Fort Christina

It was here, along the banks of the Christina River over 375 years ago, that the first Swedish and Finnish American settlers aboard the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip landed and settled the first American Swedish colony, New Sweden. Fort Christina was quickly built and named for the Queen of Sweden at the time. The wharf of rocks that was the site of the first landing remains, however, some believe archeological digs at the site could uncover much more.

 
Green leaves cover the stone path leading to the Monument at the end of Fort Christina.
Green leaves cover the stone path leading to the Monument at the end of Fort Christina.
 

Learn and Explore

Things To Do

Today, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors can take a tour of the site and learn about the unique history, have a picnic on the grass, fish near the rocks of the original landing of the Swedish or attend public events such as:

Festival at The Fort - April 28th
Pirate Fest - June 29th

Fees & Passes

There is no fee to visit Fort Christina, but Old Swedes Church and the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation do charge a small fee for tours. Together, these three sites beautifully illustrate the founding of the New Sweden colony. If you are interested in visiting all three sites you can purchase a Christina Cultural Trail Pass. The pass can be purchased at Old Swedes Church, or the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. If you only want to visit Fort Christina there is no fee for tours. 


3-for-1 Riverfront Historical Trail Pass

Passes are $8 for a single pass, or $25 for a family of four.

Planning Your Visit

  • Fort Christina has no restrooms, port-a-potties, or running water available. 

  • The flagstone walkway is uneven and may cause problems for wheelchairs and strollers. Please watch where you step while visiting to avoid tripping and falling.

  • Seating is limited inside the park, please contact the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation for accommodations.

  • Electricity is limited in the park, please contact the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation for accommodations.

  • Any material, including hammocks, may not be hung from or attached to trees, walls, or any other original feature within Fort Christina.

  • There is no boat ramp available at Fort Christina to access the river.

  • Fires and open flames are prohibited.

Location

1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

Hours of Operation 

Memorial Day (May 28th) through Labor Day ((September 3rd): 

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Wednesday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Friday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Off Season: 

For large groups that wishing to visit Fort Christina outside of summer season, please contact the park to make an appointment.

Phone: (302) 544-6363

Contact Information

This site is interpreted by our partners at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, and the Old Swedes Foundation. For questions regarding tours, special programs, or hours please visit their website or contact them at: 

  • Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
    Phone: (302) 429-7447
  • Old Swedes Foundation
    Phone: (302) 652-5629

Know Before You Go

Last updated: November 30, 2018

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

New Castle Court House Museum
Attn: First State NHP
211 Delaware Street
New Castle, DE 19720

Phone:

(302) 544-6363
This phone number is not staffed. You can leave a message on the park's main phone number (302-544-6363) and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you are visiting one of the seven sites, and need specific information, please refer to the "Places to Go" page for phone numbers and addresses of each site.

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