Vasamuseet

Entering this museum you are hardly prepared for what you will find inside. The only hint is the buildings exterior architecture that follows the form of the amazing ship found within. But, more amazing is the story behind the Vasa and how it came to be found, restored and displayed. The museums multi-lingual staff, movies and displays explains in great detail the history of the doomed 17th century ship that only made it a few hundred yards out of its dry dock before in sank in the cool Baltic water. Seems the Baltic did more than swallow up this piece of history. The cold waters helped to pressure this ship until it was found in 1961. Take a few hours to explore all that the museum has to offer - the multiple floors permit visitors to see all angles and levels of the ship. But, don’t miss the movie – it gives an excellent historical overview of the ship as well as footage of the recovery and restoration efforts. And if you are there around lunch – don’t miss the restaurant. Unlike American museum fare (ie: burgers, hot dogs and the like) the Vasa’s restaurant is outstanding – warm meals prepared by a chef and great views water. If you only have time to see one thing in Stockholm – I would pick the Vasa!