KARLSKRONA, SWEDEN

Our tour begins with a brief tour of Karlskrona itself. We shall have the chance to take photos. Continuing by coach, we shall stop to visit the Admiralty Church, built in 1685, which is the largest timber church in Sweden. In front stands the legendary figure of Old Rosenbom, his outstretched arm begging for alms.

Our tour begins with a brief tour of Karlskrona itself. We shall have the chance to take photos. Continuing by coach, we shall stop to visit the Admiralty Church, built in 1685, which is the largest timber church in Sweden. In front stands the legendary figure of Old Rosenbom, his outstretched arm begging for alms. We then drive on to idyllic Brändaholm, situated on the secluded Island of Dragsö (to the south west of Karlskrona) which is a popular recreation area for the residents of Karlskrona. Here we will see typical Swedish allotment cottages with beautiful adjoining gardens, which were created in the 1920’s and are remarkably intact and untouched. We will have a guided walk around the gardens. On the opposite side of the bay, we visit Skärva Herrgård – built in 1785 and 1786 for the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Yard, Fredric Henric af Chapman. His country residence was one of the most singular architectural creations produced in Sweden during the 18th century. The house is situated in a beautifully landscaped “English Park”. Set on a slope down to the sea, large trees were first cleared and then foreign flowers and trees were introduced, making an impressive sight. The owner himself will conduct our visit to Skärva. Returning to Karlskrona, we visit the modern and impressive Naval Museum. The Naval Museum has a long tradition stretching back to 1752 when Adolf Fredrik, the then King of Sweden, decreed that a ships model room be established in Karlskrona. Ever since, the Museum has been charged with the collection and conservation of artefacts, which document the history and development of the Swedish Navy. In many respects, the Museum houses a unique collection, which includes a collection of famous figureheads of the 18th century.

This tour involves a walk of approximately 100 metres (328 feet) to and from Admiralty Church, 900 metres (2,952 feet) at both Brändaholm (some uneven ground, gravel and grass) and Skärva Herrgård and 500 metres (1,640 feet) inside the Naval Museum. It is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. There will be toilet facilities at the Museum. The tour may operate in a different order to that described.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES