Karlshamn

Karlshamn is a city in south Sweden in the province of Blekinge län near Karlskrona. The 19,075 inhabitants place ( as of 2010) is the chief town of Karlshamn.

History

The city is a foundation under Charles X Gustav, who was at the old village around Bodekull build a harbor and a shipyard. The town received city rights in 1664 and in 1666 the name of its founder. In the 19th century two narrow-gauge railway lines, one of which was rebuilt in the 1950s to the standard gauge emerged. From about 1850 to 1940 granite was mined and exported to Karlshamn.

Traffic

From Karlshamn consists ferry across the Baltic to Liepaja in Latvia and Klaipeda in Lithuania.

Events

In Karlshamn is held annually the Baltic Song Contest, which was also Germany participates.

Attractions

The Carl- Gustaf's Church dates from the 17th century.

In the near Karlshamn is the Gungvalamasten, one of the four tallest structures in Sweden.

In Karlshamn is also the " Emigrant Monument " by Axel Olsson showing the two fictional characters Karl- Oskar and Kristina from the Emigrants by Vilhelm Moberg Fallot. In the novels, the two climb in Karlshamn a ship to America. The monument is a popular tourist attraction, especially for Americans of Swedish descent.

Karlshamn is the terminus of Route Utvandrarnas väg.

Telecommunications

In Karlshamn is the Gungvalamasten, a 335 -meter-high radio mast for distribution of TV and FM radio programs.

Energy

West of Karlshamn on the Stärnö peninsula is a thermal power plant with three blocks of 340 MW, which constitutes by its three per 141 meter high chimneys, a striking building. In addition to this power plant is the HVDC converter station SwePol.

Sons and daughters of the town

• Alice Tegnér, Swedish composer
• Emma Igelström, Swedish European Swimming Champion
• Johan Petersson, Swedish handball player