Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum and zoo, founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius on Djurgården island in central Stockholm. To preserve the pre-industrial Swedish way of life, he gathered around 150 historic buildings from across the country and paired them with a Nordic zoo of bears, wolves, reindeer and seals, making Skansen a living miniature of Sweden. In 2026 it remains a flagship Stockholm attraction drawing over 1.3 million visitors a year, with craft demonstrations and folk festivals running through every season. Easy to reach by tram or ferry from the city, it is an ideal half- to full-day outing, especially for families and first-time visitors.
About 150 authentic historic buildings moved from all over Sweden, from 16th-century farmhouses to the 1680 Skogaholm Manor (only three are reproductions)
The old Town Quarter, where costumed craftspeople demonstrate glassblowing, baking and shoemaking
Enclosures of Scandinavian wildlife including brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine, moose, reindeer and seals
Lill-Skansen, a children's zoo where kids can see and get close to small animals
The Baltic Sea Science Center on Baltic marine life, and the funicular railway climbing the hill (in service since 1897)
Good to know
SeasonThe museum is largely outdoors and weather-dependent. Even in summer it can be windy and rainy, so bring a jacket and rain gear; the grounds are large and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
SeasonIn winter (late Sept–Jan) hours shrink sharply, closing at 15:00 on weekdays with some facilities reduced. Around Midsummer in late June, by contrast, daylight lasts until nearly 22:00. Note that the northern lights are not realistically visible this far south in Stockholm.
RulesChildren aged 0–15 enter free but should reserve a free complimentary ticket online in advance for smooth entry. Adult tickets are also cheaper when bought online rather than at the gate.
RulesThe Skansen Aquarium (tropical animals) is not included in the standard admission and must be paid for separately on site. Lill-Skansen and the Baltic Sea Science Center are included.
MannersDo not feed the animals or make loud noises near the enclosures. Sweden has no tipping culture, so there is no need to add a tip at cafés or restaurants.
CautionBuy only from the official skansen.se or the on-site box office. Some resale sites add service fees, sell at inflated prices, or issue non-changeable dates.
SafetySweden is largely cashless and most places accept only cards or contactless payment, so carry a card. Watch your belongings against pickpockets on busy tourist routes such as T-Centralen and tram line 7.
Practical info
Skansen sits on Djurgården island: take tram 7 from T-Centralen (about 15 minutes to the Skansen stop), bus 67 from Odenplan, or a ferry (e.g. line 82) from Slussen or Nybroplan, landing at Allmänna gränd about 400 m away. It is open year-round, but opening hours and prices change often with the season and events, so always confirm the latest times and fares on the official skansen.se before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
