78 » OpenRoad Driver
PERSEVERANCE
Our day trip ends on Djurgarden Island,
formerly royal hunting grounds and now
the location of twenty of Stockholm’s
hundred-plus museums. Our goal is to tour
the extraordinary Vasa Museum, which
showcases a 17th-century battleship. It’s
impressive! A ten-foot lion on the prow
represents King Gustav Vasa, known as
the Northern Lion. Five hundred carved
statues once embellished this massive
wooden shi p. Many including rosycheeked, pink-skinned nobles, sailors,
soldiers and cherubs have been replicated
in their original bright colours to adorn the
wall opposite the stern.
Six informative levels surround the
remarkably preserved Vasa. Exhibitions
include a model ship demonstrating the
cramped conditions of the 145 sailors
and 300 soldiers onboard. Retrieved
artifacts include porridge pots and utensils,
backgammon sets, simple clothing, and
personal mementos reflecting lives at sea.
“Citizens gathered to see the mighty Vasa’s
1628 maiden voyage,” a guide smiles.
“When a breeze caught her sails, her rock
ballast shifted over her narrow beam. She
blew over and sank to the bottom of the
main harbour where she remained until
salvaged in 1961.”
The last room conjures Vasa’s era,
projecting enacted scenes of imperial wars,
new discoveries and world commerce.
By examining 17th-century world maps,
visitors see how Stockholm transformed
into the powerful capital of Sweden’s
expanding empire.
SELF-RELIANCE
Over two short days, Stockholm can reveal
Sweden’s fascinating past and continuing
Viking spirit through museums like the
Vasa, heritage buildings and public artwork.
W H E N YO U G O
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visitstockholm.com for
general information
hollandamerica.com offers
itineraries with a two-day
port stop in Stockholm
17th-century battleship at Vasa Museum