Vasa Museum

Over three centuries following its sinking, the warship Vasa was salvaged from the ocean depths, with 98% of it successfully recovered. Explore the Vasamuseet, a truly unparalleled museum—discover what makes it so extraordinary!

The Vasa Museum, also known as Vasamuseet, stands among Stockholm's best museums. It showcases a 17th-century warship, recovered from the seabed after 333 years, displayed in this expansive museum on Djurgården Island. A genuine historical treasure!

What is the Vasa?

In 1626, Swedish King Gustav II Adolf commissioned the construction of an immense warship for the Swedish navy. The resulting vessel set new benchmarks of its era: boasting 64 cannons, weighing 1,200 tons, and featuring a mast capable of hoisting ten sails.

On August 10, 1628, the Vasa was poised to embark from Stockholm harbor. As cannons roared in celebration and the floodgates were opened, the vessel began its journey. Yet, intensified winds caused the ship to tilt, allowing water to flood through the gun ports. Unable to sustain its weight, the Vasa sank just a short distance from Stockholm harbor.

The tale of the Vasa captured the interest of Swedish marine technician Anders Franzén, who, after a two-year quest, located the sunken ship in the summer of 1956. Finally, after 333 years, the Vasa was salvaged from the depths of the sea and emerged into daylight once again.

The exhibition

Today, the Vasa is the best-preserved 17th-century ship in the world, conserving 98% of its original components, including hundreds of intricately carved sculptures etched into the wood. The Vasamuseet was specifically constructed to house this maritime marvel, offering visitors a concise glimpse into navigation during that era.

Within the museum, discover a replica showcasing the Vasa's 17th-century appearance, an array of original items retrieved from the vessel, and depictions of human remains recovered from the ship. Additionally, the Vasa Museum features a 15-minute film narrating the history of the Vasa and its remarkable salvage.

A must-see

The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm's most interesting attractions. Seeing a 17th-century warship up close is an unforgettable experience, and even the youngest visitors can engage in interactive exhibits, offering insights into life on board.