Divers explore oldest medieval warship found off Sweden

Updated: 28 October 2026 - 8:35 GMT+1

Divers are exploring a remarkably well-preserved 15th-century shipwreck off Häringe, in Sweden's Stockholm archipelago. The vessel is believed to be the oldest medieval warship found in Swedish waters and could offer new insights into Scandinavian shipbuilding.

The ship was built using the carvel technique, in which planks are laid edge to edge to create a smooth hull. Researchers say it is the first known example of a ship built this way in Sweden or Denmark.

The wreck may also be connected to historical conflicts between Sweden and Denmark around 1500.

Archaeologists are documenting the buried sections of the vessel and searching for its galley, hoping to learn more about food and daily life on board.

The ongoing investigation could help researchers better understand how medieval warships were built, how they were used in regional conflicts and what life was like for the people who sailed them.