Skansen

About Skansen

Get the inside scoop on Skansen from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Skansen reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.

What people say

"Founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius, was established with the mission of showcasing the way of life in Sweden over the past few centuries. This initiative emerged during a time of significant change in Sweden, as the country transitioned from a largely rural society to an industrialized nation. Many people feared that the traditions and historical practices of rural life would be lost amid this transformation. Before founding Skansen, Hazelius had already created the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm. Skansen was the world's first open-air museum, designed to preserve and present Swedish history and culture. Initially part of the Nordic Museum, Skansen became an independent entity in 1963, although the various objects housed within its buildings are still owned by the Nordic Museum. The museum features around 150 buildings that have been dismantled from their original locations across Sweden and meticulously reassembled at Skansen. This collection provides visitors with a comprehensive view of Swedish life, ranging from the humble dwellings of rural farming communities to the elegant residences of the nobility. In addition to the historical buildings, Skansen includes a small-town replica complete with workshops for artisans skilled in crafts such as leatherworking, silver-smithing, and glassblowing. Spanning an area of 300,000 square meters, the museum also boasts an extensive zoo that showcases a variety of Scandinavian wildlife, as well as more exotic species, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists."
"The world's largest open-air museum, Skansen offers loads of activities for all ages, especially to get children to know how life was lived in the past in Sweden. Depending on the time of the year there are different events in place for this reason, it is always good to check the website for the latest news."
Nyssa Blake
"If you're looking for a more immersive experience to learn about Swedish history and culture, then while you're on the island of Djurgården, just a short walk away is Skansen. You'll get to travel through history and experience the customs, jobs and everyday life of the past."

Mentioned in these guides