Vasa Museum + Vrak - Museum of Wrecks
Location
Essentials
- See one of Stockholm’s most iconic landmarks up close
- Explore life on board a 17th-century ship
- Become a maritime archaeologist for a day with a VR experience
Practical info
Children
Free entry for 0-18 year olds when accompanied by a paying adult
At Vasa Museum children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit
Opening hours
Vasa Museum:
September – May:
Thursday – Tuesday: 10.00 – 17.00
Wednesday: 10.00 – 20.00
June – August:
Monday – Sunday: 8.30 – 18.00
Vrak – Museum of Wrecks:
Thursday – Tuesday: 10.00 – 20.00
Wednesday: 10.00 – 18.00
Languages
Vasa Museum audio guide is available in English, English for kids, Swedish, Swedish for kids, simple Swedish, German, German for kids, Finnish, Finnish for kids, Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Polish, Ukrainian, Japanese, Hindi, Korean, Chinese, Soomali, Sorani, Farsi, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and Russian
Vrak – Museum of Wrecks audio guide is available in English, Swedish, Finnish, German, Polish and French
Ticket information
Ticket directly available on smartphone
Tickets valid for 72 hours
Tickets cannot be rescheduled or cancelled
More information
For questions about the product, please contact [email protected]
Accessibility
Getting there
Public Transport
The nearest stops ar Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet (tram 7) and Djurgårdsbron (bus 69 & 76). The two museums are a five minute walk from each other.
About
Vasa: the only fully intact 17th-century ship
The Vasa Museum is the only place in the world where you can see an almost fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged. The 64-gun warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in 1628, after only sailing around 1,300 metres. In the late 1950s, she was rediscovered and, 333 years after it sank, in 1961 the Vasa was salvaged from the harbour floor.
For almost thirty years, the ship was on display at a temporary museum. It wasn’t until 1990 that the Vasa got its own permanent museum, specially designed to with stylised masts on its roof which represent the actual height of the original ship. Inside, you can see the ship from six different levels, from the keel to the very top of the aftercastle.
With the ship at the centre of the museum, there are other exhibits set up around the ship throughout the museum. Some of the exhibits focus on the ship itself, with models portraying the construction, sinking, location and recovery of the Vasa. Other exhibits show you life on board the Vasa, as there would have been 145 sailors and 300 soldiers on board.
Explore the bottom of the Baltic Sea at Vrak - Museum of Wrecks
The Baltic Sea has more well-preserved wooden wrecks than anywhere else in the world. Vrak – Museum of Wrecks takes you on a journey to discover their stories. With the help of digital technology, you can stay on the surface as you discover the wrecks on the bottom of the sea.
With Virtual Reality (VR) dives, holograms and games you will gain a deeper understanding of maritime archaeological investigations which are still happening at the bottom of the sea. You will see the tracks that explorers have left behind in Sweden’s seas, lakes and streams. You will never look at the water in the Baltic Sea again without remembering what lies beneath the surface.
A ticket to Vrak - Museum of Wrecks also gives access to their new exhibition Vikings Before Vikings, an exhibition about recent findings that show that vikings were active earlier than we thought. The exhibition shows findings from a Viking burial ground on the island of Saarema in Estonia, which prove that vikings where active in the Baltics earlier than was talked about by historians. This is an exciting exhibition, with interactive opportunities such as dressing up as a viking yourself, but also historical pieces from the time period.
Tickets to two museums at a discounted price
With this one ticket you can visit both museums but you don’t have to visit them on the same day. Your visit to the second museum just has to fall within 72 hours of your visit to the first museum. Get your combination ticket today to see a famous ship wreck up close and learn more about the other ships still at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.
Both the Vasa Museum and Vrak – Museum of Wrecks have free audio guides available to download on their websites. At Vrak you can also take a free guided tour, there is a free 20-minute tour every day at noon and 15.00 in English and at 11.00 and 14.00 in Swedish.
Reviews
801 reviews
Fantastic museum
Great museum. Takes 2-3 hours to do properly. Go early to avoid the queues. Take ID for children or they will be charged as an adult. Nice cafe for lunch. Shop is also very nice. Only disappointment was the staff. The lady on tickets was very rude and quite aggressive. Staff is the shop ignored me whilst I was paying and just kept talking to each other. There are also not enough toilets. After the museum take a walk down by the water, very nice stroll.
Excellent
Absolutely brilliant. Spent almost three hours here and loved it. Information is clear and displayed well. The ship itself and of course the history is impressive. Head over as early as possible (queues to enter when we left were extremely long!) and you can buy your tickets online.
Best. Thing. Ever.
This is one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. The Vasa is huge and amazing. If you’re a history nerd or a nautical geek, you will be over the moon. (Alas, not everyone with me was…) The presentation is done so well in both Swedish and English. I learned so much. Be aware that lines are long, but they move fast.
One of the best museums I've ever visited
Me and my partner bought a combo ticket (Vasa and Vrak museum) for about 30€ per person. When we entered the main hall of Vasa museum, we were stunned by the size of the ship and the way it was just standing there. There are free plans and an audio guide with basic information and background history. There are several floors to look at the ship from all angles and all floors. On the bottom floor you can see a reconstruction of the people who passed on the ship. It was made in a very respectful manner to try and remember them and who they might've been. It was still really sad. Of course, you can't go inside because it's fragile. When we thought we saw everything but were still wondering about how the ship was steered, there was a reconstruction of the big cabin, the whipstaff and a small part of the canon deck. Then there was also a small model of the ship's cross section where we could see all stations, rooms, and figurines of the people on the ship. We were also lucky enough to see James Cameron's temporary exhibition "Challenging the Deep" which had props from the movie Titanic and also amazing video footage of Cameron's deep sea expeditions. We've learned so much that day and we still think about this museum a lot. Toilets were clean, staff was always helpful and really friendly.
Breathtaking!
Having little prior knowledge of Stockholm or what to expect I found it fascinating. Really well thought out information points around the ship, optional audio aids etc. could’ve spent more time here but was part of a short trip, would definitely come back
Spectacular.
Wow! The impact of seeing this when you walk through the door is incredible. The exhibition overall is very well structured and informative. Displays are bi lingual in Swedish and English. There is a very informative film presented in a range of languages every 15 mins. If possible do this before walking around the exhibition as it is a great introduction and overview.
Best museum ever
Best museum ever! Fantastic display of 1628 Viking ship after 333 years sunk in the harbor. Could not believe the incredible decorations and history!
Excellent museum
An exceptional museum housing a massive ship that sank immediately after its launch 400 years ago. The ship is enormous and remarkably well-preserved. Allow about an hour for your visit, although there were many people, there wasn't a long queue for tickets. There is also an interesting exhibition about the people who lost their lives during the ship's launch and their lives. I highly recommend it.
The Vasa Ship
The scale of the ship, the science of the conservations - Vasa should not be missed. It is a busy museum, I would go early. There are guides to give a brief history in a range of languages, but can be hard to hear above the crowds. It is truly stunning, and wonderful to see over various levels of the museum.
Exceptional.
One of the best museums I've been to. Did the English language in-house tour which is short (fine by us) and very informative. Not to be missed.
Another five star review
Vasa probably doesn’t need another 5 star review but it was an excellent place to visit. I didn’t have any particular interest prior to the visit but it was an incredibly interesting insight into maritime history as well as the conservation efforts. The sight of the warship on entry is impressive but there’s a nice balance of exhibits leading to my visit being around 3 hours.
The splendor of seafaring and the echoes of grandeur
If you want to explore a unique part of history and imagine the greatness, power, and tragedy of that time, you will enjoy this museum.
Well organized and interesting
One of the main Stockholm museums, this one is really very interesting and educational. It includes the entire Vasa ship exhibited as it had been raised, resurrected and restored.
Well worth a visit
It was a very rainy day in Stockholm so were thankful we had pre- booked tickets for the museum . Huge queues for tickets but this moved quickly. The auditorium runs a short film in the Vasa which is well worth watching before you go round . The ship is fascinating. The James Cameron exhibition was also a huge highlight with films about his exploration as well as props from Titanic. Well worth a visit if you’re in Stockholm.
Amazing
Amazing thing to see in a museum. It is really cool and I definitely recommend and the food at their restaurant is also good to eat.
You cannot go to Stockholm and not visit this museum
The ship is the star (solo star) of the museum but, the video presentation is well done and provide background that adds so much color to the storied ship. Buy tickets (or the Go-City pass in advance allowing you to get on the shorter, faster moving line. Don’t skip this experience.
More impressive than we expected, for a museum about one ship
We honestly went in with modest expectations — it's a museum built around a single 17th-century warship, how much could there really be to it? We were wrong. The Vasa is fully intact and astonishingly well preserved for something that sank in 1628, and seeing it up close, at that scale, inside the museum is genuinely awe-inspiring. It's rare for one object to carry an entire museum, but this one does. We'd recommend going right at opening — it gets busy quickly, especially on a summer weekend, and having a bit of breathing room to take it in makes a real difference.
Exceptionally well done especially if taken it at your own pace - perhaps without the guided tour
This is my third trip visiting the Vasa museum and probably the best primarily because I did not do a guided tour and instead took my time reviewing all the signs and viewing all the exhibits at my own pace. The wealth of information that is available is impressive all the way from preservation techniques to history to intricacies of historical boat building. I would plan for 2 hours and ideally get there as soon as it opens because it gets very crowded very quickly with multiple tour groups coming through. They do sell food in a cafe. However, they also have an area inside in a room for those who bring their own food.
A Must See in Stockholm
What an amazing story and museum. I, like many Americans, had never heard the story of the Vasa until my visit to Stockholm. Visiting this museum was a highlight of our trip. So much to see and imagine here. Words can’t describe the feeling of walking into the museum and seeing the entire ship standing there just as it was when it fell to the bottom of the sea. Additional information about original art, the building of the ship, the time when it as built and some personal stories of those involved round out the museum. Seeing the movie about what happened is a must. In addition to the ship itself, I found the personal stories and the skeletal remains of the sailors, along with the DNA created images of what they would have looked like to be amazing. I would suggest spending an hour and a half to two hours there, depending on how fast you read and your depth of interest in information.
Wonderful historical museum
The Museum is a fascinating historical place. The video that they have does a great job explaining what this is all about. It’s right when you first walk in and they have it in multiple languages. So fascinating to understand something that happened 400 years ago and then the excavation of it. And the fact that they’ve put it back together is incredible. Make sure you go downstairs to the second floor to see the skeletons.
First rate museum. Worth getting there early.
One of the best museums I have been to. I would rate it alongside the titanic museum in Belfast. We visited on a Saturday at 10am and bought tickets on the door - no queue. We the walked straight into an English version of a 20 minute film about the ship, and ten minutes after that was an 45 minute tour of the museum with a guide. No extra cost for these two events. As you go round there is also a 10 minute film on why the ship sank. Set over 7 floors, we spent 2 1/2 hours there.
Must not miss in Stockholm
Wow. This was amazing. The ship reminded me of watching a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, when the pirates and ship came up out of the sea.
my review
I visited the Vasa Museum with my sister and a guide. I was quite struck by the sheer size of the ship, which left a strong impression on me. Later, once I returned to the hotel, I took the time to research and learn more about the history and significance of the Vasa.
Amazing
We really enjoyed our visit to the museum. We did not join a tour but just systematically wandered around the ship and the associated displays. The ship itself is impressive. There is information everywhere about what the various parts of the ship were for, and their significance. The separate displays giving details of how ships were built, what Stockholm looked like, what society was like at that time, were really engaging. I was particularly struck by the stories associated with the skeletal remains that had been found when the ship was recovered. It was beautifully respectful. And the displays on how the ship was actually found and then recovered were really interesting. A good way to spend a few hours just being educated.
One and done
The Vasa museum is exactly what I expected, a humongous, fully intact Viking ship impressively displayed. There are lots of little side areas that explain life in the time and have relics and movies, and if you are a big fan of Vikings (not the ones from Minnesota), then you are going to love this museum. I went to get everyone off my back since I didn’t visit during my first trip to Stockholm. I am not a fan of that era of history, so for me it is one and done. I will say that I did like the island that it was located on, there are tons of things to do there and you can get there cheaply and easily on the ferry.
First rate museum, but be careful of pick pockets
The museum was exceptional, a really well presented display, together with a very informative short film giving background, would highly recommend. We arrived early, when it was less crowded, but numbers really increased towards mid-morning. One negative point, though. As a popular attraction, the area brings in pick pockets. Just after leaving, as we walked back towards the city, we felt some liquid fall onto us, thought at first it might be a passing seagull. In fact, the couple behind must have sprayed something, because they then rushed forwards with tissues, made a big thing of pointing out the marks on our clothes, and used the distraction to try and lift stuff from our pockets. They did not succeed, but it all came as a bit of a warning.
Incredible experience
I was really looking forward to this museum and it still exceeded my expectations. Incredible story and first class setup of the ship, exhibits and amenities, so you can immerse yourself fully into the experience. We bought tickets online which enables easy entry, then watched the movie, and used the included audio guide (take own device and ear phones). Amazing few hours, and we enjoyed our coffees in the cafe at the end.
Afternoon Visit to Vasa Museum
Visit to Vasa Museum came on a weekday enjoyed seeing the historic Vasa boat lots of history -there is a film to watch and other history items to view nice gift shop overall a good visit and recommended while visiting Stockholm
A most impressive museum
Wow is all we could say when we walked into the first room on seeing the mighty Vasa ship, so impressive, dark and moody room as well as the ship. We joined a twenty minute guided tour, included in the entrance fee, learning a little of the history and features of the ship. I don't know what is the best time to visit but we arrived at 1030 and the place was packed, there didn't seem to be locker rooms so backpacks on people's backs can be a great hindrance. We thoroughly enjoyed all the exhibits, the amazing stories of those who drowned on the maiden voyage disaster, profiling them and putting together their story and likeness. In the end the crowds drove us out after only two hours, otherwise a fabulous museum.
Outstanding
What a wonderful museum- we knew the Vasa was going to be huge but WOW its truly something everyone must see. Admission includes a guided tour- be sure to take it to learn the history- outstanding visit
Wonderful museum!
This is a wonderful museum with such an incredible history. The ship is frozen in time. There are multiple floors with exhibits, and you are able to view the ship from many levels. The move is shown in many languages and worth seeing. Staff is quite helpful. While it's on the dark side in the building, photography is possible. They recommend a jacket since the temperature is kept at a constant cool. Allow minimum 3 hours - more to read the displays. Crowds mid-day were on the larger size, but it didn't interfere with our visit. We took the boat from Gamla Stan to the Vasa dock and from there it was an easy walk. We purchased tickets online in advance and were able to use the pre-purchase ticket entrance. Don't miss. It's one of the best.
A must see!
An incredible experience! An amazing museum sharing the history of an amazing ship!
Better than my high expectations
Maybe the coolest museum experience I have ever had. We had high expectations and the Vassa exceeded them Really can’t describe how amazing it is to see this ship and learn all about it.
Vasa Museum, Stockholm / Sweden
Many of the world's famous attractions are worth seeing once. The Vasa Museum is different. It is one of those rare places that exceeds expectations and leaves you wondering how more people don't talk about it as one of Europe's truly great museums. The centerpiece, of course, is the Vasa itself—a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was recovered more than 330 years later. No photograph, documentary, or guidebook can prepare you for the moment you first see it in person. The sheer scale of the ship is breathtaking. Standing beside it, you quickly realize that this is not simply a museum exhibit; it is an extraordinary piece of history frozen in time. What makes the experience so special is the way the museum tells the ship's story. Beyond the dramatic tale of its construction, sinking, and recovery, visitors gain fascinating insights into Swedish history, naval engineering, craftsmanship, and daily life during the 17th century. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and engaging, making complex historical topics accessible without ever feeling simplistic. The museum itself deserves considerable credit. Multiple viewing levels allow guests to appreciate the ship from every angle, revealing the incredible details of the carvings, decorations, and construction techniques. Whether you're a history enthusiast, maritime expert, architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, there is something genuinely captivating here. What impressed most was that the Vasa Museum appeals equally to visitors who normally love museums and those who usually avoid them. The story is so remarkable and the artifact so unique that it transcends typical museum experiences. Stockholm offers many outstanding attractions, but if there is one place that absolutely should not be missed, it is the Vasa Museum. It is educational without being dry, impressive without being overwhelming, and unforgettable from the moment you walk through the door.
Stunningly Preserved Ship
Exceptionally preserved ship, Very remarkable to be able to view such a specimen in its entirety over multiple floors. Lots of signage and information available. Very good included tour. Could easily spend half a day exploring every detail.
The best boat museum
Just WOW. This is a stunning museum and a real testament to the conservators who have managed to keep the Vasa in such incredible condition. The ship is stunning as are the exhibits on the various levels which also enable you to get different perspectives of the boat. The stories of those who sailed her ( albeit not very far before it sank) are fascinating as are the painstaking reconstructions of the skeletons that were recovered. One of the most spectacular areas is the reconstruction of part of the lower decks with the canons , this gives you a real insight into the cramped conditions onboard.
Architecture and history
Literally all about one ship - enormous, fascinating and historically rich with lots of education, movies, displays and upclose exhibits but still just about one ship. The museum runs a bit cold, perhaps to help preserve the ship, consider taking a sweater!
Good half day trip from Gaml Stan on the 82 water bus.
Until our visit we thought that the Mary Rose was the pinnacle of recovery - but ‘hands-up’ the Vasa is magnificent. Very much intact and standing as high as a 4 or 5 storey building + the masts? Reconstructed ‘wax-works’ of the crews bodies are eerily lifelike. Guided tours in English included in the ticket price and a decent bistro.
One Ship. One Museum. Absolutely Spectacular.
The Vasa Museum is one of the most remarkable and unique museums I have ever visited. Period. At its core, the museum revolves around a single exhibit: one ship. In fact, the entire building was designed around it. That may sound limiting—or even boring—to some visitors, but the reality could not be more exciting. The Vasa is the world's only almost fully preserved 17th-century warship, and it is breathtaking. Standing before it, you quickly realize that this is far more than the story of a single vessel. It is a window into an entire era. Nowhere else have I gained such a vivid understanding of life aboard a warship of this period. Through the ship itself and the museum's outstanding exhibitions, visitors learn not only about the Vasa's tragic fate but also about naval warfare, shipbuilding, trade, exploration, and daily life at sea during the age of great maritime powers. The ship serves as a representative of an entire world long gone—from admirals and naval commanders to craftsmen and ordinary sailors. It tells the story of how navies operated, how ships were built and maintained, and what life was like for the men who served aboard them. The museum is both educational and deeply immersive. Its architectural presentation is stunning, and the way the Vasa is staged and illuminated creates a sense of awe that few museums can match. An eye-opening experience and, without question, one of the highlights of Stockholm. An absolute must-visit for anyone spending time in the city.
Amazing museum
What an amazing musuem, so much to see & do & it really take you back in time. A must when visiting Stockholm.
Fascinating history!
A very well done exploration of the Vasa warship. Great learning the history and being able to see all around the ship itself.
Awesome Historical Experience!
Highly recommend this museum! Phenomenal history and sights to see about the Vasa! You can easily spend 2 hours absorbing the wealth of information this museum provides you.
Well worth a visit
So glad we visited and probably our favourite visit. Lots of information, lots to see, a great exhibit
Probably the best museum one of its kind.
Last time stayed at Stockholm for two nights but missed Vasa museum. Also this time has ample time so decided to visit Vasa museum . My group tour operator offered package with 75 euro which I found costly. So explored on my own various package available and booked online more or less at same cost plus had to pay for yo and fro to my hotel and museum. Taxies are quite costly in Stockholm and if you can wait you can get bolt and uber at half the rate same or similar taxies. It opens at 10 and we were there by 9.45 so it was yet not opened. Since not many guest at that time had to find way from taxi drop. Soon the guide came a nice energetic rainbow guide so other group members so started. It starts from first floor to top 2nd 3rd floor and finishes at bottom. The guide explains everything and you listen and see mesmerized.How a boat best of its time collosal sank in first voyage and remained there for almost 300 years and then reached repaired and maintained.What a knowledge of that time, engineering and chemistry all wedded into one. Spent a nice 2.5 hrs. bur was tired also for walking and walking.
Must See in Stockholm
What a story! What an exhibit! I knew nothing about the story before arriving in Stockholm but for what I heard from other visitors, we knew we had to go. The story of the ship and what transpired in the 1600s was compelling. The displays are fascinating. In my opinion, this is a must see in Stockholm. Highly recommended
Just Fantastic
I would rate this museum among the best I have ever visited. Having arrived at 10am and knowing a guided tour was at 10.30, I started with the James Cameron Exhibition. There was a phenomenal amount of highly interesting information about this man's life, presented in an easy to follow format. In addition, there was a number of items from his film 'Titanic' on display. I would highly recommend going on the English tour. It lasts 30 minutes and the guide provides a wealth of fantastic information that directs you to look much more closely at the ship and appreciate exactly what you are observing. The museum continues to impress with its exhibits but the sight of the Vasa is quite breath taking.
Excellent
OK so this is a one exhibit museum, the ship Vasa. However, with the raised wreak as the centre piece the whole story is told in much detail. Good introduction film and informative panels make for a rewarding visit.
Fascinating story
We really enjoyed this experience. The film and the guide together gave a lots of different perspectives to consider. Ferry from Slussen was quick and easy.
Cool ship, delicious food.
Absolutely insane experience. Seeing such an amazing site of a ship pulled from the sea. I was there for a little under 2 hours as there are a few floors with a lot of information about life on the ship as well as things they found in the ship and of course backstory about commissioning the building of the ship. I went ahead and purchased the combo ticket for the vasa museum and the VRAK museum for 359SEK which is around $38 and I’d say it’s worth it rather than getting one ticket for $25 The restaurant there is top tier. I ate some delicious meatballs and the most amazing cardamom bun.
Wonderful but overcrowded
Despite pre-booking our tickets and arriving as the doors opened, we were overwhelmed by the crowds at this unique museum. After the first hour or so, we were basically being carried along by the flow of people, when one of the private tour guides scolded us shouting "This is a private tour! You cannot listen! Wait for the public tour!" Uh, lady, I can barely move. I'm not intentionally listening to your tour. Such bad vibes. Otherwise, a special and well-planned museum. I particularly liked the tribute to the 30 people who drowned when the Vasa sank. It's on the very lowest level of the museum, where luckily are fewer people, and curators have (rather speculatively) recreated the lives and even the faces of the victims. Cool place, but they need timed entry and fewer visitors.
