Marina Review: Kristianopel – first stop on the east coast of Sweden
After a wonderful sail under southwesterly winds across the southeastern coast of Sweden, we headed up the east coast. Kalmar, the city on one end of the bridge to the island of Öland, was a bit far. Again, we need to arrive early to find a berth large enough for Freja. We decided to stop at the tiny marina of Kristianopel taking the chance that an early arrival (around 14.00) would enable us to snag the only berth that would take a 55-footer.
The only berth available for boats longer than 15 meters
Success! We moored to the outer pontoon that’s reserved for boats over 15 meters with a sign of relief. Now it was time to pay our marina fee and go explore the village.
This is the guest marina area. You’ll find all of the marina services here.
The marina office is located in the corner of the L-shaped marina. It’s run by a jovial fellow who seems to get around the marina in a golf cart, accompanied by his trusty Jack Russell Terrier. The fee was not expensive for Sweden — just 250 SEK, including electricity price of 25 crowns.
A view of the village of Kristianopel
We began our walk with a visit to the boutique called “Sköna Ting” (Beautiful Things). It’s a shop for both home ware and clothing for women and children. There’s a small selection of local and international gourmet foods (honey, balsamic vinegar, olive and nut oils, mustards, marmelade, etc.).
The boutique “Sköna Ting” is just a stone’s throw from the marina
Next stop was the “general store” called the Handelsboden. This is a supermarket with a selection of everyday items you’d need for home and garden. Nothing, alas, for cruising. We found some local seafood – mostly smoked fish and shrimp from the Smoke house (rökeri) called Blomlöfs Rökeri. If you haven’t tried smoked shrimp, you should! It’s delicious!
A charming doorway in Kristianopel
As it was the “pre-season” (before the school summer holidays), a few of the small boutiques in the village were still closed. We walked through the residential areas to admire the vintage charm of the homes and gardens.
Interesting flower arrangement in the village
Summer flowers in Kristianopel
Café Sött & Salt next to the marina is a great stop for hand-crafted (not factory-made) ice cream. We settled down for ice cream and coffee at a table in the garden with a view of the sea. They serve traditional Swedish lunches and dinners as well and sandwiches.
The view from the Sött & Salt café
Kristianopel Marina Info:
The marina office is located in the corner of the marina. You may have to phone the manager (+46 708 27 77 39) as he’s also the handyman in the harbour. He’ll come in his golf cart to help you. You’ll find tourist information in the marina office.
- Total berths: 50
- Mooring method: buoys or anchors. One berth for large boats (over 15 meters) on the exterior of the first pontoon.
- Depths: 1.5 m to 2.8 meters
- Marina Facilities: electricity, fresh water, toilets, showers, laundry room, sauna.
- Facilities near the marina: Small supermarket including postal and pharmacy services at the “Handelsboden”, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, fuel and propane, beach. The beach is quite shallow so it’s great if you have children and it warms up quickly during the summer.
GPS Coordinates: 56°15,30 N; 16°02,48 E
Marina prices (2016):
- 205 SEK during low season for our 17 meter boat.
- During the high season (school summer holidays) the prices are: Less than 12 meters: 175 SEK, 12-15 meters: 240 SEK, over 15 meters: 21 SEK per meter.
- Electricity is 45 SEK.
Fresh water, showers and toilets are included in the price.
View of the marina from the café
Note: the marina does not offer WiFi, but you can connect at the Sött och Salt Café next the the marina.
Marina Contact: +46 455 366 130 or +46 708 27 77 39, hamnen@kristianopelresort.se