The Swedish History Museum: A journey through time
Visitors can explore Sweden’s rich and fascinating history in a remarkable way at the Historiska museet (Swedish History Museum). Located in central Stockholm at Narvavägen 13–17, this museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.
The museum houses an extensive collection of over 10 million objects, including archaeological artifacts and ecclesiastical art from various periods of Swedish history. Visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibits, from Iron Age skates and Viking boats to medieval textiles and Renaissance triptychs.
World-class Viking exhibition
The Swedish History Museum features one of the world’s most comprehensive Viking exhibitions—spanning nearly 1,000 square meters and featuring over 2,500 original artifacts. This immersive experience explores Viking life and challenges common myths.
Exhibition highlights
- Over 4,000 artifacts including jewelry, rune stones, tools, and weapons
- Interactive and sensory displays
- Virtual reality tour of a 12th-century stave church
Thematic explorations of Viking society
- Social structures and cultural exchanges
- Craftsmanship
- Trade and seafaring
- Religious transitions
Unique artifacts and displays
Centered around Yggdrasil, the world tree, the exhibition is divided into ten themed sections featuring:
- Viking weapons and tools
- Religious relics and ceremonial items
- Finds from Viking expeditions and Birka
- Insight into Viking art and symbolic decoration
The Mästermyr chest: 1,000-year-old tools
This chest, discovered on Gotland in 1936, holds 200+ Viking tools for trades like carpentry, locksmithing, and blacksmithing. The sophistication of these tools shows the technical skill of Viking artisans and offers unmatched insight into their work and daily lives.
The spectacular Gold Room: A treasury of Swedish history
Blasted into bedrock beneath the courtyard, the Gold Room is a 700 m² vault housing Europe’s finest ancient metal collection. The 17th-century law requiring unclaimed gold and silver antiquities be turned over to the state helped build this rare collection. Many items were discovered by everyday Swedes, their finds transforming both their lives and the museum’s legacy.
Collection highlights
- 3,000 gold and silver artifacts
- 52 kg of gold and over 200 kg of silver
- Three unique gold collars (the only known examples)
- Viking silver jewelry
- Medieval reliquaries and ceremonial swords
- Coins, spoils of war, and personal treasures
Diverse historical collections
The museum also presents ecclesiastical art, wood carvings, and post-Reformation artifacts. Highlights include medieval sculptures, elaborate altarpieces, and relics like St. Elisabeth’s reliquary.
🧭 Nearby attractions
Location
The Swedish History Museum is conveniently located near Djurgårdsbron, Karlaplan, and Östermalmstorg. Nearest metro: Östermalmstorg.
