Culture
Top Ten Museums You Must Experience in Stockholm
Stockholm is so much more than just Stureplan and shopping in Biblioteksgatan. How about spending a whole day at idyllic and exciting Skansen? Find peace and creativity at these unique museums.
You don't need to travel further than Stockholm to get a real city vibe.
With vintage shopping in Södermalm, lunch in Gamla Stan, a drink on one of the city's rooftop terraces, and museums that cater to both history buffs and art enthusiasts, Sweden's capital rivals both Berlin and Paris.
Strawberry has discovered the best museums you won't want to miss while strolling around Stockholm.
Our list includes music, Swedish art treasures, and world-class photography. Oh, and spirits too.
More on that later.
Photo: Alexander Assal
1. Fotografiska
Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22
Fotografiska is one of the world's largest museums for contemporary photography. It's at the top of many lists of things to do when you're in Stockholm. Every year, four unique and major exhibitions are presented here, along with 20 smaller ones. The museum doesn't have permanent exhibitions, so keep an eye on their website to stay updated on what's happening. Notable artists like Annie Leibovitz, Gus Van Sant, and Robert Mapplethorpe have exhibited their photographs at Fotografiska.
Fotografiska also features a book and souvenir shop, and the café on the top floor offers one of the city's best viewpoints. In addition, the museum has a delicious gourmet restaurant, focusing on vegetarian dishes. However, meat and fish options are also available if you prefer. The restaurant is also recommended in Star Wine List's overview of the best wine cellars in Stockholm.
2. Skansen
Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51
Skansen is one of the most searched for terms internationally when it comes to cultural experiences and museums in Stockholm. And it's just as popular among Swedes themselves.
Located in Kungliga nationalstadsparken, the park is both a zoo and the world's oldest open-air museum. You can easily spend an entire day here, at least. So, what's there to see?
Besides the beautiful scenery and views, you'll find an authentic traditional Swedish atmosphere, as both Midsummer and Walpurgis Night are celebrated here. Skansen also has an aquarium, making it the perfect spot for an idyllic family day.
For those planning an impromptu proposal, Skansen has a long tradition of offering a drop-in wedding day, with the date for 2023 set for 10th June.
Civil ceremonies can be conducted in Swedish, English, French, German, Spanish, Persian, or Greek.
3. ABBA The Museum
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 68
Who's your family's Dancing Queen? No matter what mood you're in when entering these doors, you'll be dancing by the time you leave.
As its name implies, ABBA The Museum tells the story of the 1970s Swedish pop group featuring Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
You'll see costumes, gold records, and a journey through nostalgia and memories of the world-famous stars.
The museum is also packed with interactive delights, such as quizzes, photo sessions, and music mixing. You can even try your hand on stage as the fifth ABBA member. Bring your family or friends for a perfect pre-party museum experience.
4. Vasa Museum
Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14
The warship Vasa is Sweden's great pride. Or at least it was supposed to be... Vasa is actually the world's best-preserved 17th-century ship, and you can see this artistic treasure in Stockholm. It's anything but boring; the story is captivating, and it's impressive to see the gigantic ship in real life. A quick introduction before your visit:
Vasa was commissioned by the Swedish King Gustav II Adolf and as many as 400 men and women were involved in building the vessel. The ship had three masts and ten sails and was 69 meters long. It sank on its very first voyage in 1628. It then remained at the bottom of the sea for 333 years before being raised to the surface. You learn more about its fascinating history at the Vasa Museum, one of the capital's most popular attractions.
5. The Nordic Museum
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6–16
Simply put: this museum showcases life in Sweden and the Nordic region from the 16th century to the present day. Founded in 1872 by Arthur Hazelius, it is located on Djurgården. The Nordic Museum is Sweden's largest cultural history museum, allowing you to learn some useful facts (and plenty of trivia) while admiring the beautiful building, both inside and out. You can experience a 1940s kitchen and the children can enjoy interactive experiences. You can also let yourself be inspired by cool Stockholm style with a lesson on fashion through the ages!
6. The Technical Museum
Address: Museivägen 7
There's nothing more tempting than touching and exploring things you're learning about, and that's exactly what you are allowed to do at The Technical Museum. The keywords here are testing, curiosity, innovation, experiences, and, of course, science and technology. Suitable for everyone and all ages.
7. Drottningholm Palace
Address: Drottningholms Slott Slottsstallet 11
It's impossible to visit Stockholm without engaging a bit with the royal family. The southern part of Drottningholm Palace has been the official residence of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia since 1981.
The palace is located on Lovön in Lake Mälaren in Ekerö, about 10 kilometres outside the city centre. You can get there by train, bus, bike, or boat.
This beautiful building, representing some of the finest European and royal architecture from the 17th century, is well worth the trip. The palace is also on UNESCO's list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites.
Here, you can sign up for a guided tour or explore the palace park on your own. This is also a very family-friendly activity, as you can borrow a map and go on a treasure hunt for detailed images inside the palace.
Who is the family's best royal detective?
8. The Stockholm Toy Museum
Address: Svensksundsvägen 5
The Stockholm Toy Museum, also called Bergrummet, is a nostalgic journey for adults and good fun for children. Here, you will find toys from the 15th century, as well as more modern spaceships, Tintin figures, Barbies, and Disney characters, along with comic books. Here, you can ignore your phone and experience all the fun toys. The coolest part is that the museum is located in the military's underground tunnels. And it's just a stone's throw from the Moderna Museet...
9. Moderna Museet
Address: Exercisplan 4
Moderna Museet is Stockholm's answer to the Tate Modern in London. Here, you will find Sweden's largest collection of modern art, featuring works by famous names like Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, as well as many contemporary artists. The museum moved into new premises on Skeppsholmen in 1998, in a building designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The best tip is to keep an eye on their website for current installations and exhibitions. And do set aside some time, since the area around Moderna Museet is also worth exploring, as it is full of sculptures.
10. Spritmuseum
Address: Djurgårdsstrand 9
Before heading to this museum, you may want to practice this drinking song:
Helan går, Sing hopp falleri faderallan lej, Helan går, Sing hopp faderallan lej. And he who doesn't take the whole, He doesn't get the half either, Helan gåååååååår
As the name suggests, Spritmuseum (The Spirits Museum) is a museum about drinking culture, and one famous Swedish tradition is snaps songs. At the museum, you'll learn about drinking songs, how alcohol is made, and alcohol laws and trends. Would you like to know what a whiskey stick is? You can also book a private viewing, along with whatever you'd like to sample in your glass, while absorbing new knowledge about the history of Swedish spirits. Cheers and have a great museum tour!
Find centrally located hotels in Stockholm here.
Photo: Maverix, Katla Studios and Johan Eldrot
Accommodation for the culturally inclined
Clarion Collection® Hotel Wellington is less than 15-minutes’ walk from Djurgårdsbron, where you'll find several of Stockholm's top museums. The hotel not only has an excellent location but breakfast, afternoon fika, and dinner are also included in the price of your stay. The Wellington also has a sauna, and several rooms have balconies and views. On top of that, you're just a few minutes away from the party street Stureplan when you're ready to step out for the evening. You could start with bubbles at Clarion Collection® Hotel Wellington's lounge bar. Check into comfortable, stress-free accommodation that's both cultural and social!
