Pirates & Shipwrecks · Swedish warship, 1676
Kronan
Off Öland, Sweden
What happened
Kronan was the flagship of the Swedish navy and one of the largest warships in the world in its time. On 1 June 1676 it sailed into the Battle of Öland against a Danish and Dutch fleet. During a sharp turn it capsized, and its gunpowder magazine exploded. Kronan sank quickly.
Why it matters
The wreck is a time capsule of a 17th-century warship and the people who sailed on it. More than 30,000 objects have been recovered.
What came next
Anders Franzén, who had earlier located the Vasa, rediscovered the exact position of Kronan in 1980. Yearly diving operations followed, and many finds are on display at the Kalmar County Museum.
Did you know?
There were no common navy uniforms then, so the whole crew wore civilian clothing.
Timeline
- 1668 to 1672Kronan is built in Stockholm.
- 1 June 1676Kronan sinks during the Battle of Öland.
- 1980Anders Franzén finds the wreck.
- 1982Divers find a hoard of 255 gold coins.