Beneath the cold waters of the Baltic Sea, maritime archaeologists have uncovered what may be the oldest known carvel-built ship in the Nordic region, shedding new light on a crucial period in shipbuilding history. Found in Landfjärden, south of Stockholm, the wreck—dubbed Wreck 5—is estimated to date back to the 1460s or 1480s, making it one of the earliest examples of carvel construction in Scandinavia.
The discovery, made by Sweden’s Museum of Wrecks (Vrak), is a major breakthrough in understanding how northern European shipbuilders adopted new construction techniques. Unlike most medieval Scandinavian ships, which were clinker-built (constructed with overlapping planks for flexibility), Wreck 5 was made using the carvel method, a revolutionary design that allowed for stronger, more durable ships capable of carrying cannons and heavier cargo.
This remarkably well-preserved ship could provide crucial insights into medieval naval technology, trade routes, and Scandinavia’s early adoption of shipbuilding innovations.
A 500-Year-Old Mystery Beneath the Baltic
Measuring an estimated 35 meters long and 10 meters wide, Wreck 5 is significantly larger than most medieval Scandinavian vessels. Despite centuries underwater, its frame remains upright, and key structural components—including the sternpost and rudder—are still intact.
Håkan Altrock, curator and project manager at Sweden’s Museum of Wrecks, describes the ship’s extraordinary state of preservation:
“It’s a large ship, likely about 35 meters long and 10 meters wide. The ship’s frame still rises high above the seabed, and in the stern, both the sternpost and rudder remain upright.”
The ship’s carvel-built design is what makes this discovery so groundbreaking. This technique, which laid planks edge to edge rather than overlapping them, allowed for larger, more stable hulls—a critical advancement that reshaped naval warfare and trade.
Illustration of Wreck 5 (Alexander Rauscher & Jim Hansson, Vrak / SMTM)
A Study That Could Change Shipbuilding History
The discovery of Wreck 5 is part of an ongoing research project led by Sweden’s Museum of Wrecks (Vrak) in collaboration with maritime archaeologists and dendrochronologists. To accurately date the ship, experts conducted dendrochronological analysis, which studies tree rings in the ship’s timbers to determine their exact age and origin.
The results, published by the research team, show that the timber used to build Wreck 5 was felled in either Möre, in the Kalmar region, or eastern Blekinge. This confirms that the ship was constructed in Sweden and places it squarely in the late medieval period, making it the oldest carvel-built ship ever found in the Nordics.
The carvel construction method seen in Wreck 5 represents a turning point in shipbuilding history. Unlike clinker-built ships, which had overlapping planks for flexibility, carvel ships had a smooth, rigid hull, making them stronger and better suited for carrying cannons—a critical feature as naval warfare evolved.
Unexpected Discovery Among Other Wrecks
The Landfjärden site has long been a focal point for maritime archaeology. Over the years, researchers have uncovered five shipwrecks in the area, initially believed to be Viking ships. However, detailed analysis has since revised the timeline.
In 2023, three of the four largest wrecks were dated to the 1600s and 1700s, with one identified in historical records from the 17th century. But Wreck 5 stands out—not only as the oldest of the group but as one of the most significant medieval shipwrecks ever found in Sweden.
This unexpected find raises new questions about how quickly Swedish shipbuilders adapted carvel construction, and whether this ship was part of a larger effort to modernize Sweden’s fleet at a time when European naval powers were rapidly expanding.