The Vasa ship is one of the biggest fiascos in Swedens war history.

Built in the 17th century, it was meant to be the number one war ship of the Swedish fleet and was supposed to help king Gustav II Adolf make Sweden the greatest nation in the world at that time. But faith, or poor judgement, wanted otherwise. This is the story of the great ship of Vasa.

The contract to build Vasa was signed 1625 and building took two years. In 1627 the ship was ready to be tested in Stockholm, and this is when sh*t hit the fan. The ship didn’t pass the test but one year later it set off on it’s maiden voyage – and even Titanic made it further.

1300 meters

1300 meters. That’s how far Vasa made it before the wind easily made the ship capsize and water flooded though the open canon ports. Only moments later the ship had sunk in Stockholms ström and the fiasco was a fact.

Saving Vasa

More than 300 years later, in 1956, Vasa was found on the bottom of the sea in Stockholm and magically appeared to be in a very good condition despite the very long time under water. 333 years after it’s maiden voyage, Vasa was saved from it’s grave and brought back up to the surface.

Now you can visit Vasamuséet to view the ship and learn about life in the 17th century. It’s one of Swedens biggest tourist attractions and a must-see when in Stockholm.

Only swedes can be this proud of a historic fiasco like Vasa. But oh, how we love it!
Here’s another weird thing swedes are proud of.