IF RUSSIANS INVADED

COLD WAR TOUR – MILITARY TOUR TO SWEDEN

A journey to the Cold War period when Karlskrona – the city full of military traditions – was engulfed in espionage obsession and fear of attack by the Russians. We visit former secret bunkers beneath the city as well as a civil defence command centre functioning until the fall of the Berlin Wall. Just in case if they came…

KARLSKRONA

Karlskrona is situated on over 30 islands of the Blekinge Archipelago. The city centre is located on the main island of the archipelago – Trossö. The town was founded in 1680 as a base for the Swedish Royal Navy. Trossö was chosen because of its strategic location which ensures effective and quick defence in case of an attack of Danish forces. The previous base was located at the Stockholm Archipelago. Unfortunately the waters of the Baltic in the Stockholm region often froze in the winter which meant that the Swedish Navy was literally locked in ice. The location in Karlskrona also ensured a relatively short time to reach Germany and other countries in the Baltic region. The Naval Port of Karlskrona has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Karlskrona builders took a thorough care to adapt the city to the military purposes. Straight and wide streets as well as a large, paved square suited well drilling and marching exercises. Stortorget located at the highest point of the island is so far the largest square in Scandinavia (20 000 m²).

TRASTEN

A secret command centre for civil defense in case of war with the USSR.  In case of a nuclear attack on Sweden the defense of the civilian population against the effects of the war was to be co-ordinated from this carved in rock base. Trasten was in use until 1990. It is a private museum now.

MARINE MUSEUM

Museum presenting Swedish sea wars during great power period and the history of the Swedish navy. The exhibition also recalls Cold War tensions including the worldwide known incident called ‘Whiskey on the rocks’ that is a stranding of the Soviet submarine U137 near Karlskrona in 1981. The most interesting part of exhibition is undoubtedly spectacular collection of the impressive wooden sculptures came from bows of sailing ships, located in the unique Figurehead Hall. Other part that is extremely worth to visit is newly opened the Submarine Hall. A lot of attractions for kids and adults. You cannot miss the Marine Museum if you are in Karlskrona.

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