The eastern archipelago of Karlskrona can be reached by private boat, kayak, or archipelago ferry. Boat service to the archipelago departs from Fisktorget and Handelshamnen in Karlskrona, with the option to board from the larger islands along the route. During the summer, there is also an archipelago tour to the Eastern Archipelago departing from the port in Torhamn. The best way to experience all the hidden gems of the islands is by bike or on foot. The Karlskrona Tourist Center is happy to provide tips on the various islands. Here you’ll find a brief description of a few islands.
Ytterön-Östra Hästholmen
These two islands, Ytterön and Östra Hästholmen, which have grown together, are a great example of how the lush greenery of the inner archipelago transitions into rocky plateaus, rift valleys, and meadows.
What can you find here?
The islands form one of Blekinge’s largest nature reserves. Here you can experience authentic cultural environments, nature reserves, swimming coves, and above all, tranquility. A tip is to explore by bike with your own picnic basket. Visit the Mårtensson Brothers’ preserved boat yard, known for its unique hunting canoes and Blekinge-style boats. There are also several fascinating military ruins here, such as bunkers and towers. Beautiful swimming cliffs can be found all around the islands. Buddevik is a swimming spot with a small beach, perfect for younger children. There is also a restroom here. The Steamboat Pier is a sturdy pier you can jump off from, and there is a small beach here as well. Hästholmen has been permanently inhabited since the 1600s, but artifacts from the Stone Age have been found here. There are no shops or cafés, so you’ll need to bring your own picnic.
Accommodations: At Allans on Ytterön, a range of personal and nature-oriented accommodations awaits—from charming, detached double rooms with showers and toilets, tucked away in lush forest glades, to entire houses of various sizes with private kitchens and amenities. Perfect for everything from peaceful relaxation to festive get-togethers.
Transportation: Ytterön – Östra Hästholmen is served by the Ytterö Ferry, a cable ferry that departs from Yttre Park and takes just a few minutes to cross the strait. Archipelago traffic also calls at Ytterön during the summer.
Read more about the islands here.
Stenshamn & Utlängan
Far out in Karlskrona’s eastern archipelago, the last outpost before Utklippan, lie these two islands. Authentic and just the right size for a day trip or perhaps a couple of days in the guest harbor. The harbor is located on the island of Stenshamn, and the guest harbor is popular among boaters. The village is considered one of the best-preserved fishing villages in the Karlskrona archipelago, and the boathouse features an exhibition describing the islands’ history during the 20th century.
What can you find here?
Above all, these islands offer truly beautiful nature experiences, including a rich bird life, opportunities for swimming, and outdoor recreation. There is a lovely hiking trail that starts in Stenshamn and continues across the causeway to Utlängan. It is about 3.5 km long. The trail is marked with painted posts, and there are informational signs along the way. There is also an observation tower near a restored wetland, where you can look out over the flat islands, most of which rise only a few meters above sea level. The lighthouse is located at the southernmost tip and is well worth the walk. Utlängan is a designated Natura 2000 site.
Pelles Sjöbod is located in the harbor, and throughout the summer, when the archipelago boat arrives, you can buy refreshments here. You can also rent bicycles.
Transport: You can reach Stenshamn by taking the archipelago ferry M/F Witus or M/F Ungskär from Torhamn. Ungskär operates year-round. There is also a kayak dock for those who want to paddle here, as well as guest harbor berths for those arriving by private boat.
Read more tips for Stenshamn Utlängan here.
Ungskär
This small island has a sheltered harbor, and the village is clustered around it. The landscape here is very low-lying and mostly grassy; from a distance, the cottages appear to float on the sea. The outer archipelago didn’t have a permanent population until the 17th century; alongside Stenshamn, Ungskär is the best-preserved fishing village from that era.
What can you do here?
Go on a discovery tour—there’s a lovely walking trail on the island. Maps are usually available in the waiting hall at the harbor, or via the local association’s website. There are several interesting sites marked along the trail, which is about 4 km long. Particularly special is the island of Lungskär, located west of Ungskär, which you can walk over to. The ruins still visible on the island serve as a reminder of the heavy artillery battery that was stationed there from the late 1930s. A large part of the island consisted of rock-cut chambers housing a command post, as well as communication and supply tunnels.
Transportation: You can reach Stenshamn by taking the archipelago ferry M/F Witus or M/F Ungskär from Torhamn. M/F Ungskär operates year-round. There are also guest harbor berths for those arriving by private boat.
Inlängan
This island also features a marked hiking trail with informational signs along the way. In the northern part of the island, there are three beach ridges from the Litorina period. Six stone coffins from the Stone Age have been found; they are believed to date from around 2000 BC. Inlängan is also home to the archipelago’s largest heathland, which is beautiful to visit in the fall. The wetlands serve as a resting place for large numbers of seabirds.
Transportation: You can reach Inlängan by taking the archipelago ferry M/F Witus or M/F Ungskär from Torhamn. Ungskär operates year-round service to the island.
Långören
The island, also known as “the pilots’ island,” is located next to the shipping lane that runs from the southern part of Kalmarsund to Karlskrona. The pilot station was established on the island around 1710 and closed in 1960, but the village has retained its character as a pilot and fishing village. The open landscape outside the village is called Skäret.
What can you do here?
You can hike a nature trail that provides information about the island’s natural and cultural landscape. The pilot house features exhibitions related to the island’s history. From the pilot tower, you also have a fantastic view of the archipelago.
Accommodation: Långören Pilot House
Transportation: You can reach Långören by taking the archipelago ferry M/F Wittus or M/F Ungskär from Torhamn. Ungskär operates year-round service to the island.
Read more about Långören here.
Flakskär
Accommodations: On the small island of Flakskär, located at the far end of the archipelago, there are three simple cottages available for rent. The cottages are named Kröl, Kommendanten, and Viking. There is a dry toilet on Flakskär. For more information and booking inquiries, contact the Karlskrona Tourist Center.
Transportation: You can reach Flakskär via sheltered waters by private boat or kayak. The nearest mainland is the island of Sturkö, which is accessible via a bridge.
