Maritime Museums in Stockholm

Step back in time to learn about Sweden’s naval history and see her ships of yesteryear.

Oct 1, 2006

Stockholm, Sweden is chock full of maritime history. See an excavated 17th century warship, learn the history of the Swedish navy, and see how Swedes built their ships.

Sweden was a significant naval power, in centuries past. Learn more about Swedish maritime history, the types of ships they used, shipbuilding techniques, and the role of the navy in society by visiting one of Stockholm, Sweden's maritime museums.

Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

The Vasa, the largest and most powerful warship of its time, was to be the royal flagship of the Swedish navy in 1628, but it sank within twenty minutes of leaving the port, in front of thousands of spectators. Thirty men, women, and children died on board. It was an embarrassment and scandal for the royal family, the navy, and the ship's architects. The Vasa stayed at the bottom of the Baltic Sea for over 340 years, until it was exhumed in 1961. Today, there is a museum built around the ship, and according to Sweden's Maritime Museum officials, it is Scandinavia's most visited museum. It is open from 10:00-5:00 from September - December and January - May (until 8pm on Wednesdays). Summer hours are from 8:30 - 6:00. Admission is 80 SEK for adults (60 SEK on Wed. evenings), 40 SEK for students, and free for children under 17,

Naval Museum (Marinmuseum)

This museum focuses on the role of the Swedish navy in history, the history of diving, interesting artifacts salvaged from the Baltic Sea, the development of naval weaponry, and models from 18th century naval battles. You can visit a full scale realistic reconstruction of the gun-deck of the Dristigheten, a 18th century warship. The museum is in a modern glass building on the island of Stumholmen. Walk through the underwater observation tunnel to see a 18th century shipwreck, or visit the Aluett, a reconstruction of a medieval trading ship. The museum is open from September - May from 11:00-5:00, Tuesday - Sunday. Summer hours are from June - August 10:00-6:00 every day. Admission is free.

The Maritime Museum (Sjohistoriska Museet)

The big draw at the Maritime Museum is over 100 models showing the development of maritime technology and boat types, from oars to sail to steam and oil tankers. The museum is open Tuesday - Friday 10:00-5:00. Admission is free.

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