At the Maritime Museum, learn about the history of merchant shipping and naval defense in Sweden. This free museum holds a collection of around 100,000 maritime artifacts, of which 1,500 are model boats and ships. Come here to see a selection of the models, visit the remains of a royal ship and discover the art of shipbuilding.
Start with the Battle Stations exhibition. Look for models of 17th-century ships built by Fredrik Henrik af Chapman, who was a famous Swedish shipbuilder. While here, check out the remains of the Ulven submarine, which sank after hitting a German mine in 1943. In the Shipbuilding exhibition find artifacts relating to shipbuilding from the Viking age to the 19th century.
Don’t miss the Amphion exhibit, which features original parts of a ship once used by King Gustav III. The preserved stern and king’s cabin are the highlights. In the Shipping and Shopping exhibition create your own trade route and stand at a ship’s helm. Younger visitors to the museum will enjoy pretending to be a shopkeeper or steering a steamboat in the Saltkråkan Playroom.
Investigate the temporary exhibitions. An example is Faith, Love and Hope, which displayed over 150 maritime tattoos and explained the connotations attached to them.
Outside the museum enjoy a panoramic view of the Djurgårdsbrunnsviken Bay and Djurgårdsbrunn Canal. There’s also a park, which is ideal for picnics in the summer months.
Located in the south of the Östermalm district, the Maritime Museum is a 15-minute drive from Stockholm’s city center. There is a large pay-and-display parking lot and public buses stop outside the museum entrance. Alternatively, from Central Station it’s a pleasant 45-minute walk along the banks of Djurgårdsbrunn Canal.
The Maritime Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, except for select public holidays. Check the museum’s official website for details of closed days. Admission is free.
