Vaxholm Fortress Museum, is the largest museum of the Swedish Armed Forces, and present the history of the coastal defenses of the Stockholm Archipelago.
Vaxholm Fortress Museum is a military museum on an island in the Stockholm archipelago that chronicles coastal defense through displays and reconstructed spaces. The site spans 30 rooms filled with weapons, maps, photographs, and recreated quarters showing how soldiers lived and carried out their duties.
Gustav Vasa ordered its construction in 1548 as a stone fortress to control the waterway to Stockholm and defend the region. It was expanded repeatedly and saw action defending against Danish and Russian attacks before advances in military technology led to relocating coastal defense further offshore.
The fortress served as the centerpiece of regional defense and remains rooted in local identity. Over centuries, it embodied Sweden's commitment to protecting its coast and continues to represent the area's connection to maritime security and shared heritage.
Summer ferries run from Vaxholm and Stockholm to the island, making access straightforward during warm months. The museum operates on select days from May through September, typically from noon to late afternoon, with guided tours in English available throughout the season.
The museum features exhibits on espionage throughout history and animals used in warfare, including dogs, pigeons, and even a bear. It also showcases a collection related to the Ytterby mines, where several chemical elements were first discovered.
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