Swedish History Museum Stockholm
Explore Sweden's rich past, from the Viking Age to medieval times, with dazzling gold treasures and engaging historical narratives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Swedish History Museum Stockholm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Sweden's rich past, from the Viking Age to medieval times, with dazzling gold treasures and engaging historical narratives.
"One of the best museums we've ever been to, with genuine artifacts and a journey through time."
🎯 Prioritize Viking & Gold
Focus on the Viking World and Gold Room for the most impactful exhibits .
🎧 Consider an Audioguide
Enhance your understanding, especially for Viking and Money exhibitions .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gold Room
Viking Era Exhibition
Marvel at a dazzling collection of gold artifacts from Sweden's past, a true treasure trove.
Viking World
Viking Era Exhibition
Step back in time to experience Viking life with immersive displays and interactive elements.
Medieval Ecclesiastical Art
Medieval Era Exhibition
Explore intricate religious art and artifacts that tell the story of Sweden's medieval period.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Focus on Viking and Medieval Eras
English Translations & Audioguides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Prioritize Viking & Gold
Focus on the Viking World and Gold Room for the most impactful exhibits.+1
🎧 Consider an Audioguide
Enhance your understanding, especially for Viking and Money exhibitions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours, or a full day if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Prioritize Viking & Gold
Focus on the Viking World and Gold Room for the most impactful exhibits.+1
🎧 Consider an Audioguide
Enhance your understanding, especially for Viking and Money exhibitions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3-4 hours, or a full day if possible.
💳 Check for City Cards
Admission may be covered by tourist city cards.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Swedish History Museum for its rich collections, particularly the Viking and medieval eras, and the stunning Gold Room. The engaging presentation and accessibility for English speakers are frequently highlighted, making it a highly recommended cultural experience. Some minor points of improvement include a desire for more English translations in certain exhibits and the need for comfortable shoes due to the extensive displays.
"The experience was rich with fascinating details, especially the medieval period and earlier history. The atmosphere and architecture were inspiring, and the way the stories were presented made the journey through time even more engaging. It was both interesting and thought-provoking, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves history and culture."
Nouf A
"It was one of the best museums we've ever been to. A huge collection of genuine artefacts, nicely displayed and described. There is so much to see you need a whole day here. There are practical demonstrations of old crafts. A lovely cafe where we had lunch. Nice gift shop."
P
"Amazing museum to get to know Swedish history starting from pre-historic era till modern days. There are many sections with interactive exhibits, like watching a viking house with a VR or explanation of how to save the money best etc. Viking world and money exhibitions are best I think. The stuff was very friendly. I think it's better to get an audioguide, because the Viking World and Money exhibitions have, but the rest doesn't have proper English descriptions, you'll need the booklets to read every time. Overall, I highly recommend to visit it, definitely worth spending time"
Bakir Yunusov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Swedish History Museum (Historiska Museet) is located at Narvavägen 13-17. It's easily accessible by public transport. You can take buses like 69 or 76, or the Djurgården tram to the 'Djurgårdsbron' stop, followed by a short walk. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the city center.
Yes, the museum is situated on the island of Djurgården, which is home to many other popular Stockholm attractions like Skansen and the Vasa Museum. This makes it convenient to combine visits.
Limited street parking may be available nearby, but it's often easier and more convenient to use public transportation due to the museum's central location and the popularity of the area.
Yes, it's a scenic walk from the city center, especially if you enjoy exploring Stockholm's waterfront. It typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
From Arlanda Airport, you can take the Arlanda Express train to Stockholm Central Station, then transfer to public transport (bus or tram) to reach the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but it's generally an affordable museum. Many visitors mention that the Stockholm Pass or City Card covers admission, so check if you have one.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, can save you time and guarantee entry. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Opening hours can change seasonally. It's best to check the official Swedish History Museum website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's website for details on reduced admission rates.
Yes, the Stockholm Pass often includes admission to the Swedish History Museum, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Gold Room, the Viking World exhibition, and the Medieval Ecclesiastical Art are highly recommended. Visitors also praise the extensive collection of genuine artifacts and the engaging presentation of Swedish history from pre-historic times to the modern day.+1
Yes, kids often enjoy the interactive exhibits, especially in the Viking World. Posing with swords and helmets, and hunting for runes can be fun for younger visitors.
While many exhibits have English translations, some sections, like the Viking World and Money exhibitions, might benefit from an audioguide or accompanying booklets for full English descriptions.
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 3-4 hours to explore the museum thoroughly. Some suggest it could easily take a full day if you want to absorb everything.
The museum occasionally hosts practical demonstrations of old crafts and reenactments, particularly in the Viking exhibition, which can add an extra layer of engagement to your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe where visitors can enjoy lunch or refreshments. It's described as having a good variety of food and drink.
Generally, it's best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or the cafe. Check the museum's specific policy on outside food.
Being located on Djurgården, there are several cafes and restaurants within walking distance, especially if you head towards other attractions on the island.
The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages, catering to a range of tastes.
Yes, the cafe is generally family-friendly and provides a convenient spot for a break during your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography might be restricted to protect artifacts. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions.
The Gold Room is incredibly photogenic due to the shimmering artifacts. The Viking World, with its immersive displays, also offers unique photo opportunities.
Professional photography or videography usually requires prior permission from the museum. Contact their press or visitor services department for inquiries.
Visiting on weekday mornings, right when the museum opens, will offer the best opportunities for unobstructed photos with fewer people in the background.
Some sensitive exhibits or temporary displays might have 'no photography' signs. It's important to respect these rules to preserve the artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum is generally family-friendly, consider bringing an audioguide for the more detailed exhibits, as not all information might be immediately accessible to children. The museum cafe also provides a convenient spot for a break and refreshments, making it easier to manage a longer visit with little ones. Planning your visit around the opening hours to avoid peak crowds can also make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
While the museum offers a broad sweep, some specialized archaeologists might find certain areas less in-depth than a dedicated archaeological site. However, the quality of the displays and the contextual information provided are generally excellent. Consider focusing on specific periods that pique your interest, such as the detailed Viking exhibits or the ecclesiastical art from the Middle Ages, to maximize your learning experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Consider using an audioguide to make the most of your solo exploration, especially if English descriptions are limited in certain sections.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Viking Legacy at Historiska Museet
Many visitors highlight the interactive elements within the Viking exhibition. While specific details can change, past features have included VR experiences of Viking life and opportunities to learn about their runes and mythology. The museum aims to make history engaging, especially for younger audiences, with elements like posing with swords and helmets.
Beyond the artifacts, the museum often features reenactors or demonstrations of Viking crafts, bringing the past to life in a dynamic way. This adds an extra layer of authenticity and educational value to the visit. For those keen on understanding Sweden's foundational history, the Viking exhibition at Historiska Museet is an unmissable highlight.
Treasures of the Gold Room and Medieval Sweden
Complementing the ancient treasures, the museum also offers a deep dive into Medieval Sweden. This section showcases ecclesiastical art, religious artifacts, and items that illustrate the societal and cultural shifts during the Middle Ages. The displays are thoughtfully curated, providing context and narrative to the objects, allowing visitors to understand the religious and political landscape of the time.
Together, the Gold Room and the Medieval exhibitions provide a compelling narrative of Sweden's historical development. From the glittering riches of ancient times to the spiritual and artistic expressions of the Middle Ages, these collections offer a rich and educational journey through significant periods of Swedish history. The presentation is often praised for being engaging and informative, making complex historical periods accessible to a broad audience.
Navigating the Museum: Tips for a Better Visit
For those who want to delve deeper into the narratives, an audioguide is often recommended, particularly for the Viking World and Money exhibitions, as English descriptions might be less prevalent in some areas.
Finally, keep an eye out for potential cost savings. Some visitors mention that admission might be covered by tourist city cards like the Stockholm Pass, which can be a great way to manage expenses if you plan on visiting multiple attractions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit