Skansen was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius, who feared that Sweden's rural way of life was vanishing and decided to save it by moving it, building by building, to a hill on Djurgården. The result is a vast park of farmhouses, manors, churches and workshops from every corner of the country, with staff in period dress demonstrating crafts such as glassblowing, baking and weaving. The town quarter recreates a Swedish town of the past, with a bakery, a print shop and craftsmen's homes. Mixed through it all is the Nordic zoo, home to animals native to Scandinavia, from moose and brown bears to wolverines, lynx and grey seals, and a children's zoo with farm animals. The hilltop setting gives wide views over the city and the water. Tiqets describes it as the oldest open-air museum in the world and the only one with wild animals. It is open every day of the year, with shorter hours in winter, and on Advent weekends its Christmas market is one of the most traditional in Sweden.
Planning the visit: Skansen is large and hilly, so pick a route rather than trying to see it all. Most visitors combine the town quarter, a couple of farmsteads and the Nordic animals, which are easiest to see at feeding times. In winter many of the historic houses are closed or only staffed on weekends, but the animals, the paths and the views remain.
When to go: summer brings folk dancing, music and long evenings; midsummer and Advent are the big traditional celebrations. On a dark November afternoon, go early, as the park closes in mid-afternoon.
Getting there: take tram 7 to Djurgården and enter by the main gate, or ride the old funicular up from the lower entrance. Allow time to combine it with the Vasa and ABBA museums nearby.
What to expect
The experience
A hilltop park of historic buildings with costumed demonstrators, a recreated town quarter and a zoo of Nordic animals.
Best time
Summer weekends for events, Advent weekends for the Christmas market, and mornings in winter when hours are short.
How long
Three to four hours to see the highlights; a full day in summer.
Tips
Check winter hours before you go, plan around animal feeding times and wear warm, sturdy shoes for the hills.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone curious about traditional Swedish life.
- Families
- The top family day in Stockholm: bears, moose, seals, a children's zoo and space to run.
- Couples
- The Advent Christmas market with mulled wine and the city lights below.
- Pair with
- The Vasa Museum and ABBA The Museum on Djurgården.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Skansen open in winter?+
Yes, it is open every day of the year, but winter hours are short and some historic houses only open on weekends.
What animals are at Skansen?+
Mainly Nordic species, including moose, brown bears, wolverines, lynx, grey seals and reindeer, plus a children's zoo.
When is the Skansen Christmas market?+
It runs on Advent weekends in the run-up to Christmas; check the dates before you go.
How long should I spend at Skansen?+
Three to four hours covers the highlights; families can easily fill a day in summer.
How do I get to Skansen?+
Tram 7 to Djurgården stops near the main entrance, and the Djurgården ferry from Slussen is a short walk away.