Archaeological excavations reveal vessels from medieval trade to early modern shipping.
The fine planking on the Varberg Wreck 2
Archaeologists uncovered the remains of six historic shipwrecks in Varberg, Sweden, during investigations associated with the construction of a railway tunnel. These vessels, dating from the Middle Ages to the 17th century, were located along the town’s original shoreline and harbour area, providing new insights into centuries of maritime activity.
Archaeological discovery
The shipwrecks were identified during archaeological investigations initiated in 2019 as part of the Varberg Tunnel project. Excavations revealed ship remains buried beneath the current city centre, which historically formed part of a coastal harbour zone.
A total of six vessels were documented: four from the medieval or late medieval period, one from the 17th century and one that remains undated.
Significant shipwrecks
Detailed analysis has focused on three vessels, designated as Wrecks 2, 5, and 6. Wreck 2 is the best-preserved example; it is an oak sailing ship constructed in the 1530s using clinker construction, a method in which planks overlap along the hull.
A notable feature of this vessel is a “berghult”, a reinforcing strip along the hull designed to protect the ship during docking. Traces of burning identified on this structure indicate the vessel may have sustained fire damage.
According to a report by Dario Radley, Wreck 5 is a clinker-built ship dating from the 17th century, constructed from locally felled oak. The vessel most likely sailed routes between medieval Varberg and the former town of Ny Varberg, which was abandoned in the early 1600s.
Wreck 6 differs in construction, having been built using carvel techniques in which planks are laid edge to edge. It is the only vessel with a preserved keel and exhibits influences from Dutch shipbuilding traditions.
Medieval maritime trade
Two additional wrecks, dating to the 14th century, have been identified as cogs, which were flat-bottomed merchant vessels widely used in medieval European trade. Ongoing analysis of these wrecks is expected to yield further evidence regarding trade networks and maritime life in the region.
Previous studies of similar discoveries in Varberg indicate that these ships frequently transported goods along shallow coastal routes and across the Baltic Sea.
Archaeological context
These discoveries resulted from large-scale infrastructure projects, which have increasingly revealed archaeological remains in areas formerly underwater or part of harbour systems.
According to project leader Elisabet Schager, these findings are significant for understanding both regional shipbuilding and broader maritime connections. The wrecks demonstrate a variety of construction methods and reflect evolving seafaring practices over several centuries.
Further analysis of the vessels, including dendrochronological studies and comprehensive documentation, is ongoing.
