red cabin Enjoy an overnight stay next to nature. By the sea, in the archipelago, in the forest, by the lake or on a sandy beach. If you are eager to glimpse back into history, check in to beautiful Kyrkesta croft, located in the middle of Eriksberg Nature Reserve. Live like the crofters did in the past: with no electricity or running water and close to nature and animals. Outside Karlshamn is the tranquil Långasjönäs Nature Reserve. With water virtually on your doorstep, you can stay in one the campsite’s 53 gorgeous cabins. When you open the door in the morning, you open it unto a world of majestic views. WHITE TRIM If you would like to live on an island and feel refreshed by sea breezes, then beautiful Tjärö is the ideal place to stay with its 13 different cabins from the 19th century, clustered around the central part of the island. You can stay in Hanna’s cabin, Maggan’s barn or the Henhouse. There are also two smaller
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cabins alongside the water if you want to wake up to a stunning sea view. At Brokamåla gård, outside Olofström, you can stay in a beautiful farm and wilderness setting dating back to the late 18th century. You can choose one of the small red cabins with white trim, or why not stay in one of the four rooms in the old hay loft? Svalemåla stugby outside Bräkne-Hoby is truly rural and nestled amongst coiling gravel roads, pastures, woodlands and the sea. In small red cabins with white trim and framed by courtyards, you can stay amid untouched nature surrounded on all sides by meadows, the sky and the sea. Paddle, fish off a boat, hike, cycle, or just relax on the beach – can a holiday be any more enjoyable? Stay in peace and quiet: www.visitblekinge.se
Camping is the life Settle in at one of Blekinge’s fantastic campsites.
Blekinge is fairly well known, but for many it is an unexplored gem far from overpopulated tourist traps where throngs of thousands squeeze into a small area. The best way to become acquainted with us is to stay at one of our campsites – small oases close to all the attractions and events. You rarely have to travel longer than an hour by car or public transport. If you’re just looking to stay in your campervan or cabin, there are plenty of activities around each campsite. WONDERFUL WATER
Water is the common denominator. All bathing spots are beautiful and different – from lakes to archipelago bays. Wade out into still, shallow waters or leap from dramatic cliffs. And the water is usually quite warm since we are protected by the archipelago. Go out on a fishing trip or do some seabird spotting, rent a canoe or bicycle and follow the adventure trails along the coast. Grab a snorkelling mask and enjoy some snorkelling and diving. The phrase: “Something for everybody” is us in a nutshell. The seasons are long and many of the campsites are open all year round. Perfect for when you’re looking to do some swimming, riding, etc. or book a conference for your company or association.
Read more and book here: campingsydost.se
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CAMPING SYDOST
The camping association Camping Sydost has plenty of campsites offering special rates and packages. Which campsite would you like to stay at?
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Fun & play Dreaming of a family holiday? Blekinge has plenty of exciting places where kids can play, explore and have fun!!
Barnens Gård Life is playing in the countryside! Barnens Gård is one of southern Sweden’s most popular amusement parks. Come and pet the animals, ride the hay tractor, jump, climb and challenge yourself – or your parents. The waterpark is a must with its slides and wild rapids. And, of course, there’s plenty of ice cream and lots of good food to eat in our restaurant. barnensgard.se
Dragsö Camping Close to Karlskrona centre is Dragsö, an oasis for everyone – including the kids. Play adventure golf with a World Heritage Site theme, swim at the sandy beach with a bathing raft, visit the troll forest, paddle a canoe, go snorkelling or have fun at the pirate playground! dragso.se
Kreativum Science Center How much would you weigh on another planet? How do vision and the senses work? Try steer a boat or challenge someone in tricky games. Kreativum Science Center stimulates curiosity and knowledge in science, technology and mathematics in a fun way! kreativum.se
Blekinge Museum Historical experiences for the whole family! Take a tour of discovery through the exhibitions, tinker in the workshop, or enjoy a screening that transports you back to the 18th century. Outside you’ll find the lovely Grevagrundet, a playground inspired by the archipelago! blekingemuseum.se
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Unique Naval Museum
marinmuseum.se
educational for the whole family. Submarine hall, wreck tunnel under the surface, ships, collections and guided tours. Restaurant, activity room, museum shop and more. In the submarine hall you can board HMS Neptun, a real Cold War submarine. And don’t miss the Beakhead Hall, where one of the world’s best preserved beakhead figureheads can be found. Several metre high wooden sculptures that once sat on the bows of Swedish warships and something you shouldn’t miss!
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On land and on water!
The Naval Museum is Sweden’s national museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Swedish Navy – join us on a journey from the year 1522 to the present day. In the middle of the historical setting on the island of Stumholmen in Karlskrona, the beautiful and famous Naval Museum building extends onto a pier in the water. Here you can interactively experience the Swedish Navy’s eventful history in a place that has belonged to the Swedish Armed Forces for hundreds of years. The Naval Museum is exciting, fun and
Swedish classics Amongst vehicles and porcelain.
Visit the classic industrial building where Karlskrona porcelain was manufactured between 1918 and 1968, and is still there today. More than 11,000 visitors come here every year to experience Swedish industrial history, framed by period furniture and table settings. The collection was started by Margaretha Sjöberg in 1988, and currently contains examples from most of the factory’s production, from figurines to hand-painted tableware. View complete tableware sets, porcelain from designers such as Hald and Skawonius, or just enjoy the exhibition. The same tickets grants you admission to the Karlskrona Car Museum with heirlooms such as Volvo P1900, Olof Palme’s Saab and Gustav IV Adolf’s Cadillac. It will certainly be a ride down memory lane, and as a bonus, the entrance fee is donated to Formula 1 driver Gunnar Nilsson’s cancer foundation. fabas.se/vara-museer 19 | BLEKINGE
Add flavours Blekinge is teeming with small local food producers and eateries to visit. So make some delicious holiday memories.
ASKUNGA DOVVILT A farm in Fridlevstad with its own deer enclosure and where there’s a good chance of seeing the animals. The farm shop sells venison and sausages made from deer, moose, wild boar and pheasant. The restaurant serves morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. ORRANÄS GÅRDSMEJERI Various cheeses are made here from milk from their own goats as well as organic milk from the neighbouring farmer’s cows. The cheeses are sold in the farm shop outside Jämjö where you can also learn a bit about the manufacturing process. BLEKINGE KAFFEROSTERI In the salmon fishing metropolis Mörrum you will find Henrik Arvidsson, who runs his own coffee roastery. He searches for the best coffee from different countries and roasts them in a way that best brings out the flavours. BRYGGHUSET CAFÉ & ART Visit this rural summer café in Krokås in stunning Listerlandet, which has a Latin American vibe. It mainly serves waffles, savoury and sweet, lunch and snacks, scoops of ice cream, juice and coffee. MORMORS BAKERI In rural Nötabråne you will find this cultural building with a café and vegetarian restaurant, farm shop, bed & breakfast and art gallery. Fantastic homemade food and cakes are served here in a cosy atmosphere – and at fully affordable prices. RESTAURANT BLÅREGN SÖLVESBORG is a small, charming town, and right at its centre is this restaurant, which has a lovely big garden in which you can enjoy your meal. Here, food is cooked from scratch with local produce and with a large portion of love. ÄGGABODEN On a farm outside of Ronneby you will find this unique restaurant, surrounded by buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. And if you want to cook something that you just ate there, you can buy the raw ingredients from the farm shop and the chefs in the kitchen will tell you how it’s done. More restaurants can be found at visitblekinge.se
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Delectable Blekinge has a total of eight restaurants and cafés included in the prestigious restaurant guide White Guide.
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Photo Bengt Nyberg
Havsörnen uses the natural pantry found on the farm – the forest, the lakes, the sea, and the garden, as well as the best local raw ingredients.
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Visenten offers exciting taste sensations. Here, the genuinely well-cooked food is the focus of both the big and small gourmand.
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Restaurang &Vin Enjoy a multi-course menu with a perfectly matched wine package and playlist for a relaxed evening in the harbour while the waves lap at the quay.
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Sjörök reproduces flavours from all over the world and everything is expertly cooked. Attentive service ensures that there is something for everyone. Family friendly!
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Café Mandeltårtan serves almond cakes and other scrumptious baked goods, all made from organic raw ingredients. The coffee is brewed from carefully selected beans from the absolute best roasters.
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Ritz Conditori represents authentic food craft where real butter, genuine vanilla, and high-quality chocolate are obvious ingredients in the delicious baked goods.
K AR LSK R O N A KRIST IANOPEL
Café Sött & Salt’s most popular dishes are prawn sandwiches and berry pies. With great service and views of Blekinge’s wonderful waters included.
Systrarna Lindqvist Café och Surdegsbageri makes everything from scratch with superb raw ingredients, and the sourdough bread is made from their own rye sourdough.
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World class World Heritage Site
Kungsholm Fort by boat – a classic
Trinity Church on the main square
Stumholmen can only be described as beautiful! BLEKINGE | 22
King Charles XI founded Karlskrona in 1680 to establish a base for the country’s warships. A civilian community grew around the base to provide the naval base with all the services and supplies needed – this laid the foundation for Karlskrona to become a World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore all the places and things that make Karlskrona a World Heritage Site. You can either explore on your own or join one of the many guided tours to destinations at this World Heritage Site. The tours are often available in different languages.
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Vestiges from different eras still stand today and have made Karlskrona a living World Heritage Site. Visit the town and discover why it occupies the same UNESCO list as the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall of China.
Admiralty Clock Tower from 1699
The Admiralty Church is one of Sweden’s largest wooden churches
Ropewalk building – Sweden’s longest wooden building 23 | BLEKINGE
All roads lead to Blekinge Blekinge is close to wherever you live and easy to get to no matter your mode of transport. Pack the car, enjoy the view and take the boat across the strait. Or get on a plane – it only takes 50 minutes to get to Ronneby from Stockholm. We wish you a warm welcome!
HELLO CYCLISTS! Enjoy some wonderful biking on winding bicycle trails throughout Blekinge. Don’t forget your helmet.
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COPENHAGENER? Cross the bridge and 2 hours later you’ll be dipping your toes in the wonderful waters.
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Fly from STOCKHOLM. After 50 minutes, you will land at Ronneby Airport – in the middle of Blekinge.
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Hop on Stena Line’s ferry in POLAND, after a good night’s sleep you will wake up refreshed in Karlskrona.
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With DFDS Seaways you can easily take the ferry directly from LITHUANIA to Karlshamn.
Live in GERMANY? Take the motorway and a short boat ride. You’ll be in Blekinge in less than 6 hours.