Stockholm’s Vasa

The Vasa Museum houses the only preserved viking ship in the world. July 2015.

The Vasa Museum, from the side, with its masts that rise as high as they would have during Viking times. July 2015.

Carvings all along the ship sit almost on top of each other. July 2015.

July 2015.

Each cannon port is adorned with a carving of a lion. July 2015.

The Vasa now sits in a museum build around it and is one of Stockholm's best tourist attractions.

Soldiers in their armor are represented in these carvings. July 2015.

Though most (but not all) of the fabric that adorns the Vasa is from modern times, the various wood pieces that worked the ship are still largely original. July 2015.

The Vasa, a viking ship, sunk on its maiden voyage 1000 meters from the Stockholm coast. July 2015.

In the 1960's, the ship was carefully brought back to the surface and restoration began. July 2015.

Hundreds of these different carved statues lined the ship. July 2015.

The size and scale of the Vasa are almost unbelivable. July 2015.

Largely preserved by the briny waters of the Stockholm key, it's easy to see the amazing detial work in these carvings. July 2015.

Another Vasa carving. July 2015.

Even the metal work of the cannons on the ship were adorned with carvings. July 2015.

July 2015.

Even more than the size and scale of the ship, the detailed carvings on the Vasa are what make it hard to believe the ship was made centuries ago, all by hand. July 2015.

The ship, preserved because of Stockholm key's briny water, sat undisturbed for centuries. July 2015.