Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel Returning To Bristol

History and adventure enthusiasts are in for a treat as the tall ship Kalmar Nyckel docks in Bristol Borough in September.

Delaware’s renowned tall ship will visit the riverfront borough from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10, offering a series of two-hour sails and interactive deck tours.

The ship, a replica of the historic merchant vessel that carried Swedish settlers to North America in 1638, is set to anchor at the Bristol Wharf.

Starting Friday, September 8, river cruises are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Over the weekend, sails are set for 10 a.m. to noon on both Saturday and Sunday, with an additional cruise from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets for the excursions are priced at $50 for adults and $35 for children under 12. Reservations can be made via phone at 302-429-7447 or online at KalmarNyckel.org/explore.

Deck tours will be available on Saturday, September 9 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The deck tours are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for kids aged 4 to 17, while children 3 and under can hop aboard for free. Notably, these tours are planned alongside the annual Italian Day festival hosted by the Bristol Lions Club.

This year is especially significant for the Kalmar Nyckel as it marks its 25th anniversary and 25th sailing season.

The ship is a recreation of the original Dutch-built merchant vessel that laid the foundation for New Sweden, the Delaware Valley’s first European settlement.

Behind this floating museum is the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, a non-profit educational group that constructed and now operates the ship.

Each year, over 30,000 visitors partake in the diverse maritime experiences the ship and its foundation offer.

In 2023 alone, the Kalmar Nyckel has made its presence felt at events across the East Coast including Norfolk Harborfest and the upcoming Downrigging Weekend Tall Ships Festival in Chestertown, Maryland.

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