Vasa Museum, Stockholm: Visitor Information and Tickets

The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) is Stockholm’s most visited museum for one clear reason: you stand a few meters from a near-complete 17th-century warship that sank on its first voyage in 1628 and was recovered from the harbor centuries later. The building is arranged around the ship, with multiple viewing levels and short exhibitions that explain what you are seeing.

Last update: 2026

Quick overview and key details

• Best for: first-time visitors to Stockholm who want one high-impact museum on Djurgården

• Typical time needed: 90 minutes to 2 hours (add time for film, guided tour, shop, and queues)

• Booking need: optional; buying ahead does not give queue priority

• Family note: ages 0 to 18 enter free

Key facts

• Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, Djurgården, Stockholm

• Main hours pattern: Sep to May 10:00 to 17:00; Wednesdays until 20:00; Jun to Aug 08:30 to 18:00

• Closure dates: 24 Dec and 25 Dec closed

• Peak-season queues: busiest May to Sep; mornings and lunch tend to be busier; afternoons calmer

• Guided tour: included for individual visitors (around the ship)

• Audio guide: free on your phone via the museum’s Wi-Fi

• Film: about 17 minutes

• Large luggage: not allowed (small backpacks allowed)

• Payment: cash-free

• Photography: allowed for personal use; selfie sticks not allowed

If you are building a Djurgården day, pair this with calmer nearby stops like Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde or use this Stockholm travel information guide to plan neighborhoods and transit.

Vasa Museum tickets

You can buy tickets online or on site. Buying ahead helps you lock in a plan, but it does not move you ahead in any queue. The museum states that all visitors wait in the same entry line, including people with pre-purchased tickets.

For the smoothest entry in peak season (May to September), aim for an afternoon arrival. The museum notes mornings and lunchtime are usually the busiest, while afternoons are calmer.

Booking advice that saves time in practice:

• If you want flexibility, buy on arrival and choose a calmer window (often after 14:00).

• If you want your day fixed, buy online, but do not expect faster entry.

• If you arrive with a large suitcase, store it first. The museum does not allow wheeled cases or large luggage.

Opening hours and best time to visit

The museum follows a simple seasonal pattern. In summer (June to August) it opens earlier and stays open longer (08:30 to 18:00). Outside summer (September to May) it typically runs 10:00 to 17:00, with extended hours on Wednesdays (until 20:00).

Best times to visit are usually weekday afternoons in low season, or weekday afternoons in peak season if you can. If you only have a weekend slot, arrive right at opening or commit to a later afternoon entry to avoid the biggest rush.

How to get there

The Vasa Museum sits on Djurgården, Stockholm’s museum island.

• By tram: take tram 7 from central Stockholm to the stop Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet.

• By bus: bus 67 stops at Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet; buses 69 and 76 stop at Djurgårdsbron (a short walk from the museum).

• On foot: you can walk from central Stockholm in about 30 minutes, crossing Djurgårdsbron.

If you are mapping a one-day route to reduce backtracking, use this timed Stockholm guide.

The visitor experience and highlights

Most visits flow well if you do it in this order:

1. Start with the ship hall. Walk the ground level first to get a sense of scale, then move up through the viewing levels to see the stern carvings and the ship’s proportions.

2. Add one or two exhibitions that match your interest: the salvage and conservation story if you like engineering and science, or the life-on-board material if you prefer social history.

3. Decide on the film and guided tour based on your time. The film gives fast context in 17 minutes, and the guided tour around the ship is included for individual visitors.

Trade-off that helps in a tight schedule: if you only have 60 to 75 minutes, skip the film and do the ship hall plus one exhibition. If you have 2 hours, do the film early, then use the ship hall levels with more patience.

Planning your time

• 60 to 75 minutes: ship hall across 2 to 3 levels plus one exhibition

• 90 minutes to 2 hours: add the film and a guided tour, plus time for exhibits

• 2.5 hours: add a slower circuit of all viewing levels, more exhibit reading, and the shop

If you are combining museums, factor in travel time across Djurgården and consider a second stop that contrasts well, such as Skogskyrkogården later in the day for a quieter pace.

Accessibility and constraints

The museum provides lifts to all floors, accessible toilets, and two loan wheelchairs at the information desk. Companion tickets are free for assistants accompanying visitors with disabilities.

Two practical constraints matter:

• The ship hall is intentionally dim for preservation. This is not ideal for visitors who struggle in low light, though the museum allows a headlamp for reading labels if needed.

• Parts of the entrance level sit on original cobblestones from the old dry dock, which can feel uneven underfoot or with a wheelchair.

Rules and security

Expect bag and behavior rules similar to major museums.

• Large luggage and wheeled cases are not allowed. You may bring a small backpack (laptop size) that you keep with you.

• The museum is cash-free; pay by card.

• You may take photos and record video for personal use. Flash and tripods are allowed, but selfie sticks are not.

• Pets are not allowed except service animals.

• Do not bring food into the exhibitions. The museum has a restaurant, and it notes an indoor picnic area with limited seating.

Costs and site spending

Ticket prices vary by season in 2026.

• Adult admission (Jan to Apr, Oct to Dec): about EUR 18 (SEK 195)

• Adult admission (May to Sep): about EUR 23 (SEK 240)

• Ages 0 to 18: EUR 0 (SEK 0)

Other common on-site costs:

• Combo ticket (Vasa + Vrak, valid 72 hours): about EUR 30 (SEK 315)

• Pre-booked private tour with a Vasa guide (45 minutes): about EUR 142 (SEK 1,500)

Audio guides and daily guided tours for individual visitors are included in the admission price. Bring headphones if you want to use the audio guide on your phone.

Practical tips for your visit

• Dress for a cool interior even in summer; the ship hall can feel chilly.

• Aim for an afternoon entry in peak season to reduce queue time.

• Store large luggage before you go; do not expect to bring suitcases inside.

• Use tram 7 or bus 67 to arrive close to the entrance.

• Download the audio guide and bring headphones to avoid holding your phone to your ear.

• If you only have 90 minutes, prioritize the ship hall levels and one exhibition, then leave the shop for the end.

FAQ

Do kids get free entry?Yes. Ages 0 to 18 enter free of charge, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do online tickets let me skip the queue?No. The museum states that no tickets give priority in any queue, including pre-purchased tickets.

How long does a typical visit take?About 90 minutes to 2 hours. Many visitors stay 1.5 to 2 hours if they add the film and a guided tour.

When are queues worst?May to September, especially mornings and lunchtime. Afternoons are usually calmer.

Is the museum accessible for wheelchairs?Yes. Lifts serve all floors and the museum offers loan wheelchairs, but parts of the entrance level have cobblestones.

Can I bring luggage?Not large luggage. The museum does not allow wheeled cases or large bags; you can bring a small backpack that you keep with you.

Is photography allowed?Yes, for personal use. Flash and tripods are allowed, but selfie sticks are not.

Can I pay with cash?No. The museum is cash-free and accepts card payments.

Is there an audio guide?Yes. The audio guide is free and works on your phone using the museum’s Wi-Fi.

Is the combo ticket worth it?Sometimes. It can make sense if you also want Vrak within 72 hours; otherwise focus on Vasa and spend your extra time elsewhere on Djurgården.