Skansen
Often called the first open-air museum in the world - a whole old Sweden of farmsteads and workshops on a Stockholm hill, with a Nordic zoo alongside.
Updated 1 September 2026
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Founded in 1891, Skansen, often called the world's first open-air museum, opened in 1891, gathering old buildings from across Sweden onto a Stockholm hill: farmsteads, a church, a manor, town workshops and a glassblower, staffed in period costume. It doubles as a Nordic zoo, home to bears, wolves, moose and other native animals.
Highlights
- The old buildings - farmsteads, church and town streets from all over Sweden.
- The Nordic zoo - bears, wolves, lynx, moose and other native animals.
- Craftspeople - glassblowers, bakers and smiths at work in the historic buildings.
- Seasonal festivals - the midsummer, Lucia and Christmas market celebrations.
When to go
Summer for the full living-history programme and animals; December for the traditional Christmas market and Lucia. Midsummer and other festivals are highlights.
Things to know
It is large and spread over a hill, so it involves a lot of walking. It blends museum and zoo, which some love and others find an odd mix. It is busy on fine weekends and during festivals.
Nearby
The Vasa and Abba museums are alongside on Djurgarden; the Grona Lund funfair is next door.
What to pack for Skansen
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Skansen is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
