The biggest museum of its kind in Scandinavia, Arsenalen boasts a collection some 350 vehicles, both wheeled and tracked, from the beginning of the 20th century though to modern day machinery, but the museum’s emphasis is on the period from the outbreak of the World War Two, to the end of the Cold War.
This period saw significant technical and tactical development and this is traced through the museum displays, with exhibits organised in their technical and historical context.
The halls are full of the unusual, the quirky and some downright odd, prototype vehicles. Arsenalen offers a truly unique experience; in 1929 the Swedes purchased a Renault NC27 from France and it is found here, the only one left in the world. Considering the rarity of the displays, it should be busy with visitors jostling for position, but it is eerily quiet.
The Swedes, perhaps down to their 200 years of neutrality, are yet to catch up with many other nations in their enthusiasm for militaria, so here it is possible to get up-close and personal with the exhibits. There is so much space in this place, that to view each machine from all four sides and often from above, as well as being able to peer inside is not only possible, but encouraged, through the provision of access steps and viewing platforms.
Alongside the impressive array of hardware installations, visitors find a collection of tin miniatures, a soldiers’ croft showing what life in the army was like in the mid 1800s, a regimental archive, children’s play area and the usual café and gift shop.
Arsenalen – Sweden’s Tank Museum
The museum is situated 7km from Strägnäs along the E20 motorway, aboiut 60km west of Stockholm.
It is open every day June 1-August 28, 10am-5pm and from August 29-May 31, 11am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday and Thursdays 11am-8pm. Last entry is half an hour before closing.
Arsenalen, 645 91 Strägnäs, Sweden, +46 152 121 44.
