The Swedish History Museum: A Journey Through Time
Located in central Stockholm at Narvavägen 13–17, the Swedish History Museum (Historiska museet) presents Sweden’s rich past—from Viking voyages and medieval artistry to religious treasures and national heritage. With over 10 million artifacts, it’s one of Europe’s leading history museums and a must-visit for travelers and history enthusiasts.
🛡️ Immersive Viking Exhibit
Step into one of the world’s largest Viking exhibitions, spanning nearly 1,000 m² and showcasing more than 2,500 authentic artifacts. Interactive displays and VR experiences transport visitors into the world of Viking-age Scandinavia.
- 4,000+ objects: jewelry, rune stones, tools, and weapons
- Immersive interactive & sensory installations
- VR journey inside a 12th-century stave church
The Mästermyr Chest: 1,000-Year-Old Tools
Discovered on Gotland in 1936, the Mästermyr chest contains over 200 Viking tools used by carpenters, locksmiths, and blacksmiths. These sophisticated instruments reveal the technical skill of Viking artisans and provide rare insight into daily work and craftsmanship.
💰 The Spectacular Gold Room
Hidden beneath the museum’s courtyard, the Gold Room is a 700 m² vault holding Europe’s finest collection of gold and silver artifacts: more than 3,000 items weighing 52 kg of gold and 200 kg of silver. Many treasures were discovered by ordinary Swedes and turned in under a 17th-century antiquities law.
- Unique necklaces and ornate gold collars
- Viking silver jewelry and ornaments
- Medieval reliquaries & ceremonial swords
- Historic coins and personal treasures
🕰️ Wider Historical Collections
Beyond Vikings and gold, the museum preserves a vast collection of ecclesiastical art, medieval sculptures, and post-Reformation relics. Highlights include St. Elisabeth’s reliquary and intricately carved historic altarpieces.
🚇 Location & Visit Tips
The Swedish History Museum is centrally located near Djurgårdsbron, Karlaplan, and Östermalmstorg, with easy metro access via Östermalmstorg station. Its proximity makes it ideal to combine with visits to other top Stockholm attractions.
- 🌳 ArkDes – Sweden’s national center for architecture & design
- 🖼️ Moderna Museet – Modern art icons including Picasso & Dalí
- 🔬 Museum of Science & Technology – Interactive exhibits on innovation and invention
- 🐾 Skansen – The world’s first open-air museum with wildlife and historic villages
- 🚢 Vasa Museum – The iconic 17th-century warship preserved in full
