Vasa Museum: Home To The World’s Best-Preserved 17th-Century Ship

View of the structure of the Vasa Museum, one of the historical museums in Sweden.

Vasa Museum houses the only surviving ship from the 17th century and is the only state maritime museum of such nature, offering a captivating journey into Sweden’s naval history. Vasa was a warship with the most fatal destiny as it sank in the heat of its first seaworthy mile in 1628. This preserved artefact was salvaged from underwater and is now at the centre of the magnificent museum. The museum is uniquely educational for historians and casual visitors, as it is rich in maritime heritage and fascinating exhibits.

About

The Vasa Museum's striking interior in Stockholm, among the top museums in Sweden.

Photo: Peter Isotalo / Wikimedia Commons

The museum located on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, is one of the popular museums in Sweden. The precise address is Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm. The museum lies in a scenic area surrounded by other attractions like the ABBA Museum and Skansen. The destination is a must-visit for tourists searching for the rich offerings of its ample culture for the lush greenery of Djurgården, and its proximity to the capital’s centre.

How To Reach

 An image of Stockholm Arlanda, the nearest airport to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.

Photo: Andreas Trepte / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

By Air: Stockholm Arlanda is the nearest airport to Vasa Museum, about 42 km away. Take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central and then take a bus or tram to Djurgården. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for direct transfers.

By Bus: The extensive bus network in Stockholm provides multiple routes to Djurgården, with 67, 69 and 76 taking you to the rest of the city. The nearest to the museum is at the Djurgårdsbron-bus stop.

By Tram: The busy tram number 7 connects the downtown area of Stockholm to Djurgarden. One stop is relatively close to the museum. Enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery during an exciting tram ride to this museum.

Places To Visit In and Around Vasa Museum

When visiting the Vasa Museum, several nearby attractions add to the excitement of your trip. Here are five must-visit spots:

1. ABBA The Museum

 Image showing exhibits at ABBA The Museum, a vibrant tourist attraction near Vasa Museum.

Photo: Frankie Fouganthin / Wikimedia Commons

When you step into ABBA The Museum, you are bound to experience the intricacies of pop music. The museum is a stone’s throw away from the museum. It is by far the most interactive of all the museums you may visit, with its extensive Swedish musical heritage. Visitors can explore various exhibits, including original costumes, gold records, and private memorabilia of the band members. The museum offers activities such as singing along with holograms of ABBA or mixing music tracks, which is another thrill for young and old music lovers.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: SEK 250 / ₹2100

2. Skansen

Traditional Swedish buildings at Skansen, a historic open-air museum near Vasa Museum.

Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons

A short stroll from the museum takes you to Skansen, the oldest open-air museum in the world. Here, you can see traditional Swedish life with old buildings, exhibitions, and live demonstrations of crafts and trades. Visitors can explore the zoo which features native Nordic animals and enjoy seasonal events like the Christmas markets. Skansen is the best mix of culture, nature, and history and is a nice place to spend time with family and history buffs.

Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fees: SEK 220 / ₹1850

3. Gröna Lund

An image of Gröna Lund amusement park, a popular tourist attraction near Vasa Museum.

Photo: Arild Vågen / Wikimedia Commons

Gröna Lund is an amusement park situated near the museum. It offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, and games. The park features roller coasters, carousels, and a fun house catering to visitors of all ages. During the sunny summer days, it is lively with activities, music concerts, and events of and for the local community and visitors. The location of the waterfront adds so much cheer and is a lovely sight for the most capping beauty of Stockholm.

Timings: Vary by season
Entry Fees: SEK 120 / ₹1000

4. Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum)

An image showing the grand exterior of Nordiska Museet, located near Vasa Museum.

Photo: Jordgubbe / Wikimedia Commons

It is a museum that showcases Scandinavian culture and tradition. The exhibits in the museum are related to fashion, interiors, folk art, and Sami culture collections. The building was designed in a Renaissance revival style, which is fantastic and adds allure to the visit. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the entire Nordic heritage and is a must-visit for those interested in the region’s history and culture.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: SEK 140 / ₹1200

5. Rosendals Trädgård

An image of Rosendals Trädgård, a serene garden near the museum in Stockholm.

Photo: Tony Webster / Wikimedia Commons

Rosendals Trädgård is an excellent site for peace with a garden that links up to the museum. Visitors can go around taking strolls, have picnics, or visit the less hectic, beautiful organic food-and-pastry café. The botanical garden comes complete with lush flower beds, orchids, and greenhouses. While visiting, you will be introduced to nature through an astounding, massive, inspired heaven that is created by hundreds of critical arrangements of plantings, articles about horticulture, and naturalists’ years of experience.

Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fees: N/A

Where To Stay

An image showing Hotel Hasselbacken, a comfortable hotel near the museum in Stockholm.

Photo: Ankara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are so many types of accommodation available, from costly hotels just outside the Vasa Museum to tiny, cosy bed-and-breakfasts. Hotel Hasselbacken is just one of many lodgings that have attractive decor, well-appointed rooms, and good quality services. The inside is modern, with a harmonious thematic approach in the decoration through music. For budget travellers, hostels and guesthouses are also available within the vicinity, providing homely resting places.

Where To Eat

An image of Oaxen Slip, a stylish restaurant that offers a cosy dining experience.

Photo: 99pema / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many restaurants and places around the museum for you to choose from regarding food. You can go to Oaxen Slip near the museum, where they offer fantastic flavours of classical Swedish food. Blue Port will always be one of those genuinely famous places for its excellent dishes regarding pastries, salads, and sandwiches. Beyond, there are many other cafes and bistros here in Djurgården-all beautifully crafted and waiting for you to enjoy a meal or two or coffee.

Best Time To Visit

An image showing the interior of the Vasa Museum, with visitors viewing its attractions.

Photo: Steven Lek / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit the Vasa Museum is from May to September, during spring and summer. At that time, the weather in Stockholm is optimal for a museum visit and other sightseeing activities. Long days open up more extended opportunities to visit sights and also provide excellent conditions for touring the indoor exhibits, which are best viewed even while the temperatures are pretty chilly outdoors.

Other Factors To Consider

Carry suitable clothes and follow the travel tips while visiting the museum in Stockholm.

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

A day at the Vasa Museum can cost you anything from SEK 500 to 700 (₹4200-5,900 approx) in Stockholm, including distances travelled by transport, entry fees, meals, and souvenirs. Entry into the museum costs SEK 170 (about ₹1450) for adults and SEK 100 (about ₹850) for children. Hence, it’s an excellent low-cost addition to one’s trip.

Tips For Travellers

  • Pre-book your tickets online to save time and avoid long queues.
  • Don’t forget to capture some memorable photos at the museum.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking around nearby attractions.
  • Check the Vasa Museum timings before your visit to plan accordingly.
  • Explore nearby locations like Skansen and ABBA The Museum to make the most of your day.

An incredible place to witness a glimpse of the rich maritime past of Sweden is the Vasa Museum. This museum has a 17th-century ship that is well-preserved and has well-designed presentations to make its memory unforgettable for people of all ages. So, for a visit that will leave you spellbound and inspired by the wonders of the nautical world, plan a trip with TripXL and embark on an adventurous journey.

Cover Photo: Hongbin / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The Vasa Museum is home to the world's only preserved 17th-century ship, making it a unique and attractive site.
The museum offers popular tours about the ship's history and significance in different languages.
Yes, photos can be taken inside the museum, but using flash is forbidden to protect the exhibits.
Yes, there is a café in the Vasa Museum where visitors can enjoy light snacks, beverages, and even meals.
The Vasa Museum is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility challenges.

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