With its historic houses and buildings, gardens and animal areas, Skansen is an ideal place for those seeking an authentic and enriching experience of the country as a whole without leaving Stockholm.

It was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius in order to show the way of life in Sweden during the last centuries. During the 19th century, like many other European countries, Sweden underwent profound changes from a rural to an industrialized society.

These changes, so radical for the traditional ways of life, caused rejection and fear among the population, who felt that with them they were losing their traditions, national habits and history.

Artur Hazelius, professor and folklorist, initially conceived Skansen as part of the Nordic Museum, established 18 years earlier also on the island of Djurgården. From the 1960s onwards these two entities were separated, although the various objects located within Skansen's buildings will continue to belong to the museum.

The museum has more than 150 historical buildings, which have been transferred to Skansen from different parts of Sweden. Hazelius traveled around the country buying each of the buildings and reconstructing them in the museum to provide a unique image of traditional Sweden.

Only 3 of the buildings are not original and were painstakingly copied from examples the folklorist found throughout the country. Visitors can explore the houses and buildings, each of which has a unique history and reflects the architecture and daily life of different periods of Swedish history.

In Skansen you can also find a complete replica of an average town in 19th century Sweden. Artisans such as tanners, shoemakers, silversmiths, bakers and glassblowers, dressed in period costumes recreate different daily scenes to the delight of visitors.

Local artisans are present to share their knowledge and skills, which makes the experience even more enriching, showing how traditional Swedish products such as textiles, food, pottery or jewelry are made.

This amazing open-air museum also features animal areas, where visitors can see and learn about the fauna and flora of Sweden. In the animal area, you can find native Scandinavian animals, such as reindeer, moose and even brown bears, as well as farm animals.

In addition to Skansen's rich history and culture, the museum also offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year. During the summer, visitors can enjoy traditional Swedish concerts and festivals, related to the seasonal harvest and nature cycles so important to rural societies.

Every summer, the popular concert program Allsång på Skansen ("Sing with us in Skansen") takes place in Skansen, broadcast on Swedish public television, where audiences are encouraged to sing along with guest musical stars to well-known Swedish and international songs.

During the winter, from the beginning of December, Skansen is transformed into a charming Christmas market, with handicrafts and traditional Swedish food. It has been held almost since the museum opened, and attracts thousands of people.

Skansen is a cultural and tourist gem of Sweden that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. From the rich history and culture of the buildings and houses to the natural beauty of the gardens and animal areas, Skansen is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and enriching experience in Sweden.

Welcome to Sweden!