The Hedvig Eleonora Church lies a short walk east of Stortorget, in the area of the city that was once home to navy administrators and officers. Built in the early 18th century and named for Queen Hedvig Eleonora, mother of King Karl XI who founded Karlskrona, it is a more intimate building than the grand churches on the main square and has a neighbourhood feel that contrasts pleasantly with the formality of the baroque centre.
The church is part of the web of religious buildings that served Karlskrona's large and diverse naval population. While Fredrikskyrkan and Trefaldighetskyrkan dominated the ceremonial square, parish churches like this one handled the everyday spiritual needs of the city's many thousands of dockyard workers and sailors. The interior is well preserved and occasionally hosts concerts. Worth a look if you are exploring the residential streets north of the centre.