Thinking about visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm and wondering if it’s worth it? Check out my review of the Vasa Museum based on my experience when I visited.
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Intro: Vasa Museum Review
If you’re in Stockholm and looking for a unique museum experience, then the Vasa Museum definitely stands out as one of the most captivating and interesting! Vasa Museum is located on Djurgarden island and is home of an almost fully intact warship from the 17th century: the Vasa Warship.
A visit to this remarkable museum feels like stepping back in time where you can immerse in a historical piece that once lay beneath the sea for years! Here’s my review of what makes the Vasa Museum an unforgettable experience. Long story short: visiting the Vasa Museum is definitely worth it!
Tickets
You will make the most of your Vasa Museum visit by booking a tour with a live guide who will provide a more in-depth experience. If you haven’t already booked a tour, check out one of the below tours (which already includes ticket entry):
First Impressions
As you approach the museum, you’ll immediately notice the unique exterior of the museum building. It has a modern design but with 3 tall masts coming out the roof. Then as you enter the museum, the sheer size of the Vasa Warship is jaw-dropping! The museum does an excellent job of setting the scene from the moment you step in.
The Vasa Museum Building and Entrance Sign
The Main Exhibit: The Vasa Warship
Pictures or descriptions of the Vasa can not prepare you for seeing it in person. The warship’s massive size dominates the museum’s interior where it is on display in an open space.
It’s crazy to think that this majestic warship was once painted with bright colors which made it stand out from other ships of its time. But as you see more of the ship, it becomes even more mind-blowing that it had spent centuries (over 300 years!) submerged. Then it was resurrected almost fully intact, although the paint has washed away.
Multiple floors surround it so that you can view it from multiple levels. From the ground level, the sheer height of ~172 feet (52.5 meters) is apparent as the ship towers above you. Then as you walk around it, you can really see the detail of the intricate wood carvings on the bow and stern of the ship. They really make you appreciate the craftsmanship of the shipbuilders and woodcrafters of the 17th century.
Then on the higher floors (5, 6, 7), you can get an even more up-close look at the details of the wood sculpture carvings at the stern. Not to mention a closer look at the colossal wooden masts that had to hold its enormous sails.
The Vasa Warship
History Brought to Life
What sets the Vasa Museum apart is the way it brings history to life. The exhibits really immerses you in the story of the ship. It explains why the ship was built and how its design ultimately led to it sinking. What makes this warship interesting is that it sank on its maiden voyage back in 1628, just minutes after leaving port! That means it had sunk right in the shallow waters of Stockholm Harbor.
The museum showcases a life-size replica of a portion of the ship’s interior. Here you can immerse yourself right in the steering and cannon room as it had been back in the 17th-century. Near the cannon room, there’s a display of a subscale model of the entire ship’s interior and how the people would have been working in various levels and rooms of the Vasa.
I particularly enjoyed the story of the incredible effort it took to recover the ship from the sea. It shows how over the course of 17 years, the ship had to be pulled up from the sea floor inch by inch! Due to the ship’s delicateness, the museum building was built right over where it was recovered from the waters. It’s amazing to think that after 300 years of being submerged, that 98% of the ship on display is original woods from the 1600s.
Exhibits surrounding the Vasa Warship
A Perfect Visit for Everyone
If you’re looking for a unique cultural and historical experience, or if you’re a history or ship buff, then the Vasa Museum is definitely worth the visit. Even though the museum primarily focuses on the ship itself, the surrounding exhibits adds another interesting layer. They provide a well-rounded story of life in Sweden in the 1600s, the naval warfare and military efforts, and the remarkable story of the Vasa’s resurrection.
If you’re planning to visit, I would recommend allowing about two hours to fully appreciate everything the museum has to offer. However if you’re pressed on time, an hour is also sufficient to admire the ship and roam around the exhibits. There’s also an on-site café where you can stop for a Swedish fika. And there is also a shop where you can purchase souvenirs to remember your visit to the Vasa Museum.
Final Words: A Must-See in Stockholm
The Vasa Museum is definitely one of Stockholm’s most iconic attractions. It is a rare and fascinating experience to see a piece of history so well-preserved! And the museum’s immersive approach really leaves you with a deep appreciation for the ship and the era it came from. If you’re in Stockholm, then visiting the Vasa Museum should be at the top of your list. I hope this Vasa Museum Review urges you to include it in your Stockholm itinerary. It is truly a voyage into Sweden’s past. Bon Voyage!
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