Explore Stockholm
Learn about Stockholm's maritime history, as interpreted by the Vasa Museum.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Christmas trees have a long, colorful, and even dangerous history.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.In France a fooled person is called a poisson d'avril, or “April fish.”
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Even tug-of-war once held its own as a respected Olympic sport.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzLearn why Stockholm is called “the Venice of the north.”
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzOverview of the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, including Nazi propaganda and the performance of Jesse Owens.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzOverview of the first Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia, Greece.
News •
Swedish PM tries to form a new government amid post-election gridlock
• Nov. 3, 2026, 7:52 AM ET (Straits Times)
Sweden's Centre Party leader to explore forming government
• Oct. 19, 2026, 8:23 AM ET (Idaho Statesman)
Transcript
Stockholm stretches across 14 islands and is situated between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. It is surrounded by a watery landscape that glints in the sun in summer and freezes over completely in winter. More than 30,000 barrier islands lie before the gates of the city - a true natural paradise. The best way for visitors to experience the maritime splendour of Stockholm is by boat. Water has had an incredible impact on the Swedish capital and has shaped its history.
The Swedes, a nation of seafarers, traders and warriors. Those interested in learning more about Sweden's nautical history should definitely pay a visit to the Vasa Museum. Walking into this museum is an experience in itself. The imposing 17th century warship Vasa rises out of the shadows of the huge hall. The Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The reason was faulty construction that made the ship show instability even while in port. Fifty sailors lost their lives in the wreck. In 1961 the ship was finally salvaged, preserved and restored. It can now be viewed in the Vasamuseet in Stockholm. Museum goers can view it from a platform that leads around the vessel and take in the many details.
In Stockholm you'll see your share of ships outside the museum too. But what you won't see are any warships in the Swedish fleets. Swedes are peace-loving and warm people who spend lots of time outdoors and that's especially true in the summer months, when they head towards the water to enjoy the elegance to be found in this Venice of the North.
The Swedes, a nation of seafarers, traders and warriors. Those interested in learning more about Sweden's nautical history should definitely pay a visit to the Vasa Museum. Walking into this museum is an experience in itself. The imposing 17th century warship Vasa rises out of the shadows of the huge hall. The Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The reason was faulty construction that made the ship show instability even while in port. Fifty sailors lost their lives in the wreck. In 1961 the ship was finally salvaged, preserved and restored. It can now be viewed in the Vasamuseet in Stockholm. Museum goers can view it from a platform that leads around the vessel and take in the many details.
In Stockholm you'll see your share of ships outside the museum too. But what you won't see are any warships in the Swedish fleets. Swedes are peace-loving and warm people who spend lots of time outdoors and that's especially true in the summer months, when they head towards the water to enjoy the elegance to be found in this Venice of the North.
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