Landmark
Kalmar Nyckel
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Kalmar Nyckel is a meticulously crafted replica of the Swedish ship that brought the first European settlers to Delaware in 1638. Docked at the Wilmington Riverfront, this tall ship serves as a floating museum and educational platform. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the ship's decks, learn about 17th-century maritime life, and see how the crew lived and worked. During sailing season, the ship offers public sails on the Christina River, providing a hands-on experience of history. The adjacent museum and gift shop complement the visit.
Don't miss
- Take a guided tour of the ship to see the captain's quarters and cargo hold
- Book a public sail to experience the ship under wind power on the Christina River
- Visit the on-site museum to learn about Delaware's colonial history and shipbuilding
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Kalmar Nyckel
You can see Kalmar Nyckel on your own. A tour is worth it for the story behind it, for transport, or for combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inDowntown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour4.6★ · 20 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSailing Charters in Wilmington5★ · 198 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$89 per personSee dates →
Private & flexible2.5-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour/Sightseeing/History4.9★ · 85 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →More attractions in Wilmington