Sweden 2016: Day 8

After a day exploring the Archipelago, we spent the next day in Stockholm proper. We started out bright and early with a visit to the Vasa Museum. Unlike most attractions that opened at 10 or later, the Vasa Museum opened at 8:30 and we arrived shortly after opening. We were so glad we did because the museum was insanely crowded when we left!

The Vasa Museum was on Gene's must-see list. He has read about the Vasa since he was a kid and was so excited to see it in person. If you're not familiar, the Vasa warship sunk in 1628 on its maiden voyage. After 333 years, it was discovered and excavated, and it is the only 17th-century preserved ship in existence. The ship is massive and the museum exhibitions are fascinating. We learned about the rush to the build the ship, why it sank, what life was like in 1628 in Sweden, and what historians learned from the bodies discovered on board.  

The Vasa

 

A model

A diving bell was used to recover the ship's bronze cannons in the late 17th century.

 

When we left, the museum was packed and the line extended way out the door. I made everyone point to the line so I could remind them later why we get places early!  We were all thankful to not be standing in that line.  

Our next stop was the Swedish History Museum, where we focused on the Viking exhibits. There was an archaeological area for kids to dig and explore.

And then we went outside to explore the "Meet the Vikings" area, which was full of hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Labyrinth

Archery

Making Viking bread

Topped with butter, chives, fennel and caraway seeds, it was quite delicious!

Tug-of-war.  Gene won handily, even when I joined the boys!

Holmgang: a duel used by medieval Scandinavians settle disputes

What a fantastic museum! After our visit, we had lunch in Ostermalm's Saluhall (food hall) before downtime back at the flat. Then in the evening, we ventured into Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town.  

We wandered through the Storykyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), which is the oldest church in the city. 

This oak statue of St. George and the Dragon by Bernt Notke can be interpreted as Stockholm's victory over an invading Danish army at the Battle of Brunkeberg in the 15th century.

For dinner, we chose the kitschy Viking restaurant, Aifur, where we enjoyed mead, lamb, venison, and a hearty vegetable stew. 

The restaurant is definitely aimed at tourists, but we had fun. How often can you eat a Viking-inspired meal?

Gene would have happily kept exploring Gamla Stan, but after a day full of Vikings and the Vasa, the rest of us were tired and we headed home to rest up for another day of adventuring.