Rare Old Map of Scandinavia and North Europe by Visscher, 1690: Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Riga, Copenhagen

This breathtaking map, titled 'Tabula exactissima Regnorum Sueciae et Norvegiae, nec non Maris Universi Orientalis Terrarumque adjacentium. Summo studio ab Andrea Bureo Sueco in lucem edita ... A Nicolao Iohannide Piscatore', was crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. Visscher II was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, a renowned mapmaker during the Dutch Golden Age. The title translates to 'A very accurate map of the Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, as well as the entire Eastern Sea and adjacent lands. With great diligence brought to light by the Swede Andreas Bureus ... by Nicolaes Visscher'.

The map's primary focus is Scandinavia and North Europe, covering the larger modern day area of Europe. It presents a detailed and accurate depiction of the region, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and cartographic knowledge of Visscher II. The intricacies of the political divisions and regions during the late 17th century are beautifully illustrated, providing a unique historical perspective.

The map features the cities of Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Riga, and Copenhagen. Each city is depicted with remarkable precision, reflecting the urban landscapes of the time. The map also contains numerous other locations, each contributing to the overall historical and geographical narrative of the piece.

In addition to the cities, the map also includes significant landmarks and natural phenomena. The rugged Scandinavian mountain ranges, the expansive Eastern Sea, and the intricate network of rivers and waterways are all depicted with stunning detail. This map not only serves as a historical document but also as a testament to the natural beauty and diversity of the region.

This piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a perfect addition for collectors, historians, and lovers of cartography. Its historical significance, combined with the craftsmanship of Nicolaes Visscher II, makes it a truly exceptional piece of art.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Kingdom of Sweden

1. Stockholm: Known as the "Venice of the North," it was the cultural, political, and economic hub of Sweden. Founded in 1252.
2. Gothenburg: Founded in 1621, it became an important seaport in the Kattegat, on the west coast of Sweden.
3. Malmö: Known as Malmhaug in 1275, it was a significant commercial and textile manufacturing center.
4. Uppsala: Known for its cathedral and university, it was a significant center of ecclesiastical and educational activity. Founded in the 3rd century.
5. Västerås: Founded in the 10th century, it was known for its copper and silver mines.

Kingdom of Norway

1. Oslo: Known as Christiania until 1925, it was the capital of Norway. Founded in 1040.
2. Bergen: Known as Bjørgvin in the Old Norse period, it was a significant center for trade in Norway. Founded in 1070.
3. Trondheim: Known as Nidaros until the post-Reformation period, it was the traditional location for the coronation of kings. Founded in 997.
4. Stavanger: Founded in 1125, it was known for its canning and shipbuilding industries.
5. Drammen: Known as Bragernes until 1811, it was a significant river port. Founded in the 1811.

Eastern Sea and Adjacent Lands

1. Helsinki: Founded in 1550, it was a trading town used to compete with Tallinn.
2. Riga: Known as the "Paris of the North," it was a major center of the Hanseatic League. Founded in 1201.
3. Tallinn: Known as Reval until 1918, it was a major trading and fishing port. Founded in 1248.
4. Vilnius: Known as Vilna, it was a significant center of Jewish learning. Founded in 1323.
5. Gdańsk: Known as Danzig until 1945, it was a major seaport and shipbuilding center. Founded in 997.

Notable natural phenomena and boundaries include:

1. Scandinavian Mountain Range: This range forms a natural boundary between Norway and Sweden, and is a popular destination for hiking and skiing.
2. Eastern Sea (Baltic Sea): It is the largest brackish water body in the world, and is surrounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, mainland Europe, and the Danish islands.
3. Gulf of Bothnia: This northern arm of the Baltic Sea forms a boundary between Sweden and modern-day Finland.
4. Vänern and Vättern: These are the largest and second largest lakes in Sweden, respectively, and are popular for fishing and boating.
5. Kjølen Mountains: These mountains form the natural boundary between Norway and modern-day Sweden.

Notable historical events in this region between 1600 and 1690 include:

1. Thirty Years' War (1618-1648): Sweden's intervention in 1630 turned the tide of the war, establishing it as a major European power and expanding its territories.
2. Second Northern War (1655-1660): This war resulted in the Treaty of Roskilde, where Denmark-Norway ceded significant territories to Sweden.
3. Scanian War (1675-1679): This war ended with the Treaty of Lund, where Denmark-Norway and Sweden agreed to maintain the status quo, preserving Sweden's dominance in the region.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.