Stockholm Zoo & Aquarium Guide (2026)
Stockholm zoo and aquarium — Skansen Nordic wildlife, Aquaria, Kolmården, Furuvik options for families.
Stockholm zoo and aquarium guide — Stockholm has multiple animal attractions including Skansen-Aquarium (Stockholm Zoo at Skansen), Aquaria Vattenmuseum aquarium, 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: 225 SEK adult; 110 SEK child (4-15); free under 4.
Hours Skansen: Daily year-round 10:00–17:00 (longer summer).
Time at Skansen: 3-4 hours including zoo + traditional Swedish buildings + restaurants.
Aquarium: Aquaria Vattenmuseum on Djurgården; 150 SEK adult.
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
Adjacent to Skansen — combined ticket. Tropical fish, sharks, monkeys, lemurs, snakes, reptiles. Different from Aquaria Vattenmuseum.
Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00.
Tickets: Combined Skansen + Skansen-Aquarium ~325 SEK adult.
Aquaria Vattenmuseum (separate aquarium)
Stockholm aquarium on Djurgården — separate from Skansen-Aquarium.
Address: Falkenbergsgatan 2, Djurgården.
Hours: Daily 10:00–17:00; closed Mondays winter.
Tickets: 150 SEK adult; 100 SEK child (3-15); free under 3.
Time: 1–1.5 hours.
Highlights: Tropical fish, sharks, rainforest with animals, fresh-water Swedish lake fish, jellyfish.
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 + Skansen-Aquarium combined ticket. Strong Nordic wildlife, traditional Swedish buildings, 3-4 hours. Easy half-day on Djurgården.
For aquarium focus
Aquaria Vattenmuseum (Djurgården). Tropical fish, sharks, rainforest. 1–1.5 hours.
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 and Aquaria fully operational. Kolmården April-October. Furuvik May-September only.
Winter (November-March)
Skansen open year-round (some animals less visible in cold). Aquaria year-round indoor. Kolmården closed October-April. Furuvik closed.
Stockholm zoo tips
Skansen Stockholm Pass / Go City: Skansen included; Aquaria Vattenmuseum included.
Skansen-Aquarium combined ticket: 325 SEK includes both.
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 225 SEK adult; 110 SEK child (4-15); free under 4. Combined Skansen + Skansen-Aquarium ~325 SEK adult.
Is there a separate aquarium in Stockholm?
Yes — Aquaria Vattenmuseum on Djurgården (150 SEK adult; 100 SEK child). Tropical fish, sharks, rainforest. Different from Skansen-Aquarium.
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). Aquaria for shorter aquarium visit. Kolmården for full safari experience (full-day).
Is Stockholm Zoo good year-round?
Skansen open year-round; Aquaria 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.
