Amiralitetsklockstapeln (Admiralty Bell Tower)
Iconic wooden bell tower in Karlskrona, a symbol of naval history with a fascinating old railway tunnel beneath.
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Must-see attractions
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Explore history and folklore
Amiralitetsklockstapeln (Admiralty Bell Tower)
Best Time
Explore history and folklore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic wooden bell tower in Karlskrona, a symbol of naval history with a fascinating old railway tunnel beneath.
"A quiet yet powerful reminder of the city’s deep naval roots, blending history and folklore."
Look for the Old Tunnel
Seek out remnants of the old railway tunnel beneath the tower for a unique historical perspective. :world_map:
Discover Gubben Rosenbom
Visit the wooden statue and learn its story; you can even donate to the poor by lifting his hat. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Amiralitetsklockstapeln (Admiralty Bell Tower)
Karlskrona
Striking wooden tower, a former timekeeper for shipyard workers, now a symbol of Karlskrona's naval heritage.
Gubben Rosenbom Statue
Outside Admiralty Church
A poignant wooden statue with a touching local legend and a charitable tradition.
Old Railway Tunnel Remnants
Beneath the Bell Tower
Discover subtle traces of an old railway tunnel, a fascinating piece of industrial history blending into the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Naval History
The Legend of Gubben Rosenbom
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Look for the Old Tunnel
Seek out remnants of the old railway tunnel beneath the tower for a unique historical perspective. :world_map:
Discover Gubben Rosenbom
Visit the wooden statue and learn its story; you can even donate to the poor by lifting his hat. :moneybag:
Admire Wooden Architecture
Appreciate the striking wooden structure of the bell tower and the nearby Admiralty Church. :building_construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
Look for the Old Tunnel
Seek out remnants of the old railway tunnel beneath the tower for a unique historical perspective. :world_map:
Discover Gubben Rosenbom
Visit the wooden statue and learn its story; you can even donate to the poor by lifting his hat. :moneybag:
Admire Wooden Architecture
Appreciate the striking wooden structure of the bell tower and the nearby Admiralty Church. :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Amiralitetsklockstapeln as a beautiful and interesting historic structure, highlighting its unique wooden architecture and its connection to Karlskrona's naval past. The remnants of the old railway tunnel beneath it add an intriguing industrial history element to the visit. The poignant legend of Gubben Rosenbom and the nearby Admiralty Church are also frequently mentioned as highlights.
"A visit to Karlskrona wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the Amiralitetsklockstapeln, or Admiralty Bell Tower. This striking wooden structure, originally used to signal time to shipyard workers, now serves as the bell tower for the nearby Admiralty Church and is a quiet yet powerful reminder of the city’s deep naval roots.
Leaving the grand Stortorget square and walking toward the tower, history seems to unfold with every step. If you look closely, you can spot remnants of the old railway tunnel that once connected the city to the naval dockyard—running directly beneath the bell tower from the late 1800s until the 1990s. It’s a subtle but fascinating piece of industrial history, blending perfectly into the historic landscape.
Just a short walk away is the Karlskrona Admiralty Church, also known as Ulrica Pia. Built entirely of wood, it’s one of the largest wooden churches in Sweden and forms part of the city’s UNESCO-listed naval base. In front of the church stands the unforgettable figure of Gubben Rosenbom, a wooden statue cloaked in local folklore. According to the story, Rosenbom was a shipyard worker who fell into poverty after contracting malaria. One bitter winter night, after being given too much alcohol while begging, he was found frozen outside the church, his hand outstretched. His story lives on through the sculpture—if you lift his hat, you’ll find a slot to donate coins to the poor. It’s a touching tribute that adds a very human layer to the site’s maritime legacy."
Celine Laflamme
"Beautiful historic building"
Kenn Madsen
"Old watchtower made of wood."
Khadiza Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Amiralitetsklockstapeln is centrally located in Karlskrona, making it easily accessible on foot from Stortorget square. If arriving by public transport, local buses stop frequently in the city center. Parking is available nearby for those driving.
Yes, the bell tower is very close to the Karlskrona Admiralty Church (Ulrica Pia) and the Gubben Rosenbom statue, forming a cluster of historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the exterior of the Amiralitetsklockstapeln and the surrounding area is free of charge. Access to the Admiralty Church may have separate considerations.
As an exterior landmark, the bell tower can be viewed at any time. The nearby Admiralty Church has its own specific opening hours, which are best checked locally.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Originally, it signaled time to shipyard workers. Today, it stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of Karlskrona's deep naval roots and industrial history.
Gubben Rosenbom was a poor shipyard worker. The wooden statue depicts him with his hand outstretched, and legend says lifting his hat reveals a slot to donate coins to the poor.
While you can't enter it, you can spot remnants of the old railway tunnel that once ran beneath the bell tower, a fascinating piece of industrial history.
Absolutely! The Admiralty Church (Ulrica Pia) is one of Sweden's largest wooden churches and is part of the UNESCO-listed naval base, offering a complete historical experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the striking wooden architecture from various angles. The statue of Gubben Rosenbom also makes for a unique and story-rich photograph.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas around the Amiralitetsklockstapeln and the Admiralty Church. Be mindful of any specific signage within the church itself.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Symbol of Karlskrona's Naval Prowess
Its proximity to the Admiralty Church (Ulrica Pia), a magnificent wooden church, further solidifies its place within the historical naval complex. This area is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Karlskrona, recognizing its unique preservation of a naval town layout and architecture. Exploring this vicinity offers a deep dive into the city's past, where every structure tells a story of seafaring, defense, and community.
Adding another layer to the historical narrative is the fascinating old railway tunnel that once ran directly beneath the bell tower. Though no longer in use, its remnants serve as a subtle reminder of the industrial advancements that supported the naval operations. This blend of maritime history, religious architecture, and industrial remnants makes the Amiralitetsklockstapeln and its surroundings a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.
The Enduring Legend of Gubben Rosenbom
What makes the statue particularly engaging is its interactive element. Visitors are encouraged to lift Gubben Rosenbom's hat, revealing a slot where they can donate coins to the poor. This tradition transforms a static monument into a living tribute, allowing visitors to participate directly in a charitable act that honors the spirit of the legend. It’s a touching way to connect with the human side of Karlskrona's history.
This touching tradition, combined with the statue's evocative depiction, makes Gubben Rosenbom a memorable stop for anyone visiting the Amiralitetsklockstapeln and the nearby Admiralty Church. It offers a moment of reflection and a chance to contribute to a good cause, adding a unique and heartwarming dimension to the historical exploration of the area.
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