The journey south culminates in Karlshamn, the city where it all began. Familiar streets and buildings evoke cherished memories. Museums narrate the city’s rich history, from 18th-century trading houses to its peak in margarine and punch.
The primary reason for my trip to southern Sweden was to visit family and friends. Additionally, I was eager to explore the region’s historical sites.
Another purpose of the trip was to joyfully revisit the city where I lived for a few wonderful years. It’s where I attended high school and proudly graduated. In Karlshamn, cherished memories resurface, and the vibrant history of the city comes alive.
The questions that plagued me were: What are there to revisit? What can I share with others? What is new, or what have I overlooked?
The square retains its original charm, with the ground, town hall, and church remaining unchanged. They seem frozen in time, like a time capsule. The kiosk in the center now boasts a stylish facade, possibly auditioning for a reality show. One end used to house a Pressbyrån, where you could quickly grab a sandwich. The other end had a sausage stand, the town’s best-kept secret! Now, it’s an Espresso House. Who needs bratwurst when you can indulge in lattes? You can even attempt to decipher macchiatos from flat whites. It’s a minor change, but it adds a touch of modernity to the square.
Everything else was just as I remembered—like a time capsule that had missed the memo about modernization. A church and an old Town Hall still stood, presumably unaware of the need for renovations. The school remained, like an overprotective parent. Stepping back felt like a high school reunion in the 1990s. Yes, my childhood home stood next to the emigration monument, likely rolling its eyes at all the nostalgia.
There were no significant changes to note. My anecdotes from that time reignited memories for my fellow travelers. Nothing new under the sun. This was true in many places. The police station, hospital, and dentist were all located in the same spot.
The variety of shops, restaurants, and residential areas feels refreshingly new. Even McDonald’s has made its way here. It wasn’t here when I lived here. It’s been 30 years since I moved away, and everything has undergone its own unique transformation. The butter factory is no longer standing, and the harbor warehouse where Motörhead performed in December 1993 is also gone. That was the same year I graduated.
It’s comforting to know that my partner has a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural offerings. I can still recall my younger self in Karlshamn over 30 years ago, when museums weren’t even on my radar. I was just a wandering teenager, trying to find my place in the world.
With a single ticket, you can visit three different museums in the city. First, head to Skottberg’s Farm shop, a well-preserved general store that has been trading since 1766 until 1945. The rooms filled with furniture and furnishings transport you back in time. The general store is particularly interesting.
We had more museums to visit, of course. Another thing I missed while living in the city was that the ticket price included three museums. The second one was the city museum. Surprisingly, it looked small from the outside, but inside, the exhibitions seemed endless.
There were room after room, exhibition after exhibition, and a journey through the city’s rich history. This city had accomplished so much throughout its long history, and I was eager to explore it all. There were a few sights I was familiar with from my stay in the city in the 1990s. But there were also things that I had no idea about, and I was excited to discover them.
Once upon a time, I was aware that typewriters were manufactured here. The factory likely succumbed to the advent of the computer era. The brand was Facit-Halda. I even owned a Facit typewriter myself. I can almost picture myself sitting at a small table with a window, overlooking a breathtaking mountainous landscape. There, I would immerse myself in writing a novel. Imagine the experience of using such an old typewriter. Feel the satisfying clatter of keys as you fill the paper with words and meaning.
They also produced butter here. Most people who have lived in modern times are aware of this. As a child, I recall hearing advertisements for Karlshamn’s margarine on TV. The two farmer brothers would utter the phrase “Gott, Gotti gott gott” in the ad. In English, it translates to “Tasty, yummy, yummy.”
The commencement of granite slab production at this location marked its international debut. It played a significant role in constructing the esteemed US Marine Corps War Memorial. The memorial is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This memorial serves as a tribute to all who have served in the Marine Corps since 1775.
Granite was supplied by AB A.K. Fernströms Granitindustrier, a Swedish stone industry company based in Karlshamn. The site offered a plethora of attractions, including a museum that I vaguely recall visiting in the past. This museum, aptly named the Punch Museum, holds a special place in Karlshamn’s history. The city has long been renowned for its punch. Its origins date back to 1815.
It was a quick museum visit, just like this post. I headed back to the harbor. The area has changed with new road constructions and a slightly different appearance. It’s not quite how I remember it from when I lived here. Reliving the city was enjoyable and refreshing. I’ll definitely return someday. The rest of the day was spent hanging out with family and having a meal at some restaurants in Sölvesborg.
Tomorrow, we embark on an exhilarating journey homeward, but this adventure is far from over! Along the way, we’ll encounter a treasure trove of historic sites, each with its own captivating story to share. Prepare to be enthralled by the tales that lie ahead…
…until we meet again.
© Björn Blomqvist 2025-09-20
Blomman's Art and Poetry Blog 
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