Skansen, Stockholm

51±¬ÁÏÍø

Skansen, Stockholm

Skansen, Stockholm (must see)

This incredibly impressive museum was the first of its kind in 1891. The open-air museum was created to celebrate Swedish culture and its traditions. The brainchild of Artur Hazelius, the founder of the Nordic Museum, Hazelius acquired land and a collection of buildings over time, which has now come to be known as Skansen. Today, this living museum paints over 300,000 square meters of the Scandinavian landscape.

The museum consists of gardens, fantastic architectural pieces, walking paths and a zoo which houses a variety of animals. Hazelius sought architectural structures which told the story of Scandinavian society. He purchased over 150 buildings throughout the country and moved them to Skansen for display. The buildings represent everything from affluent society to provincial living.

Guests to Skansen can expect to spend many hours exploring the features of the museum or visiting during one of its many celebrations and festivals. Discover the crafts, which were common to Swedish society, by observing traditionally clad craftsmen or explore the zoo, which is filled with animals native to Sweden's ecosystem.

Why You Should Visit:
If you're looking to get a 'sense' of Sweden outside the confines of great halls, Skansen is the place!
Friendly docents will explain really interesting things about the time period or the structure you're visiting.
Plenty of food/drink outlets to keep you refreshed as you explore the 300,000 square meters site, or you can bring a picnic.

Tip:
A must is the Skansen Aquarium and the "monkey house" with everything from funny baboons to scary crocs.
On different Holidays, there are some very exciting traditional celebrations that take place there.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stockholm. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51±¬ÁÏÍø App

Skansen on Map

Sight Name: Skansen
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden

Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

Creating your own self-guided walk in Stockholm is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sodermalm District Walking Tour

Sodermalm District Walking Tour

Södermalm, or "Söder" for short, is a borough in central Stockholm, incorporating a large island of the same name (formerly known as "Ã…sön"). Although considered an island, the water surrounding Södermalm to the north and south does not flow freely but passes through a series of locks. Visitors are charmed by the borough's narrow, cobbled streets and neat squares, as...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

Once an independent town, Norrmalm has been integral to Stockholm since 1635. As one of the city's central neighborhoods, it saw many old buildings torn down during the 1950s and 60s to clear space for new construction. Still, the most notable pieces of local architecture – featuring a wide range of styles, from Late Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque – are still in place and make Norrmalm...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Museums Island Walk

The Museums Island Walk

With almost 70 museums in operation, Stockholm is one of the richest (in terms of museums) cities on the planet. The island of Djurgården, a cultural hotspot inside the capital, also known as the Museums Island, is home to an array of museums and other cultural attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

One of the most renowned venues on the island is Scandinavia’s most popular museum,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walking Tour

Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walking Tour

Stockholm, established around 1000 AD on an archipelago on the eastern coast of Sweden, flourished due to Viking-established trade routes. Originally a Viking site, it became a key iron trade hub by 1252. The city's name, derived from the Old Norse words for "log islet," reflects its historical significance, as a fortified island used for defense against sea invasions, and its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm

Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm

If you come to Stockholm on the trail of Karlsson-on-the-Roof character (Swedish: Karlsson på taket), created by Astrid Lindgren, you're bound to enjoy yourself big time! Just don't forget to spare some time for gift shopping, so as to please your loved ones back home. In doing so, you...