Djurgården is an island and district with a rich history, beautiful green spaces and a wide range of cultural attractions. It is part of the Royal National City Park (Nationalstadsparken) and still retains its royal connections with several historic buildings.
Things to see and do in Djurgården
Museums
ABBA the Museum is simply a must-visit for fans of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. The museum is an immersive experience where you can relive the band’s journey from their early days to global superstardom.
Skansen is the world’s largest open-air museum, and allows you to have a glimpse into Swedish history and culture. The museum is a combination of a cultural museum and a zoo, showing Swedish life from different regions and historical periods.
The Vasa Museum houses the world’s best preserved 17th-century ship, the Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The museum features exhibitions that delve into the ship’s history, its construction, the reasons for its sinking, and the archaeological efforts that led to its recovery. The main attraction is the massive and meticulously restored warship, adorned with detailed carvings and sculptures.
The Nordic Museum is dedicated to the cultural history of Sweden and the Nordic region, covering everything from everyday life to traditional customs. Their permanent exhibition takes you through the history of 500 years in Sweden. They also frequently host several temporary exhibitions focusing on different aspects of life in the North.
Vrak – Museum of Wrecks is Stockholm’s newest maritime museum focusing on underwater archaeology and shipwrecks found in the Baltic Sea. Compared to the Vasa Museum this is another take on experiencing historical ships. The ships have been left untouched at the bottom of the sea, and the museum lets you explore these ship wrecks with the help of digital technology.
Museum of Spirits offers a fun and educational journey through Sweden’s relationship with alcohol, particularly focusing on vodka and the famed Absolut brand. It explores Sweden’s drinking culture, traditions, and the history of the country’s temperance movement.
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde is an art museum and a former royal residence, originally belonging to Prince Eugene, who also was an artist as well as a patron of the arts. The museum has a large permanent collection of Swedish art and also shows the preserved interiors of Prince Eugen’s home.
Art Galleries
Liljevalchs is an art gallery with several exhibitions throughout the year, covering contemporary and modern art, photography and design. Their spring exhibition, called Vårsalongen, is especially popular where they exhibit artwork from both emerging and established artists.
Thielska Galleriet is an art gallery housed in an art nouveau villa. The gallery was founded by Ernest Thiel, a banker and art collector who was an influential patron of Swedish artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The gallery showcases Thiel’s extensive collection of Nordic art, including masterpieces by Edvard Munch, Carl Larsson, and Bruno Liljefors.
Activities
The Royal National City Park (Nationalstadsparken) is the world’s first national city park, established in 1995. The park includes Djurgården, Haga, Ulriksdal, and Fjäderholmarna. The park area at Djurgården spans over 279 hectares (1.08 square miles) making it one of the largest green spaces in central Stockholm, offering a blend of nature, culture, and history. This is an oasis of greenery and tranquility, with lush forests, meadows, and waterfront views. It’s perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or renting a bike to explore the park.
Gröna Lund is Sweden’s oldest amusement park, founded in 1883. Located on Djurgården island, this historic park offers a mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Gröna Lund is also known for its music scene, hosting outdoor concerts with both local and international artists. The stage has seen performances by legends like Bob Marley, Lady Gaga, and The Hives. During the summer, the park comes alive with live music several nights a week.
Restaurants in Djurgården
Ulla Winbladh serves traditional Swedish dishes, often using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is located in a charming building reminiscent of a 19th century inn, with a cozy yet upscale dining experience.
Slipen serves European cuisine and their interior design reflects their maritime setting. The restaurant is located in a refurbished old shipyard building right on the waterfront. The industrial decor gives a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, and the large windows offer a view towards Beckholmen island; an island associated with its rich maritime history and significance to the city’s shipping industry.
Villa Godthem serves traditional Swedish food with a modern touch. It’s set in a 19th century villa, with a warm and nostalgic ambiance. One of their specialties is their “Plankstek”, which is meat served on a wooden plank with mashed potatoes and sauce.
Aira is a Michelin-star restaurant that combines modern Nordic cuisine with fine dining. The menu is crafted by the Swedish star chef Tommy Myllymäki. They are known for their tasting menus that change with the seasons and highlight the best of Nordic ingredients.
Villa Källhagen offers modern Swedish cuisine, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is located inside the Villa Källhagen hotel, right by the water’s edge on Djurgården near Gärdet, offering beautiful views of the Djurgårdsbrunn canal.
Cafés in Djurgården
Blå Porten is a great spot for a fika, with its spacious interior and cozy, old-fashioned charm. If you want to get something to eat, they also serve traditional Swedish dishes alongside a variety of pastries and cakes. It’s located right next to the art gallery Liljevachs which makes it a perfect stop after a visit to the gallery. During spring and summer, their inner courtyard opens up into a lush garden, offering plenty of seating options for a relaxing break.
Rosendals trädgårdskafé is a delightful spot for nature lovers, offering seating both indoors and outdoors among flourishing greenery. The garden café, surrounded by biodynamic vegetable gardens, flower beds, and apple orchards, offers a serene and rustic atmosphere. It focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients, often using produce that is grown on-site. Their menu includes fresh salads, soups, homemade breads, pastries, and lemonades made with ingredients from their garden.
Flickorna Helin offers a mix of traditional Swedish pastries, cakes, and light lunch options. The café is located in a historical villa offering views of the water and the nearby amusement park Gröna Lund. The setting is charmingly traditional with a classic Swedish touch.
Arturs kafé serves a selection of light meals, including salads, sandwiches, and homemade pastries, many with a Scandinavian touch. It’s located in the yellow building next to Skansen’s Hazelius entrance – the one with the funicular railway – right by the open-air museum.
Bars in Djurgården
The restaurant at the Museum of Spirits is well worth visiting, especially for its exceptional bar. Specializing in Swedish flavors and craft spirits, it offers outstanding aquavit-based cocktails and a selection of artisanal drinks. You’ll find a variety of aquavits infused with traditional Scandinavian spices and herbs, alongside local favorites like Swedish gins and vodkas. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink before or after exploring the museum or strolling around Djurgården.”
The bar at restaurant Djurgårdsbron has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, combining classic and contemporary elements. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day exploring Djurgården or the nearby museums. Their spacious outdoor seating area,located right by the waterfront near the bridge connecting Djurgården to the mainland, makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
Luxury hotels in Djurgården
Villa Källhagen exudes a cozy boutique charm, with interiors inspired by nature. Large windows, plenty of natural light, and wooden accents create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many rooms offer stunning views of the water or the surrounding park. The on-site restaurant highlights Nordic cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients, and a charming outdoor terrace is open for dining during the warmer months.
Mid-range hotels in Djurgården
Hotel Hasselbacken has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, reflected in its elegant, timeless interiors. Expect grand chandeliers, plush furnishings, and a traditional yet sophisticated vibe. The spacious rooms feature Scandinavian design, with some offering private patios or even private saunas. The hotel also includes a restaurant serving both Swedish and international cuisine.
Backstage Hotel is conveniently located in the same building as ABBA the Museum, close to many of the other attractions at Djurgården. The hotel features a sleek, modern Scandinavian design. Its on-site restaurant, Konsthallen, serves a mix of Swedish and international cuisine.
Budget hotels in Djurgården
There are no budget hotels in Djurgården.
Hostels in Djurgården
There are no hostels in Djurgården.