Welcome here, where the adventure begins!

You begin your journey towards Drottningskär Citadel over the sea. Along the way, you might catch sight of some military installations. At Drottningskär Citadel, there is space for both grand events and genuine, intimate, and warm encounters. Here, there is a stillness and silence that is unique to Drottningskär Citadel. It's easy to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the same time, we encourage embracing joy and playfulness. Drottningskär Citadel is large enough to accommodate both lively activity and serene moments. Drottningskär Citadel is a beautiful part of the World Heritage Site The Naval Port of Karlskrona and a fine example of military history. Here, there is an immediate proximity to the sea, at this outpost of the Swedish realm. The property itself is managed by The Swedish National Property Board (SFV). The fortress's history encompasses defense, architecture, artillery, army, and navy

Drottningskär Citadel is closed for the season, but is open on special occasions and events, see information further down the page under ‘opening hours’.

Events at Drottningskär Citadel

Drottningskärs kastell

The history of Drottningskär Citadel

Blekinge became Swedish in the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, but the Scanian War in the 1670s led King Karl XI to fortify the newly acquired land areas. The strategic maritime location prompted the king to relocate the naval fleet from Stockholm and build the new city of Karlskrona. For the large warships, the passage between Aspö and Tjurkö is the only way to reach Karlskrona. By placing cannons on these islands, one can control the maritime traffic to Karlskrona.

Read more about the history of Drottningskär Citadel
Drottningskärs kastell

The citadel's artillery

The mission of Drottningskär Citadel has always been, together with Kungsholmsfort, ships, and barriers, to defend the fleet and Karlskrona.

Read more

 

Small Glossary:

Artillery = the science of shooting and exploding with gunpowder
Bastion = advanced part in angles of the fortress rampart
Battery = protected combat position for artillery
Armament = weaponry, for example, artillery pieces
Bomb = explosive projectile made of iron fired from a mortar
Donjon = strong core defense, final defense for the crew
Embrasure = loophole
Fortification = fortification art
Casemate = bombproof room
Barracks = accommodation, dormitory
Mortar = short cannon that throws projectiles in an upward arc and can hit targets behind walls and heights
Redoubt = fortification, defense shelter


 

Opening hours 2024:

Drottningskär Citadel is closed for the season

and will reopen to visitors on May 3, 2025.

A warm welcome then!

Drottningskär Citadel 

Kastellvägen 15 
SE-370 22 Drottningskär  


visit@karlskrona.se

 

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Are you thinking of getting married? Or are you planning a creative meeting? Drottningskär Citadel is the perfect place!

Interested? Please, contact: drottningskarskastell@karlskrona.se

Bröllop på Drottningskärs kastell

Evenemang på Drottningskärs kastell

Instagram #drottningskärskastell

Fotografera, tagga och dela dina bilder! 

 

Drottningskär Citadel is a part of the World
Heritage Site the Naval Port of Karlskrona.

Read more about the World Heritage Site here

 

Världsarvet Örlogsstaden Karlskronas logo

Drottningskär Citadel is a part of the World Heritage Site the Naval Port of Karlskrona.

Read more about the Heritage Site here!

 

How to get to Drottningskär Citadel


To get to Drottningskär Citadel and the island of Aspö, you can take the daily road ferry to Aspö, which operates year-round. The island does not have a fixed land connection, so instead, there is a free car ferry from the city center. The trip is free and takes just under 25 minutes. Additionally, during the summer, there are also archipelago boats that travel to Aspö. Feel free to leave your car in central Karlskrona and explore Aspö by bike instead.

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Aspö ferry

Free ferry between Karlskrona and Aspö.

Archipelago traffic

Archipelago traffic

It's your wishes that control how you want your group trip. To give a little inspiration, here are

Aspö - an island with exciting historical landmarks, fun activities, and unique accommodations.

Below you'll find a selection of everything Aspö has to offer. Please use the map function to easily navigate the island!

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