This ship was underwater for 330 years after being built as a warship with 70 cannons aboard.  It sailed for only forty minutes on its maiden voyage before capsizing as it caught wind in its sails.   It seems it was not the weight of the cannons alone that caused the imbalance but King Gustavus Adolphus ordered more and more features above the waterline and the shipbuilders obliged him.  The bottom of the hull and ballast just could not support the entire weight of the ship and it tipped over and filled with water. The only 17th century ship that is intact with 98% of its original materials.  Although the cannons were pillaged, brilliant marine archaeologists raised the ship and began learning and restoring.     

When the ship launched the carvings were painted these bright colors. 

Archaeologists in the cage are still researching, cataloging, and assembling artifacts found in the shipwreck.  

The masts of the Vasa on the outside of the beautiful museum.   Walked along the harbor.

Had lunch at the Spritmuseum

Then into the Norsk Museum

Majestic inside, too!  Interesting Swedish cultural exhibits ranging from lighting, furniture, jewelry, table settings, to the aurora borealis. 

Time to go home…

Took a bus back to Varmdo.