Royal Djurgarden

Djurgarden was enclosed as a royal hunting ground in the sixteenth century and has never been built over, which is why an island of old oak woodland sits within walking distance of central Stockholm. The oaks are the point ecologically: many are several hundred years old and support beetle and lichen species that need exactly this kind of long-standing open-grown timber, which is now rare in Europe. The eastern half is genuinely wooded with paths, water on both sides and few buildings; the western end holds Skansen, the Vasa museum, Junibacken, Grona Lund and the rest. It is part of the Royal National City Park and the crown still holds the right of disposition.

What you actually see

• Old open-grown oaks - some several hundred years old.
• Wooded eastern half - paths, water and few buildings.
• The museum cluster at the west end - Skansen, Vasa and the rest.
• A hunting park never built over - enclosed since the 1500s.

When to go

May to September for the woods; museums year round. A full day.

Honest expectations

The western end is extremely crowded in summer. Distances are long - the eastern woods are a proper walk. The tram is slow in season. Museums each need their own ticket.

Nearby

Ostermalm is across the bridge; Waldemarsudde is at the southern tip.