The museums and historic villas of Djurgården will help you piece together its relationship with both Sweden’s humble beginnings and its true Dancing Queen. Its green banks provide lovely views of Mälaren Lake, while its many museums and institutions shed light on the city’s rich past. Bring your whole family for activities and excursions around the leafy parks of this delightful islet.
Sing alongside holograms of Sweden’s biggest ever band in ABBA The Museum. Record your voice alongside theirs in the replica of the band’s original studio and take home a copy of your recording. Inspect ABBA's most famous costumes and listen for the red phone ringing for a chance to speak with one of the band members.
Go farther back in time with a trip to the Skansen, said to be the country’s oldest open-air museum, dating back to 1891. Here, docents dressed in traditional clothing and replicas of old-world cottages and farmsteads from around the country provide an insight into the Sweden of yesteryear. While in the area, check out the monkeys, crocodiles and colorful fish in the neighboring Skansen Aquarium.
Among the most extraordinary of Djurgården attractions is the Vasa Museum, which showcases a well-preserved 17th-century ship that turned over and sank in Stockholm. Take a guided tour in English to hear tales about the boat and how it capsized in 1628. Attend a concert or service in the Seglora Kyrka wooden church, preserved from the 18th century.
The islet lies slightly east of the center of Stockholm. Walk east from the city center for about 2 miles (3 kilometers) to arrive here in roughly 40 minutes. You can also take a bus or tram to one of the many stops scattered across the large island. While here, make sure to explore the sights in the adjacent areas of Gamla Stan, Djurgårdsbrunn and Katarina-Sofia.
From ABBA to a capsized vessel and a traditional Swedish village, Djurgården offers an expansive look at Stockholm’s journey through time.
