The Vasa Museum displays the Swedish warship Vasa, which tragically sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, due to a flawed design. The sheer size of the ship is the first thing that strikes you as you enter the enormous indoor open area where the ship is displayed.
It’s impressive, especially considering that the ship was built in the 17th century, over 400 years ago. Due to the ship’s age, and in order to preserve its condition, visitors cannot board the ship. However, the museum has constructed a replica of part of the ship’s interior, allowing guests to wander through and get a sense of life below deck.
Remarkably, the ship was underwater for 300 years before its recovery in 1961. The recovery itself was not a small feat and has also been documented as part of the exhibition.
The ship’s preservation is largely thanks to the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea, which provide an environment where the shipworm (typically a menace to submerged wooden structures) does not thrive. Thanks to this fact, wooden wrecks in the Baltic Sea have been very well-preserved.
By the way, the shipworm, despite its name, is not a worm but a type of boring mollusk whose larvae bore into wood, leaving behind winding tunnels, which destroys the integrity of the wood.
While there are other well-preserved wrecks in the Baltic Sea, the risks associated with lifting such ancient ships have led to the decision to leave most of them undisturbed, making the Vasa all the more unique.
You will find the Vasa museum not far from the entrance of Djurgården after crossing the bridge Djurgårdsbron. It’s situated close to several other museums including the Nordic Museum, The Viking Museum and the Museum of Spirits.
The Museum is popular even off-season, so we recommend that you buy your entrance tickets online in order to avoid waiting in line. Tickets can also be bought on location but beware of potential queues.
The museum offers free audio guides in multiple languages, including English and Swedish, accessible through their complimentary WiFi. Remember to bring your own headphones to connect to your mobile device, which enhances the experience significantly.
Facilities at the museum include restrooms and a restaurant, as well as a separate dining area where visitors can eat their packed meals. For those planning a visit, expect to spend 2-4 hours to fully appreciate everything the museum has to offer. It’s a child-friendly venue, so you can probably expect many families with children.
Information is available in both Swedish and English. The museum also offers a film screening which is included in the entrance ticket, shown in various languages at different times (see more here). And there’s also a slideshow with voice re-enacting, which is well-executed but, unfortunately, only available in Swedish.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or not, the Vasa Museum is undoubtedly worth a visit. While the ship itself is the main attraction, there is also a lot of accompanying information through models, illustrations, photos, films, and audio guides that enrich the visitor experience. Keep an eye on the museum’s website for additional temporary exhibitions and pricing details. In our opinion a visit to the Vasa Museum is not just educational, it’s also a journey back in time, offering a very unique glimpse into a part of Swedish history.
Website: https://www.vasamuseet.se/en
Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14