About Skansen
Opened in 1891 by Artur Hazelius on Djurgården, Skansen recreates Swedish villages and farmsteads from across the country, plus a Nordic zoo.
Founded in 1891, Skansen has been welcoming visitors for over 135 years. Today it draws approximately 1,500,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 14,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Skansen ranks #146
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #146 in our composite ranking, Skansen represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: First open-air museum.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–4 hours, planning your route through Skansen is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Historic farms
- ◆Nordic animals
- ◆Glassblower & bakery
- ◆Christmas Market
Recognition & awards
Skansen has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–16:00 (later in summer).
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Skansen is located in Stockholm, Sweden at coordinates 59.3253°N, 18.1042°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Skansen
Skansen was established in 1891, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Stockholm. With 1,500,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Sweden's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Europe region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Skansen, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
More museums in Stockholm
Stockholm is home to 6 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Skansen with these nearby institutions:
- #84Moderna Museet🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #87Vasa Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
- #88ABBA The Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
- #145Nationalmuseum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #149Nobel Prize Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Skansen?
Daily 10:00–16:00 (later in summer). We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Skansen?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Skansen located?
Skansen is located in Stockholm, Sweden. The exact coordinates are 59.3253°, 18.1042°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Skansen known for?
The world's first open-air museum. Key highlights include Historic farms, Nordic animals, Glassblower & bakery. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 14,000 reviews.
How many people visit Skansen each year?
Skansen receives approximately 1,500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Sweden.
When was Skansen founded?
Skansen was founded in 1891, making it 135 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
