Stockholm Zoo & Aquarium Guide (2026)

Stockholm zoo and aquarium guide — Stockholm has multiple animal attractions including Skansen-Aquarium (Stockholm Zoo at Skansen), Kolmården Wildlife Park (90 min south), and Furuvik (90 min north). The traditional “Stockholm Zoo” refers to Skansen’s Nordic wildlife collection (bears, wolves, moose, lynx, wolverines). This Stockholm zoo guide covers all options with tickets, opening hours, what to see, and recommendations for families with kids.

Stockholm zoo essentials

Main “Stockholm Zoo”: Skansen open-air museum on Djurgården. Nordic wildlife.

Tickets Skansen: adults 325 SEK in autumn 2026; the price varies with the season, is lowest online and is slightly higher at the gate. Children 0–15 free since October 2025.

Hours Skansen: Open year-round, with hours that change by season. From 28 September 2026 to 10 January 2027 it opens 10:00–15:00 on weekdays and 10:00–16:00 on weekends; check Skansen’s site for other dates.

Time at Skansen: 3-4 hours including zoo + traditional Swedish buildings + restaurants.

Stockholm Zoo at Skansen

Stockholm’s main zoo is part of Skansen open-air museum on Djurgården. Skansen (opened 1891) is the world’s first open-air museum — combining traditional Swedish buildings + Nordic wildlife collection.

Nordic wildlife at Skansen Zoo

Brown bears (björnar): Sweden’s iconic bear species. Watch from elevated viewing platform.

Wolves (vargar): Scandinavian wolf pack. Best viewing morning + afternoon feedings.

Moose (älg): Sweden’s national animal. Often seen in dedicated moose enclosure.

Lynx (lo): Northern lynx. Elusive viewing.

Wolverines (järv): Rare Scandinavian wolverines.

Reindeer (ren): Sami reindeer in traditional Sami camp.

Seals (sälar): Harbor seals + grey seals at Skansen Aquarium.

Domestic animals: Swedish farm animals, traditional breeds, kid-petting areas.

Skansen-Aquarium

Inside Skansen’s grounds, with its own ticket on top of Skansen admission. Tropical fish, sharks, monkeys, lemurs, snakes, reptiles.

Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00.

Tickets: 175 SEK adult; 95 SEK child (4–15), on top of Skansen admission (the aquarium’s prices in September 2026).

Kolmården Wildlife Park (full zoo)

Sweden’s largest wildlife park — 90 minutes south of Stockholm near Norrköping.

Distance from Stockholm: 200 km south.

Hours: April–October daily 10:00–17:00.

Tickets: 545 SEK adult; 395 SEK child (3-12); free under 3.

Highlights: 750+ animals including African wildlife (lions, elephants, giraffes), tigers, dolphins, bears, wolves. Safari Park drive-through. Cable car safari.

From Stockholm: SJ regional train to Norrköping (1.5 hours) + bus 432 to Kolmården (30 min). Or car 1.5–2 hours.

Best for: Full-day safari experience, bigger zoo, families wanting comprehensive zoo visit.

Furuvik amusement park + zoo (90 min north)

Combined amusement park + small zoo near Gävle. 90 minutes north of Stockholm.

Hours: May–September.

Tickets: ~395 SEK day pass.

Highlights: Amusement rides + small zoo (chimpanzees, lions, lemurs, farm animals). Strong family combination.

Stockholm zoo comparison

For typical Stockholm visit

Skansen Zoo, plus the Skansen-Aquarium on a separate ticket. Strong Nordic wildlife, traditional Swedish buildings, 3-4 hours. Easy half-day on Djurgården.

For comprehensive zoo experience

Kolmården Wildlife Park (90 min south). Full zoo with African wildlife. Full-day commitment.

For amusement + zoo combined

Furuvik (90 min north). Smaller zoo + amusement rides. Summer only.

Skansen Zoo full visit guide

Recommended Skansen visit (3-4 hours)

Morning arrival: 10:00 entry. Start with Nordic wildlife (bears, wolves, moose) when animals most active.

Mid-morning: Skansen-Aquarium adjacent (45 min).

Lunch: Skansen restaurant Solliden (traditional Swedish meatballs).

Afternoon: Traditional Swedish buildings, Sami camp, farm animals petting area.

Late afternoon: Outdoor café fika.

Total time: 3-4 hours; up to 5 hours for thorough visit.

Stockholm zoo by season

Summer (June-August)

All Stockholm zoos optimal. Full Kolmården programming, Furuvik open, Skansen full programming, all Skansen wildlife active.

Spring/autumn (May, September)

Skansen fully operational. Kolmården April-October. Furuvik May-September only.

Winter (November-March)

Skansen open year-round (some animals less visible in cold). Kolmården closed November-March. Furuvik closed.

Stockholm zoo tips

Skansen Stockholm Pass / Go City: Skansen included.

Skansen-Aquarium: a separate ticket (175 SEK adult, 95 SEK child) on top of Skansen admission, which is free for under-16s.

Pre-book major zoos: Save 10% online; especially Kolmården summer weekends.

Nordic animal viewing: Morning best (animals most active). Avoid hot afternoons summer.

Bring layers: Outdoor zoo viewing requires weather-appropriate clothing.

Camera: Strong wildlife photography opportunity.

Stroller-friendly: All Stockholm zoos stroller-accessible.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stockholm Zoo?

Stockholm’s main “zoo” is Skansen open-air museum on Djurgården, featuring Nordic wildlife (bears, wolves, moose, lynx) + traditional Swedish buildings. Skansen-Aquarium is adjacent.

How much is Stockholm Zoo?

Skansen: adults 325 SEK in autumn 2026, lowest online and slightly higher at the gate; children 0–15 free. The Skansen-Aquarium inside costs extra (175 SEK adult, 95 SEK child 4–15).

What’s the biggest zoo near Stockholm?

Kolmården Wildlife Park, 90 minutes south of Stockholm. Sweden’s largest wildlife park with 750+ animals including African wildlife. Full-day commitment.

Is Skansen Zoo worth visiting?

Yes — Skansen combines Nordic wildlife with traditional Swedish open-air museum. Strong full-family attraction. World’s first open-air museum.

How do I get to Kolmården from Stockholm?

SJ regional train Stockholm Central to Norrköping (1.5 hours) + bus 432 to Kolmården (30 min). Or car 1.5–2 hours via E4.

What animals are at Skansen?

Nordic wildlife: brown bears, wolves, moose, lynx, wolverines, reindeer, seals. Plus domestic Swedish farm animals.

Is Kolmården open year-round?

No — Kolmården open April-October only. Closed November-March.

What’s the best Stockholm zoo for kids?

Skansen for typical visit (Nordic wildlife + traditional Swedish + restaurants). Kolmården for full safari experience (full-day).

Is Stockholm Zoo good year-round?

Skansen open year-round. Kolmården seasonal April-October. Winter zoo viewing requires warm clothing; some animals less active.

For more family content, see our things to do Stockholm with kids and Skansen guide.