Stockholm

We’d been looking forward to Stockholm for a long time, for years now; Ian had told me about the amazing Vasa and I was keen to see it.

We struggled to find a campsite in Stockholm, but eventually after much hunting found one in Uppsala, a university town with great transport links. we got the train (a commuter train) in; it wasn’t great, but it did the job, and on arrival we easily found a tram to the Vasa. Thank goodness for Google maps!

The Vasa is the world's only 17th century preserved ship. It sank in 1682. If you have been to see the remains of the Mary Rose, you have seen nothing compared to this. 

She is magnificent. Stunning. 

69 metres long and 50 metres tall with 64 cannons on board.

On 10 August 1628 the Vasa set sail on her maiden voyage, despite warnings and deep concern from the men who built her, she sailed on the King’s orders. Just 1.3 kilometres later, she heeled over and sank; witnessed by thousands of Stockholm's inhabitants who came out to see the incredible ship off on its journey. Not the glorious sight the king was aiming for - basically she was top heavy. A slight gust toppled her, and the open cannon hatches let in the sea water, sending her to the depths.

In 1956 the Vasa was rediscovered on the sea bed, and by August she had been freed from the sea bed awaiting the final lift; which came in April 1961 when the job of preserving her began.

Through the 1970’s and 80’s she was gradually dried out and preserved. In 1990 she got a new home, the current museum building. But the drama didn’t end there! In the summer of 2000 the ship was developing spots! White and yellow spots. The cause - a very damp summer in combination with thousands of wet visitors. A humidity controlled environment was needed - and that was soon incorporated into the building.

In 2018 her failing iron bolts were replaced with modern steel, and that is the ship you see today. Enormous, magnificent, decorated with amazing carvings that were once intricately painted in garish colours. 

Work continues on her restoration, and artefacts are displayed throughout the museum. It's fascinating. Nothing can prepare you for the sight as you enter the room she is in. I was speechless, and as you know, that’s a rare thing!

Leaving the Vasa museum  we headed out to explore. The museum sits on an island filled with museums. The Viking history museum took our fancy, and I discovered the goddess Freja. I like the sound of her, and somehow a few friends came to mind as I read about her!

As we left the Viking museum the weather turned so we sought shelter in a bar; partaking of a rather fabulous beer before catching the water bus over to the old town.

We meandered our way back through the streets to the station, where we booked a posh train home, first class (at very little extra cost). It was totally worth it!

Returning to the campsite we found Agy had a new neighbour, an absolute beast of a vehicle, parked in the pitch above us. I thought to myself, I hope they have strong brakes!