Student blogs

The Vasa Museum stands as a testament to one of history’s most extraordinary maritime discoveries. It is the home to the once famous warship “Vasa”. This captivating museum takes the visitors on an immersive journey back to the 17th century. It is offering a glimpse of glory and tragedy of a mighty ship that lay hidden beneath the Baltic Sea for centuries. We did set sail on an exploration of the Vasa Museum (Vasa Museet) in June 2023.

Planning the visit

To make the most of our visit to the Vasa Museum, we planned to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds. We do love exploring the exhibits at our own pace and fully immerse ourself in the experience. It also allowed us to join the free guided tour (check timetable for tour in English or Swedish language) in smaller size of crowd.

Purchasing online tickets in advance is highly recommended to skip the ticket queues at the museum entrance. However, we did not see the queue during our visit as there were only two people in line. Visiting there during the weekdays could have been the reason for much less queue compared to the weekend.

Brief history

The story of the Vasa is a captivating blend of tragedy and triumph. The ship’s ill-fated maiden voyage and subsequent sinking might have been a crushing blow to the nation’s pride. However its rediscovery and preservation have become a symbol of Sweden’s resilience and dedication to its maritime heritage. The museum presents a comprehensive narrative of the Vasa’s history. It is shedding light on the circumstances that led to its ill-fated voyage and the impressive engineering that went into its creation.

The Vasa’s preservation is a remarkable feat of engineering and conservation. The museum’s meticulous efforts to protect and restore the ship have allowed visitors to witness this maritime marvel in all its glory. The climate-controlled environment ensures that the centuries-old wood remains intact. Meanwhile interactive exhibits and informative displays provide an educational and captivating experience for visitors of all ages.

How we felt during the visit

Stepping into the Vasa Museum is similar to entering a time capsule, where every sort of detail reflects the glory and opulence of Sweden’s past. It is quite dark and calming environment. Almost as if we reached to another world. The ship’s colossal size, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colours, is a testament to the grandeur that the kingdom aspired to achieve. While exploring the various decks and compartments of the Vasa, visitors gain a deeper understanding of life on board and the historical context in which the ship was commissioned.

The Vasa Museum did offer a variety of engaging exhibitions and activities. Interactive displays allow us to immerse ourself in the lives of the crew. It also allows us to understand the scientific methods used to preserve this maritime marvel. We took a lot of photographs and bought some souvenirs from the museum gift shop.

Overall…

As being a symbolic bridge between the past and the present of Sweden and vikings, its story surely give us a reminder of the resilience of both the ship and the nation that brought it back to life. With proper planning, it can be a well worth a visit. For us, visiting Vasa Museum is unforgettable and enriching experience that transported back in time to a fascinating chapter of Swedish’s history.