Kristinestad’s large shipyard had the capacity to build nine ships side by side. In the harbour warehouse you can view models of shipyards and tar works built to scale, and marvel at the people of the 1800s – their entrepreneurial initiative, adventurous spirit and capacity for sheer hard work. Proudly displayed in the loft of the warehouse is a fine model of Kristinestad in the olden days, which is definitely worth a visit.

Shipbuilding techniques developed considerably during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the skilled carpenters built increasingly large and handsome vessels. Many of the ships built in Kristinestad, but also ships built elsewhere, are immortalised in the paintings of artists from abroad. 

The many wealthy and well-travelled ship owners, merchants, ship captains, and their wives affected the culture and atmosphere of the town. They took inspiration from foreign fashions when they ordered clothing and when choosing home décor and furnishings. Many large and fine pieces of furniture were shipped from far afield in order to finally grace the fine bourgeois homes of Kristinestad, which has sometimes been called Little Paris. 

When the sailing ship era was over, steamships arrived and took over the role of sailing ships in tramp vessel services. With the steamers came a golden era which was then sadly lost in the tumult of World War I, but lives on in words and pictures. 

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