Af Chapman

Launched in 1888, the Af Chapman cuts a striking figure against the Stockholm skyline. She wasn’t always a stationary beacon though. This majestic vessel, originally named the Dunboyne, began her life in Whitehaven, England. Her first journeys carried her across the vast ocean, sailing between England and Australia, charting a course through turbulent seas and calm waters alike. She later changed hands, becoming the G.D. Kennedy under Norwegian ownership before finally arriving in Sweden. Here, she was christened the Af Chapman, in honor of the esteemed Swedish shipbuilder and Vice Admiral, Fredrik Henrik af Chapman. The Swedish Navy employed her as a training ship, sending her on voyages that circumnavigated the globe, imparting invaluable nautical skills to generations of sailors. One notable incident in her seafaring career was a grounding in Port Aleza, Puerto Rico, in 1934, a dramatic pause in her otherwise smooth sailing history. This marked the end of her active sailing life, though she continued to serve as a barracks ship during World War II. The Af Chapman was destined for a different kind of service. In 1947, the Stockholm City Museum intervened, rescuing her from being scrapped. Since 1949, this grand old lady of the sea has found a new purpose as a youth hostel, operated by the Svenska Turistföreningen (STF), or the Swedish Tourist Association. Imagine sleeping in a cabin that once housed sailors preparing for a long voyage, dreaming dreams of far-off lands under the gentle sway of the ship, now permanently moored. Today, Af Chapman welcomes travelers instead of trainees, offering a unique accommodation experience. She continues to stand tall, a testament to a rich maritime heritage, a landmark against the backdrop of the city and a unique perspective on Stockholm’s history.