Marinmuseum
Blekinge län
Marinmuseum, located on the island of Stumholmen in Karlskrona, Sweden, is a state museum dedicated to the history of Swedish naval defense. Founded originally in 1752 as the Navy's model chamber by King Adolf Frederick, the museum moved to its current location in 1997. The museum building is notable for its modern architecture with pillars and glass sections, extending out on a pier into the sea. It houses an extensive collection of naval artifacts, including a full-scale reconstruction of the gun deck of the 18th-century ship Dristigheten and a gallery of ship figureheads carved by the renowned sculptor Johan Törnström. The outdoor exhibits include several historic naval vessels such as Sweden’s last full-rigged ship HMS Jarramas, the minesweeper HMS Bremön, the motor torpedo boat T38, and the missile boat HMS Västervik, famous for its role during the Soviet submarine U 137 incident. A highlight is the Submarine Hall, opened in 2014, which showcases the submarines HMS Neptun and Sweden’s first submarine HMS Hajen, along with an exhibition on 110 years of Swedish submarine history. The museum also features an underwater observation tunnel called the Wreck Tunnel, offering views of 18th-century shipwreck remains. Marinmuseum is part of the Swedish National Maritime Museums network, alongside the Vasa Museum and the Maritime Museum in Stockholm. It stands as a unique cultural and historical institution that vividly narrates Sweden’s naval heritage and maritime defense evolution.
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Tip: The best time to visit Marinmuseum is during the warmer months when the outdoor ships and pier exhibits are accessible. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. The museum offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Visitors should allow at least two hours to explore both the indoor exhibitions and outdoor vessels thoroughly. The Submarine Hall is a must-see and offers a unique experience for naval enthusiasts. Guided tours are available and can enrich the visit with detailed historical context. The museum is accessible by public transport from Karlskrona city center and has facilities for visitors with reduced mobility.
Interesting facts
- •Marinmuseum is one of Sweden's oldest museums, with origins dating back to 1752.
- •The museum building extends as a pier into the sea, blending modern architecture with maritime heritage.
- •It houses Sweden's last full-rigged ship, HMS Jarramas, moored alongside the museum.
- •The Submarine Hall contains HMS Neptun and Sweden's first submarine HMS Hajen, the largest indoor museum exhibits in Sweden after the Vasa ship.
- •The underwater Wreck Tunnel allows visitors to view remains of 18th-century shipwrecks through underwater windows.
- •The museum was named Sweden's Museum of the Year in 2015 following the opening of the Submarine Hall.
History
The origins of Marinmuseum date back to 1752 when King Adolf Frederick established the Navy's model chamber to collect ship models representing various vessels.
From 1953 until 1997, the museum was housed in the former Ship Goss Barracks outside Karlskrona's naval harbor.
In June 1997, it relocated to a purpose-built facility on Stumholmen island, designed to harmonize with the historic naval architecture.
The Submarine Hall was added in 2014, significantly expanding the museum's offerings with the display of historic submarines and related exhibits.
Throughout its history, Marinmuseum has been central to preserving and presenting Sweden's naval defense history and is part of the Swedish National Maritime Museums group.
Place Guide
Main Museum Building1997
The main building features modern architecture with pillars and large glass windows, designed to blend with the historic naval environment of Stumholmen. It houses the core exhibitions on Swedish naval history and maritime defense.
Submarine Hall2014
Opened in 2014, this hall displays the submarines HMS Neptun and HMS Hajen along with an exhibition covering 110 years of Swedish submarine history. The hall is architecturally unique with angular shapes, glass facades, and stainless steel cladding.
Outdoor Naval Vessels
Several historic ships are moored around the museum pier, including HMS Jarramas (Sweden's last full-rigged ship), minesweeper HMS Bremön, motor torpedo boat T38, and missile boat HMS Västervik, notable for its role in the 1981 Soviet submarine U 137 incident.
Wreck Tunnel
A specialized underwater observation tunnel with windows allowing visitors to view shipwreck remains from the 18th century in the waters near Stumholmen.
Contact
Phone: 0455-35 93 02
