One of the things to do when in Stockholm, Sweden is visiting museums. There are many museums in the city and if there's one that you shouldn't miss out on, it's the Vasa Museum.

The Vasa Museum

Known as Vasamuseet in Swedish, the Vasa Museum is a maritime museum dedicated to preserving and displaying the Vasa, one of the best-preserved and most notable shipwrecks in the world. I found the story behind it quite fascinating, making this museum easily one of my favorites in Europe. 


Interesting Facts About the Vasa Museum

The centerpiece of the museum is the Vasa itself. It's a warship that sank by accident on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. The ship lasted about 20 minutes and sailed for just over one kilometer before it sank.

The Vasa was one of the largest warships of its time. It measured about 69 meters in length and stood approximately 52 meters tall, including the mast. The ship is a well-preserved example of a 17th-century warship and is adorned with hundreds of elaborate sculptures and decorations, including more than 700 carved wooden sculptures. These intricate carvings depicted a variety of themes, including mythological figures, kings, warriors, and Roman emperors.

The Vasa Museum
a 1:10 scale model of the Vasa painted with its colors re-imagined

It was said that the cold, brackish waters of the Baltic Sea played a crucial role in preserving the Vasa for more than three centuries. The lack of shipworms, which typically damage wooden shipwrecks, and the low salinity of the water contributed to the ship's remarkable state of preservation.

What to See in the Vasa Museum

While the museum solely focuses on the Vasa, you can easily spend two to three hours inside. Here are the things to see and do in the Vasa Museum.

The Vasa Ship

As soon as you enter the museum past the ticketing counters, you'll see the Vasa itself. It's displayed in a large hall with multiple levels, allowing visitors to view it from various angles. As someone who lives ships and boats, it was so fascinating to see this well-preserved ship.

The Vasa Museum also showcases the intricate process of preserving and restoring the ship after its recovery from the seabed. Conservation efforts have been ongoing to prevent further deterioration and to maintain the ship's integrity.

History of the Vasa

The museum provides extensive information about the history of the Vasa, including details about its construction, its ill-fated maiden voyage, and the salvaging process. You can watch all about its history at a small theater inside the museum. The exhibits also explore the daily life of the people onboard and the historical context of the time.

The Vasa Museum
a view of the Vasa from the topmost floor of the museum

Exhibits and Artifacts

In addition to the Vasa itself, the museum features a range of exhibits and artifacts related to maritime history, shipbuilding, and life in 17th-century Sweden. Some of the exhibits include a real-life scale of the interiors of the ship, some items recovered from the shipwreck, and the remains of some of the 30-ish people who drowned with the ship. These exhibits provide context and background information for visitors.

Dining Options

There's a café and restaurant inside the Vasa Museum, so in case you go hungry or you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can get something to eat or drink.

Where to Get Tickets to the Vasa Museum

There are many ways to get tickets to the museum. You can always purchase them on-site for SEK170 to SEK220 for adults, depending on the month you visit, while visitors aged 18 and under can enter for free. Keep in mind that the tickets cost more during peak tourism season. Also, there may be long queues, depending on what month you visit.

Another option is online through the official website of the Vasa Museum. Just follow the online booking process, which typically involves selecting the date and time of your visit and providing the necessary details.

The Vasa Museum
some of the Vasa's sculptures that were recovered from the shipwreck and repainted

If you get the Stockholm Go City All-Inclusive Pass, you get free entry to over 50 attractions and activities in the city, and this includes the Vasa Museum. This way, you get to maximize your trip while spending less on tours and activities.

How to Get to the Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is located on the island of Djurgården, which is easily accessible via public transportation. You can take Bus 67 or Bus 69 to the stop "Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet." The museum is a short walk from the bus stop. You can also take Tram 7 or Tram 1, which takes you to the stop "Djurgårdsbron," and from there, it's about a ten-minute walk to the museum.

During certain times of the year, you can take a ferry to Djurgården. The ferry departs from Slussen or Nybroplan and takes you to Allmänna Gränd, which is a short walk from the Vasa Museum. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Stockholm. You can use apps like Uber or local taxi services to reach Djurgården.

The Vasa Museum
a view of the Vasa with its scale model on the side


If you're visiting Stockholm, then your trip wouldn't be complete without going to the Vasa Museum. I'd highly recommend it!