Vaxholm Fortress Museum

About the Vaxholm Fortress Museum

The Vaxholm Fortress describes Swedish coastal defence during 500 years, with special attention given to the defence of the Stockholm archipelago.

The construction of this huge fortification on the island of Vaxholm (“Guardian Island”) started in 1544 on direct order from King Gustav Vasa to serve as an important outpost in the archipelago.

The fortress was attacked twice, by the Danish in 1612 and by the Russians in 1719, and has also served as a prison.

The new fortress museum was opened in 2003 and the exhibitions include environments, models, vaults, soldiers life, prison and more. A guide booklet in english is available in the museum.

Vaxholm at Flickr

Videos from Vaxholm Fortress

The photos were taken from the island of Vaxholm towards Rindö and the Fortress of Waxholm.