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Welcome to Vaxholm Fortress Museum

Embark on a unique journey through military history at Vaxholm Fortress Museum, located in the heart of Stockholm’s scenic archipelago. Our museum invites you to discover the fascinating stories of Sweden’s coastal defense and the fortress’s pivotal role over the past 500 years.

Explore Our Main Exhibition

Step into our captivating main exhibition, where you’ll follow the epic tale of the fortress through immersive displays and authentic artifacts from different eras. In the museum reception, you can borrow information booklets in English or German for example. As you move between the halls, concise English summaries of each section are available in the archways.

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Special Exhibitions

The World of Espionage

Welcome to a world where nothing is as it seems.
In this exhibition, you’ll delve into the shadowy realm of espionage throughout history—from Cold War double agents to today’s intelligence operations. Meet some of Sweden’s most infamous spies, uncover their methods, and follow dramatic escape routes in the pursuit of information.
🔍 How is a spy caught?
📡 What tools are used in secret operations?
🕵️‍♂️ And what stories lie hidden behind the scenes?
Here, you have the chance to step right into the secret world of spies.

Animals at War

Discover the incredible stories of animals that played a crucial role in wartime. Be amazed by spy cats, a bear who became a soldier, heroic dogs and horses, carrier pigeons that saved lives, seals on secret missions, mine-detecting rats, and much more.
This exhibition takes you on a fascinating journey, revealing the unlikely heroes of war from an animal’s perspective. English translations are available in booklets within the exhibition room.

The Ytterby Mine

Don’t miss the exhibition about the legendary Ytterby Mine, where no fewer than nine chemical elements have been discovered over the years. English information boards provide insightful details about this remarkable site.

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Life in the Fortress – The Basement Experience

Descend to the museum’s atmospheric basement and experience what life was like for the fortress’s civilian residents in the 1890s. English translations are available for borrowing at the beginning of the exhibition.

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Defence and Preparedness Day at the Museum

July 6th, 11:00–17:00

Welcome to an exciting day at Vaxholm Fortress Museum! Discover Sweden’s defence history, meet experts, and take part in engaging activities for all ages.

Programme Highlights

11:30–17:00 – Swedish Armed Forces/Amf1 Demonstration

• Explore modern military equipment

• Get up close to the Combat Boat 90 (In the Harbour)

• Meet voluntary defence organisations and learn about their important work

• Vaxholm Civil Defence Association provides information about total defence and personal preparedness in case of crisis or war

11:30–17:00 – Meet Coastal Ranger Veterans in the museum

• Meet veterans in the Coastal Ranger Room, Hear their stories and ask questions about coastal defence

14:30–15:00 – Guided Tour in English

• Theme: The history of coastal defence and the fortress, Meeting point: Museum entrance

   

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Practical Information

• Children’s Activities: Free activities are available for children, though currently offered only in Swedish. On level one, pick up a voucher at the reception to participate. Activities include a children’s movie and interactive question stations, with rewards for all participants.

• Guided Tours: Free guided tours in Swedish are offered during the summer season at 12:30 and 13:30. At 14:30, we provide a brief historical overview in English.

• Group Visits: Group bookings are available year-round—perfect for school classes, company outings, or fun and educational family trips.

• Contact: For more information or to book a group visit, please call 08-1200 4870 or visit our website.

• Note: The museum is closed during the winter season, but group visits can be arranged.

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We Look Forward to Your Visit!

We hope you enjoy your time at Vaxholm Fortress Museum and leave with lasting memories of your journey through history.

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For more details, visit www.vaxholmsfastning.se or contact us at 08-1200 4870.

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The Historic Legacy of Vaxholm Fortress

The history of Vaxholm Fortress begins early in the 16th century, with the construction of a blockhouse on Vaxholm by Regent Svante Nilsson Sture. King Gustav Vasa instructed the governor of Stockholm to replace the blockhouse with a stone tower and to fill the narrow passage of Oxdjupet with rocks. This work was completed in 1839.

A Danish attack was repelled in 1612, and in 1719 the Russians were prevented from reaching Stockholm. In the 1870s, the defensive emphasis shifted from Vaxholm Fortress to the strait Oxdjupet. In 1876, Oxdjupet was opened to traffic and a new fort, Oscar-Fredriksborg, was built. Since the turn of the century, the forces defending the archipelago have moved their positions outwards, ultimately reaching the outermost perimeter of the Stockholm archipelago.

Vaxholm Fortress Museum

The museum opened in 1947 at Oscar-Fredriksborg Fort and moved to Vaxholm Citadel in 1964. In 2003, it was restored. The museum’s indoor department occupies thirty beautiful rooms and halls on both floors of the west section. Visitors can see the fortress as it was in 1854 and enter one of the Citadel’s bombproof vaults to see how things were during the Crimean War. In other settings, you can visit the Commandant, follow the issuing of orders in a mine battery, or visit a World War II coastal defense artillery post.

Below, you can watch a movie about the Vaxholm Fortress Museum. It contains information about how to get to the location, facilities on the island during high season, and images from the museum.