Cold War Submarine Incident Tour
A RIB adventure through the waters where the Soviet submarine U137 ran aground in 1981, guided by a former naval officer who was there.
Tour description
A foggy October morning in 1981, at the height of the Cold War, the Soviet submarine U137 ran aground on a rock in the Karlskrona archipelago. An international crisis was a fact, and for 11 days, the world’s eyes were focused on this small and peaceful city.
Your guide lived it. Mats, a former Swedish naval officer who was in the midst of the response in 1981, takes you by RIB through the same waters, past the fortifications, across the archipelago, and to the exact site where U137 ran aground. Eleven days that shaped the final chapter of the Cold War, told from the inside.
On the way back to the pier, the boat makes a stop at Stumholmen. Here you step aboard the museum-warship Västervik for private access to the room where the Soviet captain and political officer were interrogated. Everything in the room is exactly as it was in 1981. It is one of the few places in the world where Cold War history is this tangible.
Speed and route are adapted to sea and weather conditions.
Quick Facts
- Port: Karlskrona
- Transfer: None – departs 50 metres from the pier
- Duration: 2 hours
- Guests: 2–12
- Season: May–October
- Vessel: RIB boat
What’s included
- RIB boat adventure in the Karlskrona archipelago
- Professional skipper
- Former naval officer as guide (Mats was personally involved in the 1981 response)
- Private access to the interrogation room aboard museum-warship Västervik
- Safety gear (life vest, protective goggles; warm safety suit when weather calls for it)
- Vodka toast
Who this tour is for
This tour suits small groups from cruise ships calling at Karlskrona, private travellers with an interest in Cold War history and military heritage, and anyone who wants an experience beyond standard sightseeing in southern Sweden. Groups tend to be couples, small groups of friends, and corporate guests looking for something genuinely memorable.
The RIB moves fast and the sea can be choppy. Guests should be comfortable on open water. The boat is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for guests with heart- or back conditions. A minimum height of 150 cm is required.
Additions or combinations
Combine with a visit to the Swedish Naval Museum, where you can explore the Cold War exhibition and take a guided tour inside the submarine Neptun. The museum is next to the warship and can be added before or after the boat tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from? The tour departs 50 metres from Karlskrona pier. Karlskrona is a regular port of call for Baltic cruise itineraries. No transfer is needed – guests walk directly from the ship to the departure point.
Who is the guide on this tour? Your guide is Mats, a former Swedish naval officer who was personally involved in the military response to the U137 incident in 1981. He leads the entire tour; the boat journey through the archipelago and the visit aboard the warship. His first-hand account is the core of the experience.
What is the U137 incident? On 27 October 1981, the Soviet submarine U137 ran aground on a classified rock in the Karlskrona archipelago – inside the Swedish military restricted zone. The incident triggered an international diplomatic crisis between Sweden and the Soviet Union. For 11 days, Swedish naval forces guarded the stranded submarine while the world watched. It remains one of the most significant Cold War incidents in Scandinavia.
What is the warship Västervik? Västervik is a former Swedish Navy patrol vessel, now a museum-warship moored at Stumholmen in Karlskrona. The ship is part of the Swedish Naval Museum’s collection. On this tour, guests receive private access to the room where the Soviet captain and political officer from U137 were brought for interrogation – a space preserved exactly as it was in October 1981.
How many guests can join this tour? The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 guests. This ensures the experience remains personal and the guide can engage with the whole group throughout the journey.
What happens if the weather is bad? If conditions include strong winds or high waves, the captain will navigate an alternative route at a reduced pace. If conditions are deemed too severe for departure, the tour is cancelled. All decisions on departure are made by the captain on the day.
Is the tour suitable for children? Children are welcome provided they meet the minimum height requirement of 150 cm. This ensures they can sit securely in the RIB seats and hold the handles throughout the journey. The boat moves at speed and the sea can be choppy; all guests must be able to hold on comfortably.
Who should not take this tour? Guests with heart conditions or back problems should not participate. The RIB travels at speed on open water and the ride can be physically demanding. A minimum height of 150 cm is required.
Can the tour be booked as a fully private experience? Yes. The Cold War Submarine Incident Tour is available as a fully private tour for groups of 2–12 guests. Contact GO Nordic directly to arrange a private departure.