Skansen is a popular open-air museum and zoo located on the island of Djurgården in the city capital of Sweden. If you want to make your trip to Sweden a bit more educational with a deeper insight into the country's cultural heritage, then this place is a must-see.
Here's a quick guide on Skansen if you're planning a trip to Sweden.
About Skansen
Skansen is one of the oldest open-air museums in the world. It was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius with the goal of preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Sweden. One of its highlights is a collection of historic buildings representing different regions and periods of Swedish history
The combination of historical exhibits, cultural activities, and the zoo makes this place a unique and educational attraction, allowing you to immerse yourself in Sweden's rich cultural and natural heritage.
Things to Do in Skansen
Explore the historic buildings.
Skansen features over 150 historic buildings from different parts of the country. The most popular thing to do here is to wander through the open-air museum to explore traditional homes, farmsteads, and other structures, each representing a specific period in Swedish history.
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| a traditional house in a region of Sweden |
And here's something I learned during my visit there - some buildings there were constructed on-site while some are actually historic buildings that are well-preserved and taken from their original location and transferred to the open-air museum.
Watch cultural demonstrations.
Skansen features live demonstrations of traditional Swedish crafts and activities. Here you'll find workshops and performances where you can learn about and experience activities like pottery, weaving, and folk dancing.
Visit the zoo.
Apart from being an open-air museum, Skansen is also a zoo that features mainly Nordic animals. You can explore the wildlife area and see animals native to the region, which includes bears, wolves, reindeer, moose, and more. There's also the Children's Zoo, which is a favorite among kids.
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| a reindeer *insert happy tears* |
Check out the children's activities.
If you're traveling with children, then Skansen is a great place to visit. It's family-friendly, and there are often activities designed specifically for children, such as interactive exhibits, play areas, and educational programs that provide entertainment and learning opportunities. Skansen has facilities that cater to visitors with children and even babies, like designated resting areas. Plus, almost the entire open-air museum is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, except for the crawl spaces.
Try Swedish cuisine or have a picnic.
Skansen's features several restaurants and cafés that offer Swedish food from savory meals to sweet snacks. Alternatively, you can bring your own food and have a picnic in any of the designated picnic areas on the museum grounds.
Enjoy the scenic views.
Aside from the various attractions and activities in Skansen, you'll also find some of the best views of Stockholm on the museum grounds. Djurgården Island has beautiful surroundings and several areas in Skansen will give you scenic views of Stockholm and the waterfront, providing a picturesque backdrop for your visit.
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| lots of scenic views inside and surrounding the open-air museum |
Attend special events and seasonal attractions.
Skansen is also a popular venue for events. Throughout the year, there are many events happening, which include holiday celebrations, festivals, and concerts. You can check the schedule on the official website to see if any special events are happening during your visit.
Depending on the time of year, Skansen may also have seasonal attractions, such as Christmas markets, Midsummer celebrations, and other special events that reflect Swedish traditions and holidays.
Where to Get Tickets to Skansen
To enter Skansen, you can easily purchase a ticket at the gate. The ticket price varies over the year and it's more expensive during the summer months than in the winter. In summer, adult admission is SEK245 while it's SEK185 during winter. For visitors aged 4 to 15 years, the ticket costs SEK60 all year round.
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| a historic tower |
If you get the Stockholm Go City All-Inclusive Pass, then you get free entry to Skansen, plus over 50 attractions and activities in the city.
How to Get to Skansen
Skansen is located on Djurgården Island, which is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the metro to the "Karlaplan" station, which is the red line, number 13 or 14. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to Skansen. Alternatively, you can take tram number 7 or 22, which will also take you to Djurgården island, and you can just get off at the "Skansen" stop.
During certain times of the year, you can take a ferry from Slussen to Djurgården, which is quite a scenic route. Skansen is just a short walk from the Djurgården ferry stop. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in the city.
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| had this photo taken with one of the staff after a weaving demonstration |
I had fun during my visit to Skansen and I can say that it was worth it. My favorite part was the zoo as I saw animals native to Sweden, and I kid you not - I squealed like a little kid when I saw the reindeer. I also got to see the seals being fed, which was quite enjoyable to watch.
If you're planning a trip to Stockholm, then I'd recommend visiting Skansen.
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