Things to do in Djurgarden, Stockholm

Skansen, an open-air living history museum on the island of Djurgården, is Sweden in microcosm. The site contains more than 150 colorful historic buildings, imported here from all over the country to create an authentic representation of a 19th-century Swedish town, complete with traditional craftspeople in period costume. Arrive in style aboard the funicular railway that ascends Skansen hill, dropping you off near the gate, and stop to say ‘hej’ to the village’s cobblers, tanners and glass-blowers before strolling the pretty gardens and visiting Nordic otters, moose and brown bears in the small zoo.

And that’s not all. Skansen also plays host to some of the biggest seasonal fairs in the country so that, depending on when you visit, you might enjoy live jazz and folk dancing in summer, a traditional harvest festival at the beginning of autumn or, in December, the enchanting annual Christmas market, all roasted chestnuts, spiced festive glögg (mulled wine), and stalls festooned with holiday trinkets, decorations and striped candy canes. 

Top tip: you can save up to 50% on around 70 tours, activities and bucket-list attractions like Skansen with a Stockholm pass from Go City. Find out more about the Stockholm pass and get yours here.

Hands-down, Djurgården is home to the highest concentration of Stockholm attractions in the city, so it’s no surprise that this is where you can pay homage to Sweden’s greatest-ever musical export. No, not Ace of Base, silly! We’re talking about Benny, Björn, Agnetha and Anna-Frid – aka the Swedish pop juggernaut that is ABBA.

Voulez-vous visit the museum? Well, we think you should take a chance on it; it’s sure to make you feel like a super trouper. In all seriousness though, it’s bags of fun here, thanks to the gallery of famous jumpsuits, gold discs and other band memorabilia, plus interactive exhibits that include singalong ABBA karaoke booths and even a stage set where you can bust out your best dancing queen moves together with holographic avatars of the band.

The Vasa warship is one of Stockholm’s most popular cultural attractions, and you can visit it right here on Djurgården. This fearsome vessel is the best-preserved example of a 17th-century warship in the world – despite having lain at the bottom of Stockholm harbor for some 333 years. The ship sank here in 1628, a mere 1,400 yards into her maiden voyage, likely due to the massive destabilizing weight of the bronze cannons on the gundecks.

Step into the museum to view this magnificent vessel in all its restored glory and to see artifacts recovered from the wreckage that illustrate what life would have been like on board (albeit very briefly) at the time.

Set on the shores of Djurgården and open during the warmer months (generally spring to September), Gröna Lund is an absolute treat for Stockholm vacationers young and old. Here since 1883, the park’s enchanting old-school kiddie faves include a merry-go-round menagerie, a mirror maze and a fun house, while teens and grown-ups may find themselves drawn to the thrills and spills of the park’s frankly terrifying dark rides, vertical drops and wild roller coasters. Ride names like Insane, Twister, Monster, Katapulten and the House of Nightmares might give you some idea of what to expect!

Djurgården’s lush natural landscapes are tailor-made for blossom-scented spring strolls, lazy summer picnics, and gentle cycle rides beneath burnished autumn foliage. There are plenty of picturesque shoreline and woodland trails to explore, with many that continue to enchant through winter’s frosty chill.

Visit Rosendals Garden to indulge in the Swedish art of ‘fika’ with coffee and cinnamon buns in its cute café. You can also enjoy a moment of quiet meditation in the heavenly-scented rose garden, peaceful orchards and verdant vineyards here.

The excellent Viking Museum on Djurgården aims to separate myth from truth via interactive exhibitions, ancient Viking artifacts and tours led by guides in Viking age attire. Here’s where you can really get under the skin of Sweden’s storied past: learn about the lives of Viking families, come face-to-face with a ‘real’ Viking, and see if you can separate reality from illusion and fantasy.

The museum’s crowning glory is its 11-minute ride, Ragnfrid’s Saga, which takes you back to 10th-century Europe as Viking Harald goes on a raid in a bid to restore his family’s fortune and honor. Bracing, thrilling stuff.

And, if visiting all those museums has left you in need of a drink, you’re in luck. Set in a restored 18th-century naval building on Djurgården’s southern shores, the Spritmuseum (or Museum of Spirits) is a joyous celebration of the spirit – and spirits – of a nation. Ogle the Absolut Art Collection, featuring some 850 artistic representations of the iconic vodka bottle, learn about Swedish alcohol culture and sing along with the country’s boisterous drinking songs. There is also, of course, a bar, where thirsty sightseers can refresh with a selection of Sweden’s finest tipples: craft gins, delicately flavored vodkas and classic Swedish schnapps for the win!

From something strictly for adults to something very special for your little tykes, Junibacken is Djurgården’s ultra-cute theme park for younger children of up to around eight years old. This enchanting wonderland brings characters from classic Swedish literature to life, including mischievous Pippi Longstocking and the lovable Moomins of Moominvalley. Ride the fairytale Story Train, join fun singalong theater shows (in Swedish, but you can always hum) and pick up a souvenir Astrid Lindgren book (many available in English) in the store.

Looking for more things to do in Djurgården and elsewhere in Stockholm? The Stockholm pass has you covered, with 70 top attractions, tours and activities to pick and choose from. Hit the buttons below to find out more and choose your pass.