Stockholm Museums: The 10 Best Museums from Vasa ship to Nobel Prize

Stockholm Museums: A panoramic view of Stockholm in Sweden

Stockholm, the capital of Scandinavia, has a wide range of places of interest – especially some really good museums. This article gives you a small selection of worthy Stockholm museums or exhibitions for cold or rainy days. And believe me, Sweden has a lot of it.

Let me say this straight: The ticket prices of the most Stockholm museums are a bit higher compared to Germany, for example, but the museums on this list are absolutely worth the entry fee.

1. Vasa Museum – One of the oldest preserved ships in the world

Stockholm Museums: Das Vasa Schiff im Vasa Museum in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: The Vasa ship is a must-see during a visit to Stockholm

The Vasa museum is an absolute must-do for any Stockholm visitor. The Vasa is the original restoration of the famous ship that sank in the harbor of Stockholm on its maiden voyage in August 1628. After the ship was lost for a long time, it was rediscovered and raised in the 60s. It was then preserved and restored by using the original wooden parts. Additionally the museum gives you a good overview of the life in the historic Stockholm, of the salvage and restoration.

It also hosts a cinema that shows a film of how the vessel was discovered in the 60s and salvaged with funds of the royals. 

2. Skansen Open-Air Museum – Welcome to historic Sweden!

Stockholm Museum: Das Skansen Freilichtmuseum in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: The Skansen Open-Air Museum is not only for nature lovers

The Open-Air Museum Skansen gives a good impression of the Swedish history and wildlife. You are able to observe bears, wolves and, of course, elks. On the weekends, the historical life of Sweden and the swedish culture is performed by amateur actors.

In autumn and winter the Skansen Open-Air Museum is worth a visit even more, as the terrain will tempt you with a very unique and pleasant homely atmosphere, including cosy log cabins where you can buy a swedish sort of mulled wine, the so called Glögg. Because of the government alcohol monopoly this mulled wine is free of alcohol.

3. Moderna Museet: Modern Art to Z

Stockholm Museums: The Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm museums: The Moderna Museet surprised every few months with new exhibitions

The Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm offers a wide range of modern art. The exhibitions are changing every couple of month. I once visited the exhibition „Turner, Monet and Twombly“ in 2011. There are also some interesting sculptures in the park in front of the museum. This includes the famous sculpture „The four elements“ of Alexander Calder. One real museum in this list of Stockholm Museums.

4. Stadshuset: Feel like a nobel prize winner

Stockholm Museums: A panoramic view of the Stadshuset in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: The Stadshuset is the place where the Nobel Prize Winners dine

You might have seen it on television: the Nobel Prize dinner takes place in the Stadshuset, the Stockholm City Hall, once a year, namely in December. A guided tour is really exciting – especially the Byzantine-inspired golden hall and the hall blue (that is not blue at all) are very impressive. If you want to enjoy a Nobel prize dinner, just visit the restaurant Stadshuskällaren.

The tower of the building with a height of 73 meters is open to visitors during the summer months. From up there you have a wonderful view over the city of Stockholm. The tower is topped with the city arms of Stockholm, the three crowns (Tre Kronor).

5. The Royal Palace of Stockholm: Visiting the royals

Stockholm Museum: Der schwedische Königliche Palast in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: In the Royal Palace the changing of the guard is highly recommended

The Royal Palace of Stockholm, His Majesty The King’s official residence, lies in the old town „Gamla Stan“. Besides that, the connected Three-Crowns-Museum is worth a visit, too. Keep in mind that the ticket is valid for the palace, the treasury, the palace church and the museum. You are able to explore the palace and immerse in the world of the royals.

The daily change of the guards at the palace is free of charge and is moderated in Swedish and English language.

6. Stockholm Museums “Nordiska Museet”: Swedish culture par excellence

Stockholm Museum: Das Nordiska Museet in Stockholm von außen
Stockholm museum: What looks more like a castle, is actually a museum

If you want to learn more about the Swedish tradition and culture, the Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum) on the island of Djurgården is the place to visit. This museum provides a deep insight into the Swedish culture, special festivals such as the Midsummer Festival or typical Swedish customs.

Hint: You should absolutely borrow the free audio guide at the ticket counter.

An even better hint: In the winter months (from September to May), the admission is free on Wednesdays after 5 pm.

7. Fotografiska – Images, Images, Images

Stockholm Museum: Das Fotografiska in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: The museum Fotografiska is a mecca for fans of photography

A visit to The Swedish Museum of Photography “Fotografiska” is not only rewarding for all aspiring photographers. Depending on the exhibition, people, animals or places are portrayed and films about the artists are shown. The exhibitions are changing frequently every few months. There are multiple exhibitions at the same time, so I’m pretty sure that there should be images for every kind of taste.

If you want to buy cameraaccessories or replicas of the exhibited images, the shop of the museum might also be worth a visit.

8. Junibacken: Your Swedish dream

Stockholm Museum: Ein Teil der Ausstellung im Junibacken in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: For all fans of Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter and many more

Young and old fans of Astrid Lindgren alike should not miss the (children’s) museum „Junibacken“. The entrance fee is quite expensive, but worth the investment. 

Of course, the stories of Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, Ronia the Robber’s Daughter or Kalle Blomquist are commonly known. Imagine that there is even a train going through the scenery of different stories which alone is worth the admission fee. Unfortunately, you should expect longer waiting times especially during the holiday season.

9. Butterfly House and Tropical House: Where to escape the winter

Stockholm Museums: The Butterfly House in Stockholm
Stockholm museums: Meet thousands and thousands of butterflies

If it is really cold outside – and in winter it is often cold in Stockholm – a visit to the butterfly  house and tropical house is a good place to warm up. At 27 degrees you can soak up the heat and take a break from winter.

Beside the butterflies and the caterpillar breeding station, one can also observe fish and other tropical animals. More than one or two hours of time are not required.

10. Television tower Kaknästornet: The most beautiful view

Stockholm Museum: Der Fernsehturm Kaknästornet im Abendrot
Stockholm museum: The TV-Tower Kaknästornet combines great views with coffee and best photo opportunities

The most instructive museum ABOUT a city is still the view from ABOVE a city. Just as the TV tower Kaknästornet, which is quite inexpensive (admission fee is 50 SEK). 

The tower gives you a really great view over the city and is an absolute must-do activity for first-time visitors. With 155 meters it is the tallest building accessible for tourists in Stockholm. If the weather is good, a short walk to the tower through the large park of the district of Djurgården is recommended. If you don’t want to walk to the tower, just take one of the busses.

Special hint: For Photographers this is maybe best of the Stockholm museums. Why? Here your are able to lend a key for the photo hatches of the observation deck for free at the cafe and shoot some stunning photos of Stockholm. The prices for coffee and a cake are pretty fair (around 30 SEK for a cup of coffee).

More Articles on Sweden Travel:

Kiruna in Sweden – The Northern Lights and a Dog sled ride

  1. Dave Cole says:

    I can’t believe how many great museums Stockholm offers! The Vasa ship looks like an excellent spot for anyone who enjoys maritime history or just being on the water. Of these 10, the “can’t miss” ones for me would be the ship and the photography museum. Photography exhibits are always such a great source of inspiration in terms of angles and approaches.

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      Both Museums are pretty good. I’ve been there several times. Thanks for your reply.

      Reply
      • Christine H says:

        I loved the Vasa museum the most out of all the ones I visited in Stockholm. There are a couple museums on the island of Gotland I liked better.

  2. Great post! I would definitely love the Moderna Museet.

    Reply
  3. Axelle says:

    Oh my god, now I want to go to Sweden too!

    Reply
  4. Bonjournal says:

    This is a great list. There is a lot to explore in Stockholm.

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      Stocklholm really has a lot of places to visit. There is a Museum for every taste.

      Reply
  5. Karen Warren says:

    I’ve never been to Stockholm but I loved the small amount I’ve seen of Sweden and would like to go back. This looks like a great selection of museums.

    Reply
  6. Anne Klien says:

    Lovely tips for Sweden , its on my bucketlist

    Reply
  7. Revati says:

    Had no clue such interesting museums existed! Putting the ship and the castle on our bucket list right away!

    Reply
  8. Even though I have been to Stockholm many times, there are so many museums I did not visit! I can se that I have missed something here so thanks for all these useful tips. Great post.

    Reply
  9. The Scandinavian countries are very pricey, so I’m not surprised that these museums are expensive. This makes your overview all the more helpful.

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      Thanks a lot. There are a lot of places for a small Budget as well… maybe i will write about that, too.

      Reply
  10. Lauren says:

    It seems like there is a museum for every taste and interest there – fantastic! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      Thanks for your reply.I really loved the amount of muesum in Stockholm. There is a lot more to discover…

      Reply
  11. I have seen way too many natural history and archeology museums and definitely way too many museums filled with medieval religious art. So when I travel I like to look for unique museums that are a little bit out of the ordinary. I have never been to Stockholm, but I think would enjoy the Vasa Museum and the Royal Palace the most.

    Reply
  12. Marie-Carmen says:

    I’ve never been to Stockholm but I wouldn’t say no to visit some of those museums! Mainly the first one! It looks awesome!

    Reply
  13. Brianna says:

    I’d previously heard about the Vasa, looks like I’ve got some other places to stop in Stockholm now.

    Reply
  14. Its been a while since I have been to stockholm. The only museum I remember clearly was the Techology museum but we also passed by a few of the spots in your shots, We also managed to catch the changing of guards just by chance while walking randomly near the Palace

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      I was in the Musuem for Technology as well. It was pretty small, compared to the german museum for technology in Munich. There are several other museum next to the Technology Museum as well: Ethnographic Museum, Police Museum, Shipmuseum (which is free of charge) and a lot more. In Stockholm there are several smaller Museum as well…

      Reply
  15. Well that is a lot of museums, I neve r knew Stockholm had so many museums. I love museums about fairty tales and old stories so I think Junibacken would be our fave place – very cool thanks for sharing. Sweden is on our list to travel next year – we will for sure use your sight as a reference. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Loving this so much. Vasa is my favourite museum ever, that ship is absolutely gobsmacking! I also likes Skansen and I’d love to go back to check out the photo museum!

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      Skansen and the Vasa is definitely worth a visit. I visited it several times… and still would visit it again.

      Reply
  17. Jessica says:

    Bookmarking this list for when I make it to Sweden 🙂 The Vasa Museum looks fascinating and I am intrigued by Nordiska Museet. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  18. These look like some interesting and inspiring museums and locations. I’m particularly interested to visit the Nobel Peace Prize location, Stadshuset. How many days do you think it would take to visit all of them (without rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off)?

    Reply
    • Simon says:

      If you just want to visit Stadshuset and the Nobel Price Museum, two days should be enough. If you want to visit all of them, 4-7 days should be a good start.

      Reply
  19. Andre says:

    great list, been to almost all of it.

    and ABBA Museum deserves a mention, it is so much funny!

    Reply

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