Skansen

Skansen is an open-air museum and zoo on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Sweden, combining historical buildings with Nordic wildlife. The grounds stretch over gentle hills and include structures like farmhouses, workshops, and churches relocated from across Sweden.

Artur Hazelius founded the world's first open-air museum in 1891 to preserve Sweden's rural traditions. He had buildings dismantled in different regions and rebuilt here faithfully to document the country's transformation.

Staff in period clothing perform traditional trades in authentic workshops that reflect Sweden's rural past. Visitors can watch hands-on demonstrations that bring old farming methods and daily routines back to life.

The site opens daily at 10:00 AM and closes at different times depending on the season, often around 10:00 PM in summer. Walking paths run throughout the area, and comfortable shoes are recommended for the hills.

The zoo houses only Nordic animal species like moose, bears, and wolves in naturalistic enclosures. This connection between history and nature shows the environment that shaped Swedish culture over centuries.

Location: Stockholm

Inception: 1891

Founders: Artur Hazelius

Official opening: November 11, 1891

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Address: Djurgårdsslätten

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +4684428200

Email: info@skansen.se

Website: https://skansen.se

GPS coordinates: 59.33672,18.08592

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:00