Skansen Open Air Museum

Stockholm, Sweden

Skansen is the first open air museum and zoo in Sweden. It was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius (1833-1901) to show the way of life in the different parts of Sweden before the industrial era. Skansen attracts more than 1.3 million visitors each year. The many exhibits over the 75 acre (300,000 m²) site include a full replica of an average 19th-century town, in which craftsmen in traditional dress such as tanners, shoemakers, silversmiths, bakers and glass-blowers demonstrate their skills in period surroundings.

There is even a small patch growing tobacco used for the making of cigarettes. There is also an open-air zoo containing a wide range of Scandinavian animals including the bison, brown bear, moose, grey seal, lynx, otter,red fox, reindeer, wolf, and wolverine (as well as some non-Scandinavian animals due to their popularity). There are also farmsteads where rare breeds of farm animals can be seen. In early December the site's central Bollnäs square is host to a popular Christmas market that has been held since 1903, attracting around 25,000 visitors each weekend. In the summer there are displays of folk dancing and concerts.

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Details

Founded: 1891
Category: Museums in Sweden
Historical period: Union with Norway and Modernization (Sweden)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Keaton Ambridge (2 months ago)
One of the best places we visited in Stockholm, I suspect many sleep on the value of a ticket to Skansen. You get to enjoy all the historical buildings, an expansive zoo (which isn't just for kids) and all the great views of the city. We spent a good amount of time here enjoying every part of the grounds, definitely visit when in the city.
Carol Hanna (2 months ago)
Absolutely amazing museum, a must see. The place is so big and there is a great variety of buildings to learn about. We were there for 5 hours and could have stayed for 5 more to better explore everything. Some of the buildings are open so you can see furniture and living conditions and staff are inside, dressed in traditional clothing from the time period. They give a good summary of life in that time and answered all our questions. There are even sections dedicated to see some farm animals, Nordic animals, and a children’s zoo!
E Van (Ed) (4 months ago)
Our visit to Skansen was truly delightful. The highlight of our trip was the adorable baby lynx, which was incredibly cute and playful. We also enjoyed interacting with the gentle and sweet moose, making our experience even more memorable. The park itself is beautifully maintained with lush greenery and scenic views, offering a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. Beyond the lynx and moose, Skansen hosts a variety of animals in habitats that mimic their natural environments, making the visit both educational and enjoyable. Skansen is family-friendly and easy to navigate, with plenty of engaging exhibits for children. The historical Swedish buildings scattered throughout the park provide a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s past, adding cultural value to the visit. In summary, Skansen is a must-visit attraction in Stockholm. It combines charming animals, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal spot for families and animal lovers alike. Highly recommended! Recommendation: Please add a small tram or train for elderly people to go around the park.
Kenneth Leung (4 months ago)
Enjoyable here. A nice museum with historical buildings and furniture about old Sweden. Also there was a zoo inside which kept a variety of animals. Easily spent a whole day here which I did not expect. It’s fun too. Recommend to tourists.
Studio 108 (4 months ago)
The place is absolutely gorgeous! So much to see! Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore and wear comfy shoes, as there’s lots of walking! The grounds are very well kept, lots of beautiful gardens. And of course there’s so much history! I loved every second I spent there and would definitely go back.
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