The
Region
Blekinge

Blekinge - The Garden of Sweden

The historic province of Blekinge is the second smallest in Sweden and the smallest on the mainland. It takes just about an hour to drive from west to east, and the entire region has just over 150,000 inhabitants. Yet within its 3,000 km², you’ll find everything that makes Sweden so attractive to holidaymakers: diverse landscapes, countless lakes and fish-rich rivers, an archipelago, beaches, and charming little fishing villages. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why Blekinge is often called The Garden of Sweden – or Sveriges trädgård in Swedish.

Framed by Småland, Skåne, and the Baltic Sea, Blekinge is located in southern Sweden.
From its highest elevations in the north (Rävabacken, the tallest point, reaches 189 meters), the land gently slopes down toward the coast. Dense forests extend all the way to the shoreline, which is dotted with small bays and a picturesque archipelago.

Originally part of Sweden, Blekinge was under Danish rule for centuries and, as a borderland between the two nations, became the site of numerous battles. Following the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, the province permanently became part of Sweden. Due to its coastal location and abundance of timber, a naval base was established in Karlskrona in 1680, triggering a boom — especially in the new towns of Karlskrona and Karlshamn. By 1690, Karlskrona had become Sweden’s third-largest city and served as the country's most important naval base for over 300 years. Even the name of the province has a nautical connection: the adjective bleke refers to complete calm at sea. To this day, however, fruit cultivation and agriculture remain Blekinge’s main economic sectors — earning it the nickname The Garden of Sweden.

The capital and largest city of Blekinge is Karlskrona, which is mostly located on the island of Trossö in the archipelago. The island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is named after King Karl XI and is also the departure point for many archipelago boat tours. The coastal town of Karlshamn was named after King Karl X Gustav. Its historical quarter, Kulturkvarteret, features impressive old wooden houses. Skottsbergska Gården is a preserved merchant’s house from the 18th century, complete with period apartments and a shop. The local museum also provides insight into Blekinge’s rich past.

Sölvesborg is home to a church from the 13th century and charming narrow streets. The illuminated Sölvesborg Bridge (Sölvesborgsbron) is Europe’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge — a favorite among photographers. The surrounding area features numerous sandy beaches, including Sandviken, which resembles the Riviera with its crystal-clear, shallow water — perfect for families with children. In summer, Sölvesborg hosts a medieval market and the Sweden Rock Festival.

The Coastal Town of Kristianopel

Ronneby, known for its mineral spring, was once a famous spa resort. In Brunnspark – awarded Sweden’s most beautiful park in 2005 – exhibitions and concerts are held regularly.

The region’s natural landscape is rich in forests, islands, lakes, rivers, and the stunning archipelago. The architecture is characterized by the typical red wooden houses. The weather is fairly stable throughout the year. Blekinge has a maritime climate with mild winters and pleasant summers. Autumn is also usually mild, as warm air from the Baltic Sea blows inland — though it often brings rain as well.

The towns of Blekinge offer a wealth of cultural highlights — from traditional handicrafts and architecture to culinary delights. One of the main attractions is the Naval Museum in Karlskrona, which includes the HMS Neptun. This Cold War-era submarine gives visitors a glimpse into life on board. Blekinge Exotic World presents exotic animals ranging from meerkats and pythons to monkeys. Right next door is the Kreativum Science Center, which offers fun and educational experiences for both children and adults.

But the greatest attraction of Blekinge is its natural beauty. A popular canoe route connects the three lakes Halen, Immeln, and Raslången. The Blekingeleden Trail is a 250-kilometer hiking path divided into twelve stages. Ideal for cycle touring is the Banvallsleden, a trail that follows a former railway line. The archipelago, which was once a restricted military area, is now open to everyone for exploration. Various courses are offered for water sports and fishing. The Mörrumsån River is especially famous among salmon and trout anglers worldwide. At Laxens Hus (“The House of the Salmon”), you'll find the fishing office, a restaurant, an aquarium, and an exhibition.

How about a safari? In Eriksberg, Scandinavia’s largest safari park, red deer, fallow deer, bison, wild boar, and mouflons roam freely. Thanks to its favorable climate, Blekinge also offers year-round golfing on several scenic courses.

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