Karlshamn's beautiful archipelago extends from the western municipal border to Sweden’s southeastern corner. This group of islands is called Hällaryd’s archipelago and consists of 270 scenic islands of different sizes with stone or rocky beaches and meadows. Joggesö, Ekö, Hallö, Östra Bokö and Fölsö are the names of some of the islands. The largest in the archipelago is Tärnö. The archipelago boats visit most islands, starting at the archipelago terminal in the city centre across from First Hotel. Boats also depart from Matvik and Järnavik.

Built in the mid-18th century for the Qing emperors as a retreat from the heat of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden centred on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, both man-made. The lake was modelled on Hangzhou’s West Lake, with islands, bridges, and long covered walkways. Scattered around are pavilions, temples, and a recreated riverside street designed to look like a traditional market town. Later restored under Empress Dowager Cixi, it became her favoured residence. Today, it’s worth visiting not just for the palaces themselves, but for the long lakeside walks, shaded courtyards, and the sense of space that feels very different from central Beijing.

Just outside the city centre, you will find Leeds Tropical World, one of the most popular attractions of the area. This big park features not only one of the largest collections of tropical and exotic plants in the United Kingdom, but also animals such as snakes, crocodiles and lemurs.