Naval Museum of Sweden

Situated in the picturesque coastal town of Karlskrona, the Naval Museum of Sweden (known locally as Marinmuseum) is a treasure trove of maritime history. This museum offers a captivating journey through Sweden's naval past, showcasing the evolution of naval warfare, shipbuilding, and the life of sailors over the centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a naval aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Naval Museum of Sweden promises an enriching and engaging experience.

The History of the Naval Museum of Sweden

The origins of the Naval Museum of Sweden date back to 1752, when King Adolf Fredrik established the fleet's model chamber. This chamber was primarily a collection of ship models, each representing a vessel in the Swedish Navy. Fast forward to 1953, the museum found its home in the former Skeppsgossekasernen, just outside the naval harbor. However, it was in June 1997 that the museum relocated to its current location on the island of Stumholmen, right in the heart of Karlskrona. The museum is part of the Swedish National Maritime and Transport Museums, which also includes the Vasa Museum, the Maritime Museum in Stockholm, and the Railway Museum in Gävle.

Exploring the Museum

The museum building itself is a marvel of modern architecture, characterized by its sleek design with pillars and glass sections. It stretches out on a pier over the water, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Surrounding the pier are several historic ships, including Sweden's last full-rigged ship, HMS Jarramas, the minesweeper HMS Bremön, the motor torpedo boat T38, and the missile boat HMS Västervik, which played a role during the incident with the Soviet submarine U 137.

The Figurehead Hall

One of the museum's highlights is the Figurehead Hall, which houses an impressive collection of figureheads from various Swedish warships. Many of these figureheads were crafted by the renowned Admiralty sculptor Johan Törnström, who worked at the Karlskrona shipyard during the 18th century. Among the notable pieces is the head from the figurehead of the ship-of-the-line Dristigheten, which led the Viborg Gauntlet in 1790.

The Sloop and Longboat Shed

Built in the 1780s, the Sloop and Longboat Shed was originally constructed to store small boats at a time when the Swedish Navy was undergoing its largest expansion ever. The shed is now more vibrant than ever, showcasing the history of the navy's smaller vessels. During the first half of the 18th century, the Swedish Navy faced significant challenges with its smaller boats, which were often left exposed to the elements, leading to their deterioration. To address this, sheds were built to store these boats, ensuring their preservation and maintenance during the winter months.

The Aviation Hangar

The large aviation hangar on Stumholmen, built in 1929, was once part of the naval aviation corps from 1929 to 1949. Today, it serves as a storage facility for several boats and smaller vessels. It also houses a workshop for working on the interior of Jarramas and storing some of its original furnishings. In the summer of 2018, the hangar hosted a collection of leisure boats from the Maritime Museum in collaboration with Carlscrona veteran boats.

The Submarine Hall

Opened on June 6, 2014, the Submarine Hall is a relatively new addition to the museum. It houses the submarine HMS Neptun and Sweden's first submarine, HMS Hajen, along with an exhibition covering 110 years of submarine history. The hall, designed by Björn Malmström of HMXW Architects, features unique angles, glass sections, and stainless steel facades, drawing inspiration from the navy's Visby corvettes and military bunkers. The hall's foundation rests on 270 piles to support the 800-ton submarine, making it one of the largest indoor museum exhibits in Sweden, second only to the Vasa ship in Stockholm. The opening of the Submarine Hall significantly boosted the museum's visitor numbers, earning it the title of Museum of the Year in Sweden in 2015.

The Wreck Tunnel

Another fascinating feature of the museum is the Wreck Tunnel, a specially constructed underwater tunnel with windows. On clear days, visitors can see the remains of several 18th-century shipwrecks, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

In conclusion, the Naval Museum of Sweden is not just a museum; it's a voyage through time, exploring the rich maritime heritage of Sweden. Its blend of historical artifacts, modern exhibits, and stunning architecture makes it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Karlskrona. Whether you're captivated by the grandeur of historic ships, intrigued by the tales of naval battles, or simply looking to enjoy a day by the sea, the Naval Museum of Sweden has something to offer for everyone.