Drottningskärs kastell

Drottningskär Citadel on Aspö – A Historic Destination in the Karlskrona Archipelago

Step behind the walls of Drottningskär Citadel and experience history, the sea, and adventure on Aspö. Join a guided tour, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 17th century, and let the children take on the Commandant’s Challenge, build the fortress with blocks, or step into historical roles through imaginative play.
Drottningskär Citadel is a 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.

Thank you for this season!
Drottningskär Citadel is now closed and will reopen its gates in the summer of 2027.
On special occasions, the castle will also be open during the rest of the year.

Guided tours at Drottningskär Citadel

Events at Drottningskär Citadel

The Citadel Tavern

Tavern at Drottningskär's citadel will be open during the summer

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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.

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The citadel's artillery

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

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Small Glossary:

Artillery = a collective term for heavy firearms, such as cannons, howitzers, and grenade launchers, which are too heavy to be carried by individual soldiers.
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

Thank you for this season!
Drottningskär Citadel is now closed and will reopen its gates in the summer of 2027.
On special occasions, the castle will also be open during the rest of the year.

Admission Fees 2026 June 1 - August 31

Adult: 50 SEK. Children (0–18 years):
Free admission.
Weekends in September: Free admission
Visitors only visiting The Citadel Tavern:
Free admission.
Boat passengers departing the citadel's pier:
Free admission.

Drottningskär Citadel 

Kastellvägen 15 
SE-370 22 Drottningskär  
Phone: +46 709-31 30 90
drottningskarskastell@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

Drottningskärs kastell

Instagram #drottningskärskastell

Take photos, tag them, and share them!

 

 

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.

Aspö ferry

Free ferry between Karlskrona and Aspö.

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Archipelago traffic

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

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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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