C17th Sweden's Naval Might at the Vasa Museum
The Vasa is Stockholm's C17th Warship Unveiled on Djurgarden Island
Oct 9, 2008
For a glimpse into a bygone era when conquest and colonialism was achieved as much through the might of sea power as on land, there can be few more rewarding sights than the Vasa in Stockholm.
This Royal treasure-laden ship, sunk just moments into its maiden voyage in 1628, stands today majestically in the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, in excellent condition since its discovery and restoration some 333 years later.
Entering the Vasa Museum, at Djurgarden island’s western tip, the imposing 230 foot wooden battleship is instantly breathtaking. Built for King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden between 1626-1628, the Vasa was intended as a powerful symbol of the country’s wealth and navy at a time when it was emerging as a European power.
Preserved
For the modern day visitor these symbols have been remarkably well preserved, with close to 500 figurines and statues still adorning the four-deck vessel.
Though the original bright colouration has long since faded, it is hard for guests not to feel instantly transported onto the set of Pirates Of The Caribbean as they encircle the Vasa on walkways constructed at four different heights.
Among the extravagant work still preserved in considerably good condition include 19 figurines of Roman emperors, lions, mermaids and all manner of fantastic sea creatures designed to awe and frighten the enemy.
Prior to launch the Vasa was also loaded with cannons, tools and supplies befitting a warship of its stature. Sadly this was to prove the downfall of the Vasa, as less than a nautical mile into her maiden voyage on August 10, 1628, she foundered in heavy winds and sank to the bottom of Stockholm harbour off the island of Beckholmen.
Swedish Warship
Historians are united in the reasons behind the quick demise. In his book Vasa I, The Archaeology of a Swedish Warship of 1628, Carl Olof Cederland points to an excessive number of 24-pound cannons loaded on the gun deck and insufficient ballast in the hold to help balance the ship. Meanwhile the ship left port with its gun ports still open, ensuring the Vasa quickly sank upon overturning.
However the Vasa has aged well, largely due to the higher-than-average number of pollutants in the water, which killed off the micro-organisms that would usually break down the wood.
Thus many artefacts and fascinating insights into C17th life are on view at the museum, including the remains of at least 15 people onboard, plus coins, cutlery, weapons and even parts of the original sails.
The Vasa Museum, now the ship’s home since 1990, follows nearly three decades of initial work involving drying out the ship’s wood and protecting from erosion. The museum hall itself is maintained at fixed temperature and humidity levels to help further preserve the find.
The astonishing fate that befell the Vasa makes it the Titanic of its age and thanks to modern preservation techniques modern audiences are presented with one of the greatest archaeological links to the C17th in the world.
Djurgarden
Today the Vasa Museum has welcomed over 25 million visitors and remains among the most popular of Stockholm’s museums. Museum staff offer a guided in-depth tour covering the history of the Vasa, plus there is a film covering its background shown daily in a variety of languages.
The museum is serviced by its own tram station on Djurgarden island and is also accessible by the Djurgarden Ferry from Slussen all year round. For further information visit the official website here.
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