With the largest archipelago in Sweden which incidentally has been named by the National Geographic as one of the best places to visit in 2025, breathtaking beauty, compelling historical and cultural experiences, Stockholm is a city that wears several aces up its sleeve. The capital of Sweden and the Scandinavian region, Stockholm is a city for all seasons and a traveller’s delight. Whether is the red-brick City Hall, the eclectic old town aka Gamla Stan, the serene Kungsträdgården, the panoramic waterfront or its bustling gastronomic scene, Stockholm has something for every kind of traveller. And if museum hopping is your beat, Stockholm does not disappoint. The city is home to several engaging and compelling museums that span history, architecture, science, culture and more. Here are five museums to visit if you are on a museum trail in Stockholm.
Nobel Prize Museum: There is little doubt that the Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious prizes awarded for exemplary work in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences. But did you know that these prizes (except the one for Economic Sciences) were instituted by the great Alfred Nobel in 1895 have been given since 1901? Or the fact that Economic Sciences prize was instituted in 1969? Well, discover the history and legacy behind the Nobel prize in the Nobel prize museum located in Gamla Stan. This insightful museum has several displays in terms of object, photographs, models and memorabilia related to these awards. Apart from covering the trail-blazing life of Alfred Nobel and his inventions including dynamite, the museum covers aspects related to the actual award, personal objects belonging to the winners and their intrinsic connection to the prize and even the famous Nobel banquet. It is an interesting place for both children and adults alike and with a children’s activity area and the inhouse Nobel Bistro, it is an ideal outing for the entire family.
ABBA Museum: if you are a fan of ABBA, who are arguably one of the most famous and successful pop bands in the world, this museum located on the island of Djurgården in the city must be on your list. With colourful interiors and ABBA’s popular chartbusters playing in the background, the vibe of the museum is filled with foot tapping energy to say the least.
On display are details about the childhood lives of the quartet, Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, how they met and how the band was formed. From their victory at the Eurovision in 1974 to the dizzying heights of fame achieved by the band, the museum captures the life and times of the band in details. Apart from several photo-ops you can also choose to sing with them as the fifth member of the band! A wonderful place indeed that makes you walk in and dance out, just like how the sign at the entrance tells you!
VASA Museum: often touted as one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia, the Vasa Museum displays the impeccably preserved 17th century 64-gun warship, Vasa that sunk on its maiden voyage. Apart from the main ship, the display includes interesting details on how it the ship was salvaged, archaeological findings and Swedish life in the 17th century. The best part of the museum is that visitors can actually go inside and take a look the ship including the complex systems, crew cabins and the like. There is also a film about the ship that is screened at regular intervals in English and Swedish in the museum.
Viking Museum: Yet another insightful museum to visit when in Stockholm is the Viking Museum where visitors take a step back in time and learn all about the Viking era which historians believe stretched from the late 8th century to the 11th century. The highly interactive museum covers myths, beliefs and the Viking way of life. From the Viking ships and weapons to the coins they used, the food they ate and their attire, the museum covers all aspects in great detail. Further, there is information on the important Viking sites in Sweden, their religious beliefs, temples etc. One can also go on a Viking ride which is as exciting as informative and greatly enjoyed by both adults and children alike.
Skansen: if architecture and culture is your calling, Skansen which is also the world’s oldest open-air museum must not be missed. Discover a wide range of traditional and historic houses including a church, school, bakery, pharmacy, post office, a tinsmith’s workshop and several residences of the yesteryears. Here you can also experience a slice of the Nordic life with farmstead, native wildlife, domestic animals etc.
You can also catch fairs where Swedish men and women dress up in local attire and sell a large range of traditional snacks, handmade craft items, artefacts, homemade bread etc. There are special games, activities for children as well as an interesting show of native rituals, traditions and customs. It is similar to Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum in Brienz, Switzerland.
Click here and here to read about other interesting museums in Europe.
