Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

The Basics

Pre-book your tickets to ensure skip-the-line entry, opt for a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating ship and its ongoing restoration, or combine your visit with a sightseeing tour of Stockholm and experience other must-see attractions such as the old town of Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace. For those who prefer to explore independently, hop-on hop-off buses and boats stop outside the museum, and entrance is included for Stockholm Pass holders.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visitor facilities include restrooms, storage lockers, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.

• The Vasa Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Exhibition information is also provided in braille and audio.

How to Get to There

The museum is located on the western side of Djurgården Island in central Stockholm. The easiest way to get to the museum is by tram. From the city center, take the number seven tram towards Waldemarsudde.

When to Get There

The Vasa Museum is open year-round, but it’s busiest during the summer months of July and August, when you should visit early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds. Outside those peak months, the late night opening on Wednesdays (until 8pm) is a good time to visit if you want to avoid tour groups.

Vasa Museum Highlights

The star attraction of the Vasa Museum is the 226-foot-long (69-meter-long) warshipVasa, which sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage from Stockholm. Exhibitions allow visitors to view all six levels of the restored ship, and chronicle the building of theVasa, the passengers and events of its fateful maiden voyage, and the long task of restoring and preserving the historic vessel. There is also a spectacular painted model of theVasa ship and a recreation of a 1620s Stockholm shipyard.

How can I get to the Vasa Museum using public transportation?

The easiest way to the Vasa Museum is by tram. Catch tram #7 to Nordiska Museet / Vasamuseet. Alternatively, you can get bus #67 to Nordiska Museet / Vasamuseet or bus #69 to Djurgårdsbron. For metro travel, take the red line to Karlaplan, then walk about 10 minutes to the museum.

Are there guided tours available at the Vasa Museum?

Yes, you can explore the Vasa Museum on a guided tour. These tours provide in-depth insights into the Vasa warship’s construction, as well as its ill-fated maiden voyage, sinking, and subsequent salvage. Tours usually occur throughout the day, but it’s best to book in advance for your preferred time slot.

What is the history behind the Vasa Museum in Stockholm?

The Vasa Museum showcases an almost fully intact 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. The ship was salvaged more than 300 years later, and the museum constructed around the ship and the old naval yard, features Sweden’s maritime history and the ship’s first and final voyage.

Can visitors take photographs inside the Vasa Museum?

Yes, photography and video are allowed in the Vasa Museum for personal purposes. You can use a flash and tripod; however, selfie sticks are strictly prohibited. If you want to take photos or videos for commercial purposes, you have to contact the information center in advance to ask for permission.

What is the significance of the Vasa ship displayed at the Vasa Museum?

The Vasa holds historical significance as one of the few almost fully preserved 17th-century vessels ever salvaged. The ship was recovered in the 1960s, and its meticulous preservation spanned over two decades, revealing a trove of archaeological finds such as bones, weapons, coins, sails, and sculptures.

What nearby attractions can be combined with a visit to the Vasa Museum?

After exploring the Vasa Museum, visit nearby Djurgarden Island, which is home to several notable museums. ABBA The Museum offers a vast collection of the famous pop band’s memorabilia and interactive exhibits. There’s also Skansen open-air museum and zoo, and a place to learn about Nordic history—the National Nordic Museum.

Ways to explore

You can book a standard ticket to the museum, or save with a combo ticket that covers both the Vasa Museum and Vrak – Museum of Wrecks. Visit with a private guide to bring the ship to life. The museum is also a popular stop on Stockholm sightseeing tours, alongside other must-sees such as Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan) and the Stockholm Royal Palace. For those who prefer to explore independently, hop-on, hop-off buses and boats stop outside the museum, plus admission is included for Stockholm Pass holders.

Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and admission is free for companions of travelers with disabilities. There are two wheelchair-friendly parking spaces.

Age limits

None—admission is free for visitors up to 18 years old.

What to pack

Bring a card or contactless form of payment—the museum is cash-free.

What to wear

If you’re visiting in the summer, bring a sweater or light jacket, as the museum is kept at a steady 64–68°F (18–20°C).

Not allowed

Big bags, wheeled bags, selfie sticks

Amenities

Restrooms, shop, restaurant, Wi-Fi

Address 

The museum is on the western side of Djurgården Island in central Stockholm.

Driving

Traffic to Djurgården is restricted during the warmer months of the year, and falls within Stockholm’s congestion charge zone. As an alternative, use public transit or join a tour.

Public transportation

Tram 7 stops right outside the museum. You can also take ferry 82 to Allmänna Gränd, which is less than a 10-minute walk away, or the red line of the metro to Karlaplan, which is farther away.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily, except for December 24–25. Hours are 8:30am–6pm June through August; between September and May, they’re 10am–5pm Thursday through Tuesday and 10am–8pm on Wednesdays. The museum closes early on December 31.

Best days to visit

During the busy summer season, opt for a weekday, and go early in the morning or late in the day.

Best months to visit

If you’re interested in the Vasa Museum’s garden and its medicinal plants, summer is the best time to go (Friday mornings in particular). See the museum’s website for more details.