Historical sights of Sweden?

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

My brother and his mate are doing a study tour of Sweden next Easter, and they're specifically going to be looking at things relating to the period 1050-1500. These 'things' are war related, so stuff like fortifications, armour, weapons, battlefields and such like. They're researching it at the mo but asked me to ask you guys if you could help by suggesting places of interest that could be relevant to them, obviously places like castles and historical musuems. This question is not just for Swedes but also those who have been there and maybe also those who know a lot about Swedish history and can recommend places of historical significance that still house archaeological evidence today. Thanks in advance.

[Kraxis]

Despite it being outside the timeframe I think he should take the time to go visit the Vasa museum. The raised ship-of-the-line Vasa has been assembled and has a great museum around it. It was one of largest ships of its time (1600s).

Then there are the ruins on the island in the lake Vättern (long narrow one of the two big ones), that used to be the seat of the early kings. On the eastern shore they sell Polkagrisar... Yum yum! They are like those red and white mint stick (shaped like walkingcanes), just much better and in many flavours. That alone is worth the trip, but the ruins are cool as well.

The long norrow island of Öland near the town of Kalmar has a large castle worth a visit. And Kalmar itself has the old bordercastle, which is also very nice. Though it has been continually evolved so not much of the medieval castle is left.

But Sweden is not a place of many castles really, as it was not a usual medieval society. Sadly I don't know any museums that warrents a visit (the medieval period is generally quite slim).

[Mouzafphaerre]

.
Vasamuseet (http://www.vasamuseet.se/Vasamuseet/Om.aspx?lang=sv)

:medievalcheers:
.

[GoreBag]

There's a viking museum I considered visiting, once. I don't think it quite fits in the timeline, but they give you free beer and teach you how to throw an axe. It's called Foteviken (http://www.foteviken.se/).

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Things relating to the Vasa period are also good by the way.

[King Henry V]

I concur with the Vasa Museum, it's interesting and quite stunning to see this great (rotting) hull. I believe there is also an armoury at one of the Royal Palaces.

[Kraxis]

I concur with the Vasa Museum, it's interesting and quite stunning to see this great (rotting) hull.
It most certainly isn't rotting... They are keeping it in a permanent mist of water and some chamicals if I'm not mistaken so that is doesn't rot or crumble.

It's impressive how complete the ship is, and the most impressive part is that when they raised it they actually floated it in... It had been lying at the bottom of the sea for 350 years, but it could still float.

[Susanne]

They may want to see the medieval fortification in Visby, Gotland.