KARLSKRONA?

“If you’re into nature, Karlskrona is the place to visit!” my aunt who is based in Gothenburg told me.

I wanted to join the Gothenburg Fam Trip when I signed up last minute for TBEX Stockholm. Instead, I was offered an opportunity to visit a place called Karlskrona – Sweden’s naval city. I gave it a go despite the fact that I am not really a history buff nor a professional camper.

Together with travel bloggers from the UK, USA, Mexico and Italy, we embarked on a train trip from Stockholm to Karlskrona – something everyone is excited about!

HOTELL CONRAD – Our Home in Karlskrona

If you’re looking for the perfect accommodation in Karlskrona, I highly recommend Hotell Conrad (check discounted rates)! I almost didn’t want to leave my room when we arrived to check our rooms. Too bad I wasn’t able to maximize my stay since we had to carry on with the city tours right away. Here’s a short room tour:

It was nice to have the spacious room for myself after staying in a mixed dorm hotel room for a week. I picture myself returning with my family in tow.

CITY TOUR WITH HISTORY LESSONS

We walked towards the main square of the town centre, where the statue of Karl XI is found. Two churches – Fredrikskyrkan and Trefaldighetskyran impresses a lot of visitors. We also discovered why Karlskrona became a part of the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites in 1998.

Historians will find the Underground Military Bunkers tour interesting. While on this tour, I was thinking of my own country – What if we had these secret livable underground hideout during the war? If there’s one thing I learned from the Swedes, that is to be prepared because you’ll never know when the enemy will attack – or if they ever will.

THE ULTIMATE KAYAK CHALLENGE

I’m not really an adventure blogger, but I can carry on with a kayaking activity. It is the first time for me to deal with strong current, which is a challenge on my part. Thank goodness our guides from Karlskrona Kayak were patient and supportive even if I came across as helpless in some instances! I have to go back to redeem myself! 😛

MASSIVE ITALIAN FOOD FEAST AT SKEPPSGOSSEN – Pop-up Restaurant

So we traveled from Stockholm to Karlskrona and went straight to a walking tour and eventually a kayak activity. Most probably by now you’ve predicted that we were soooo hungry!

I imagined a massive dinner treat from our hosts, but woah – I wasn’t ready for THIS:

Good food + interesting stories + cool personalities = Memorable Night!

THE KUNGSHOLM FORTRESS TOUR

To know more about Karlskrona’s rich history, half of the group proceeded with a guided tour to the Kungsholm Fortress. It is the most photographed landmark of city and a nice place to take photographs. We joined a tour where we were the only non-Swedish guests.

THE NAVAL MUSEUM A.K.A. MARINMUSEUM

Know the naval history of Karlskrona and explore a real submarine! Voted as Museum of the Year in 2015, kids and adults will have a fantastic time in this hub. The best part? No entrance fee!

I will try my best to write a comprehensive post about the Historical City Tour, Kungsholm Fortress and Marinmuseum.

My time in Karlskrona was short, but not a minute was wasted! I am quite drawn to this place to the point that I felt bad when I had to leave on schedule while some of my friends stayed for another night for the RIB Cruise and stayed in one of the islands. Hmmm… Maybe I am destined to go back when I finally learn how to bike, kayak independently and carry thermal clothes with me.

^Play this song 😛

Yes, I’ll be back.

SPECIAL THANKS to Visit Karlskrona for the lovely trip!