Open Air Museum Skansen - Where
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"If you have only one day in Stockholm, spend it at Skansen."
This recommendation from a National Geographic reporter seems a bit exaggerated – Stockholm has so much more to offer – but one thing is certain: you have to see this museum at least once in your life.
The video below gives you an impression of Skansen. Press the Play button in the player controls at the bottom left to watch the video.
Liked it? You know, the great thing is .....
You don’t have to like museums to love Skansen.
Why? Well, here we go .....
- The location is great: a hilly, green area on the island of Djurgården. The highest point in Stockholm is found here and marked by the red brick tower Bredablick. From its 30 meters high platform you can overlook the whole park.
- There are all types of historical buildings, most from the 18th and 19th Century. An old town quarter, churches, farms, school, workman’s homes, shops, a mill, even a Sami camp. You can go inside, admire the authentic interiors and see demonstrations of old crafts in hosts and hostesses in period costume. The history of Sweden comes alive!
- It’s a paradise for flora lovers. There are numerous gardens and flower beds. You will find bare rocks and wild vegetation, all in the centre of a capital. This is truly ‘Sweden in miniature’.
- Throughout the year there are special events like concert, plays, markets and folk dancing, providing extra entertainment for all visitors, including those less interested in history. For example on Walpurgis Night.
- The zoological garden displays Nordic animals like reindeers, elks, brown bears, wolverines and seals. Most of these animals do not stay in cages, but in an area that resembles their natural environment.
The open-air museum was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius. This Stockholm teacher wanted to show the people how other Swedes lived and worked.
In those days - cars and television hadn't arrived yet - people didn't know so much about their country as they do now, so the initiative was widely appreciated.
The result is a place that preserves important phases of the history of Sweden, and continues to enjoy generation after generation.You can easily reach Skansen by bus.
Or even better: take the old streetcar #7. It stops right at the entrance of Stockholm's number one tourist destination.
You can eat and drink in numerous cafes and restaurants. Recommended: the eateries that serve Swedish husmanskost.
An excellent guidebook, available in several languages, leads you through the park. If your feet are not tired after visiting Skansen, consider visiting the neighboring amusement park Gröna Lund, another great family attraction.
Skansen is open all year round.
