Conference program

 

September 14

10:00-17:00

Pre-tour: Coastal Fortifications Experience

Participants can book an exclusive pre-tour that explores Karlskrona’s historic sea fortifications. The tour includes visits to historic sea fortifications such as Koholmen, Godnatt and Kungsholmsfort, offering insight into the naval defence system that once protected the archipelago. Guided introductions on site provide context on the islands’ history, current preservation efforts, and their role within the World Heritage landscape.

Optional (additional fee applies)
19:00 - 21:00

Icebreaker at the Blekinge Museum

An early kick-off to the conference. Enjoy a casual welcome reception and mingling evening in the historic Grevagården. The Baroque garden provides a unique setting with light refreshments, music, cultural performances, and the opportunity to explore museum exhibitions.

Included in the conference fee

September 15 - Conference Day 1 in Karlskrona

08:15 - 12:00

Official opening

Official opening of the conference at Karlskrona Concert Hall Theatre (Konserthusteatern)
The conference morning begins with registration and coffee, followed by a welcome and introductory remarks that set the tone for the day. The programme then transitions into a series of keynote perspectives and panel discussions exploring UNESCO conventions, opportunities for cooperation, and updates from Nordic World Heritage representatives on current regional developments. A keynote on the post-2030 agenda invites participants to look ahead to future challenges and opportunities. The morning concludes with a session on World Heritage and biodiversity, showcasing ongoing collaborative efforts within the Nordic World Heritage Association.

Included in the conference fee
12:00 - 13:00

Networking lunch

Casual networking lunch in the Concert Hall Theatre foyer

Included in the conference fee
13:30 - 16:30

Parallel sessions

Choose your desired session during registration.

Included in the conference feeYour choice
Digital and Preparedness Track – at Blekinge Museum

This track explores how digital tools and emerging technologies can support World Heritage management, improve accessibility, and strengthen preparedness and resilience. It highlights insights from researchers and showcases examples from ongoing local and international projects.

Nature, Culture and Collaboration track - at Concert Hall Theatre (Konserthusteatern)

Held at the Concert Hall Theatre, this track focuses on sustainability and cross-sector cooperation. Participants will gain insight into an ongoing project where a biosphere reserve and a World Heritage Site work together to achieve sustainable tourism development in Blekinge. A biodiversity workshop, developed through a joint initiative within the Nordic World Heritage Association, offers hands-on engagement. The track also highlights additional practical examples that contribute to sustainability.

Pedagogical and Engagement Track – at the Naval Museum

This track focuses on learning, interpretation, and public engagement, offering insights into how educational methods and community involvement can foster stronger connections to World Heritage. Through examples of programmes developed in collaboration with museums and schools, as well as a panel discussion, participants will gain practical perspectives on how engagement can be strengthened in different contexts.

17:30 - 19:00

Optional Site Visit

Choose your desired site during registration.

Included in the conference feeYour choice
Guided City Tour

Join a guided walking tour through the historic city and explore the World Heritage Site of Karlskrona. The tour introduces the city’s history, urban layout, and key landmarks, while explaining the values behind its World Heritage designation. Along the route, the guide highlights how the historic city continues to function as a living urban environment today, balancing cultural heritage with modern everyday life.

World Heritage Run

Join a guided run through the World Heritage Site and experience the historic environment in a different and active way. This approximately one-hour run offers a unique opportunity to explore the World Heritage Site while moving through its streets, waterfronts, and historic structures at a relaxed, inclusive pace.

Guided Bus Tour of the Historic Shipyard

Join a guided bus tour offering a rare opportunity to experience how a 17th-century shipyard is still in active use today. Saab provides access to shipyard environments that are normally not open to the public. The guided tour highlights the shipyard’s historical significance and how historic facilities are integrated into contemporary operations. Participants remain on board the bus throughout the visit in the shipyard. The visit concludes at the Saab showroom with a networking session and short presentations focusing on current developments and ongoing activities within the shipyard.

September 16 - Conference Day 2 in Öland

08:15 - 17:15

The second day of the conference takes participants to the World Heritage Site Södra Ölands odlingslandskap, offering a full-day field experience that highlights the unique interaction between nature, culture, and sustainable land use.

10:20 - 11:10

The Great Alvar (Möckelmossen)

The day begins with a visit to Möckelmossen on the Great Alvar, where participants explore one of Europe’s most distinctive limestone landscapes. Through walks and talks, the group gains insight into the ecological, geological and cultural significance of this place on how the landscape is made accessible through hiking trails and digital storytelling.

Included in the conference fee
12:00 - 13:00

Farming in a World Heritage Landscape (Norrgården, Ventlinge)

The programme continues with a farm visit that introduces participants to the realities of modern agriculture within a World Heritage Site and will highlight the importance of local engagement and participation. A locally sourced lunch “Taste experiences in the World Heritage” connects the landscape directly to the food served, illustrating how agricultural practices and heritage values support one another.

Included in the conference fee
13:00 - 15:00

Parallel sessions

Choose your desired session during registration.

Included in the conference feeYour choice
Ottenby Bird Observatory & Långe Jan

This track takes participants to the southern tip of Öland, visiting Ottenby Bird Observatory and the Långe Jan lighthouse area. The visit focuses on biodiversity, bird migration, and nature conservation in one of Northern Europe’s most important natural environments. Participants gain insights into how long-term scientific research and active conservation work contribute to preserving Öland’s unique natural heritage and its global significance.

Eketorp Ring Fort

This track offers a visit to Eketorp, a reconstructed ring fort that brings Öland’s Iron Age history to life. Through the well-preserved site and its reconstructions, participants explore everyday life, defence, and settlement on Öland during the Iron Age. The visit highlights how archaeological research, reconstruction, and interpretation help communicate cultural heritage and make Öland’s history accessible to a wide audience.

19:00 - 21:00

Traditional Festive Dinner at the Naval Museum

The conference’s festive dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Nordic World Heritage Association together. Guests are welcomed to a relaxed mingling reception, with the possibility to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions, music, and dinner. During the evening, the winner of the Rauma Award will be presented, along with the announcement of the next host of the Nordic World Heritage Conference. A final night that brings the Nordic World Heritage community together for an inspiring and memorable conclusion to the conference.

Included in the conference fee

September 17 - Post-tour

08:45 - 18:00

Excursion to Kalmar – “The Capital of the Nordic Region”

This excursion offers a full-day visit to Kalmar, combining historic landmarks with maritime heritage. Participants explore Kalmar Castle, enjoy lunch in the castle setting, and continue with a walk through the city centre. The tour concludes at Kalmar County Museum with a guided visit to the Kronan exhibition, presenting one of Scandinavia’s most significant maritime archaeological discoveries.

Optional (additional fee applies)