Background

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation: Delaware's Tall Ship

Explore Delaware's maritime history aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, a full-scale replica of the ship that founded New Sweden in 1638.

4.6

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington, DE, is home to the full-scale replica of the Kalmar Nyckel, a Swedish ship that brought settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638. The foundation offers educational programs, ship tours, and sailing experiences, connecting visitors with maritime history.

A brief summary to Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

  • Wednesday 2 pm-4 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's website for the ship's sailing schedule and book in advance, as tickets are limited.
  • Visit Fort Christina Park, located adjacent to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, to see the landing site of the original settlers.
  • Explore the Copeland Maritime Center for interactive exhibits and a glimpse into Wilmington's shipbuilding history.
  • Consider a river cruise on the Kalmar Nyckel for a hands-on sailing experience and a unique perspective of the Wilmington Riverfront.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Wilmington Riverfront, head north on S Market St towards 7th St. Turn left onto 7th St and continue walking for about 15 minutes. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation will be on your right at 1124 E 7th St. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the DART First State bus route 6, 13, or 301 to the 7th St @ Church St stop [n/a]. From there, walk east on 7th St for approximately 5 minutes. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation will be on your right at 1124 E 7th St. A single ride on DART First State costs $2.00 [n/a].

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 6 for Martin Luther King Blvd toward Downtown Wilmington [n/a]. Continue onto Martin Luther King Blvd, then turn right onto E 7th St. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation will be on your left at 1124 E 7th St [n/a]. Free parking is available across the road and down one gate in the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's large parking lot.

Unlock the Best of Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a non-profit educational organization located in Wilmington, Delaware, dedicated to preserving and promoting the maritime history of Delaware and the Delaware Valley. The centerpiece of the foundation is the Kalmar Nyckel, a meticulously crafted, full-scale replica of the Swedish ship that sailed to North America in 1638, establishing the colony of New Sweden, the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. Visitors can explore the Copeland Maritime Center, which features exhibits detailing the ship's history, Wilmington's industrial past, and the science of sailing. A highlight is the ¾-scale working model of the ship's main deck, offering a hands-on glimpse into life aboard a 17th-century vessel. The Kalmar Nyckel itself serves as a floating classroom, hosting public sails and educational programs for all ages. These programs provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to haul lines, set sails, and learn about navigation and maritime life. The original Kalmar Nyckel was a Dutch-built ship, initially named Sleutel (Key), and later renamed after the city of Kalmar, Sweden. It made four roundtrip crossings of the Atlantic, playing a crucial role in the establishment of New Sweden. The replica was launched in 1997 and has since become a symbol of Delaware's maritime heritage, offering a unique blend of history, education, and adventure. The Foundation also develops plans to link the campus and the Fort Christina Park, which marks the original landing site of the ship.

Popular Experiences near Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

Popular Hotels near Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

Select Currency