Wämöparken in Karlskrona - Blekinge's "Skansen"

Wämöparken in Karlskrona is an outdoor park and a popular excursion destination. Sometimes the park is called "Blekinge's Skansen" and that is how it can be described, albeit less so.

Wämöparken in Karlskrona

Wämöparken in Karlskrona is another outdoor park with preserved old buildings. We are fascinated by how many similar parks there are in Sweden. It is truly amazing that we have chosen to preserve our cultural heritage in this way!

Wämöparken may not be as impressive as some of the other open-air museums we've seen, but it's a nice park to stroll around, with historic cottages, animals and nature.

Wämöparken is located in Karlskrona, about 3 kilometres north of the city centre.

The Honour Gate and the City Gate

You can enter Wämöparken through two different gates. We walked in through Äreporten and out through Stadsporten.

The city gate was erected at Wämöparken in 1922 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Swedish Agricultural Society. The model for the new gate was the Landbroporten, a city bridge built for a royal visit in the 18th century and demolished around 1860.

Historic cottages and farmhouses

Wämöparken contains a number of historical buildings, mainly in the form of cottages and farmhouses. Examples include Vega-Sven's cottage, Pantarholm's cottage, OW's cottage, a boatman's cottage from Svansjömåla, Lars Petter's cottage and Ryssatorpet.

Ryssatorpet (the small picture on the right) is really small like a dollhouse. In the 1680s it was decided that Blekinge would supply the navy with 1500 men. Farmers joined together in rotaries and lent a small croft with an associated plot of land to a boatman, in return for not having to serve in the war and receiving lower taxes.

Mor Mina's mill

Until 1916, when it was moved to the park, Mor Mina's mill stood on Kvarnberget behind the shooting station in Jämjö. The mill is a pole mill, or stump mill, which means that it can be turned to end up right in the wind.

Animals in Wämöparken - meet Freja and Valborg!

Wämöparken is a nice area for those who want to experience animals and nature. For the smallest inhabitants there is the hotel Kryp-In. If you're an insect, you'll be fine here!

There are also Gotland rabbits, Skåne plumage hens, Hedemora hens, Blekinge ducks, Linderöd pigs and other farm animals. In the picture you see Freja or Valborg (no, no idea which one...).

Wämöleden and Vilsestigen

Through Wämö Park, the 1o kilometre long Wämöleden trail runs around the whole of Wämö, through both forest and town. The trail is labelled with orange markings on trees and poles.

There is also a 'Lost Path', where children can learn what to do if they get lost in the forest. This is a very synpathic idea, but considering that we are the last time we walked a lost path actually got lost (!), so it was probably best to skip this one this time.

Wärdshuset Kaffestugan

Wämöparken also has a café in the form of the Kaffestugan inn, where you can stop for a coffee.

We spent some nice and relaxed hours in the Wämö Park and must say that we were very happy with our visit.

See more in the neighbourhood

There is, of course, much more to see around the world. The naval town of Karlskrona, such as the beautiful marine museum. You can also experience Aspö and other beautiful islands in the Blekinge archipelago. It is also nice to make excursions to Kristianopel and Ronneby Brunnspark.

Have you visited Wämöparken?

How was your experience? Do you have any other tips for Karlskrona and Blekinge?

Facts about Wämöparken

• Address: Hästövägen 1, Karlskrona
• Municipality: Karlskrona
• County: Blekinge County
• Landscape: Blekinge
• Inauguration: 1910
• Read more: You can find more information on Karlskrona's municipal website.

Activities in Wämöparken

• For children: Mini-zoo, playground, labyrinth, Vilsestigen, summer holiday bus with children's activities and more.
• For adults: Cultural buildings, Wämöleden and more.
• For dogs: The dog park with the agility course is available to all dogs, dogs and mats throughout the season and does not need to be booked.
• Events in the summer: Music, theatre, opera, fire show, watercolour painting, music quiz, Blekinge food and garden fair, Pumpkin festival, flea markets and more.
• Book the park: Wämöparken, or parts of the park, can be booked for various activities and events. The venue has a dance floor, stage, some kiosks and a pavilion.

Services and practical information

• Opening hours: The park's historic farmhouses and cottages can be visited from mid-May and as long as the season permits, between 10-15. Coffee house opening hours may vary.
• Food service: Wärdshuset Kaffestugan and Pressbyråkiosken with ice cream, coffee and waffles. You can also bring your own packed lunch. There are barbecue areas.
• Accessibility: Wämöleden is accessible for prams, walkers and electric wheelchairs.