Djurgården Travel Guide

Djurgården is home to some of Stockholm's best attractions. This travel guide covers the highlights, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Djurgården

Nestled on the island of Djurgården in the heart of Stockholm, this idyllic oasis is one of the city’s most treasured gems. Djurgården is home to several of Stockholm’s best attractions, including museums, amusement parks, and natural wonders. Whether you are seeking a culturally enriching experience or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Djurgården has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Djurgården

Djurgården is a hub of cultural riches and natural beauty. Some of the most popular places to visit on the island include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Vasa Museum: This world-famous maritime museum houses the stunningly preserved 17th-century warship Vasa.
  • ABBA The Museum: This interactive museum celebrates the music and legacy of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA.
  • Skansen Open-Air Museum: Experience Sweden’s cultural and natural history through this living museum featuring historic buildings and Scandinavian wildlife.

Natural Attractions of Djurgården: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rosendals Trädgård: Wander through the beautiful gardens of Rosendals Trädgård and enjoy a cup of coffee at their popular café.
  • Djurgården Canal: Take a leisurely boat ride through the picturesque Djurgården Canal.
  • Djurgården Wildlife Park: Get up close and personal with native Swedish wildlife such as moose, lynx, and brown bear.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Djurgården

Djurgården boasts several scenic hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the island’s natural wonders. A few popular routes include:

  • Djurgårdsbrunnskanalen Loop: This easy 4.3-mile route provides views of Djurgården’s wildlife, gardens, and waterways.
  • Utsikten Loop: This intermediate 5.2-mile bike route offers stunning views of Stockholm and its surrounding archipelago.
  • Sjöhistoriska Rundan: This 9.3-mile route takes bikers through several of Djurgården’s museums and parks while offering beautiful water views.

Best Things to Do in Djurgården: Activities and Tours

Visitors to Djurgården can enjoy a wide array of activities and tours, including:

  • Gröna Lund: This amusement park has been an island staple for over 100 years, offering thrilling rides and live entertainment.
  • Royal Canal Tour: This guided boat tour takes visitors through the canals of Stockholm and offers a unique view of the city.
  • Kayak Tour: Paddle through the serene waters of Djurgården on a guided kayak tour, experiencing the island’s natural beauty up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Djurgården

Day 1: Explore Skansen and the Vasa Museum. Day 2: Take a bike tour of the island, ending at Djurgården Wildlife Park. Day 3: Enjoy the rides and entertainment at Gröna Lund. Day 4: Take a royal canal tour of Stockholm. Day 5: Visit ABBA The Museum and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Rosendals Trädgård. Day 6: Go on a guided kayak tour of Djurgården’s waterways. Day 7: Wrap up your trip with a walk through the gardens of Djurgården.

Food and Drink Scene of Djurgården

Djurgården’s food scene is influenced by Swedish cuisine and the island’s natural bounty. Some popular dishes to try include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smörgåsbord: A traditional Swedish spread featuring cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and bread.
  • Räksmörgås: A classic sandwich featuring shrimp, egg, and mayonnaise.
  • Gravlax: Wild salmon cured in sugar, salt, and dill.

Local Beverages

  • Glögg: A mulled wine often enjoyed during the winter holidays.
  • Påskmust: A carbonated, malt-based soda commonly available during Easter.
  • Swedish Schnapps: A traditional spirit often served with pickled herring.

Where to Stay in Djurgården: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Djurgården has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. Some popular options include:

  • Elite Hotel Marina Tower: A luxury hotel overlooking Stockholm’s harbor.
  • Hotel Skeppsholmen: A contemporary hotel housed in a former barracks.
  • STF Gärdet Hotel & Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel offering private rooms and dormitory accommodations.

What to Buy in Djurgården: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Djurgården is home to several shops offering unique souvenirs and local products. Some popular items to bring home include:

  • Traditional Swedish handicrafts such as wood carvings and woolen mittens.
  • Swedish candy such as salted licorice and chocolate-covered almonds.
  • Swedish glassware such as Kosta Boda and Orrefors.

Local Culture and Customs of Djurgården

Sweden is known for its friendly and welcoming culture. Visitors to Djurgården can expect to encounter a warm and hospitable atmosphere, where punctuality and personal space are highly valued.

Best Time to Visit Djurgården

Djurgården is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to visit will depend on your interests. The island is at its most beautiful during the summer months, when the gardens and waterways are in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Djurgården

Do:

  • Do respect the island’s natural beauty and take care to leave it unspoiled.
  • Do take time to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.
  • Do embrace Swedish customs such as fika (a coffee and pastry break) and outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or engage in behaviors that could harm the environment.
  • Don’t assume that everyone speaks English, learn a few Swedish phrases.
  • Don’t expect the island to be a party destination, as the atmosphere is more laid-back and family-friendly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Djurgården

Djurgården is a very safe destination, but visitors should take the same safety precautions they would in any major city. This includes being aware of your surroundings, watching your valuables, and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Djurgården

Sweden has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors should have no trouble accessing medical care if needed. The most common health concerns for visitors to Djurgården are related to allergies and insects, so be sure to pack any necessary medications.

Getting to Djurgården: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Djurgården

  • Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN): Located 42 km north of Djurgården, this is the main airport serving Stockholm.
  • Stockholm-Bromma Airport (BMA): Located just 12 km west of Djurgården, this airport primarily serves domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Djurgården

  • Stockholm Cityterminalen: This is the main bus station in Stockholm and is located about 6 km from Djurgården.
  • Djurgårdsfärjan: A ferry service connecting Djurgården to the city center and other nearby destinations.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Stockholm, and Uber is also available.
  • Bicycle: Djurgården can be easily accessed by bike, and bikes can be rented throughout Stockholm.

How to Get Around in Djurgården

Djurgården is a relatively small island and can easily be explored on foot or by bike. There are also several public transportation options available, including trams, buses, and ferries.

Where to Go Next from Djurgården: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Gamla Stan: Stockholm’s charming Old Town is located just across the bridge from Djurgården.
  • The Stockholm Archipelago: A collection of thousands of islands located just a short ferry ride from Stockholm.
  • Södermalm: This trendy neighborhood is known for its unique boutiques and vibrant street art.

Conclusion

Djurgården is a true gem among the many jewels of Stockholm. This comprehensive travel guide has covered the island’s highlights, things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more. Whether you are a culture vulture, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Djurgården is sure to delight and inspire.

Nordiska Museet was built for an exhibition in the 1890s (while Sweden was united with Norway), and is still the most dominant building on Djurgården. Nordiska Museet was built for an exhibition in the 1890s (while Sweden was united with Norway), and is still the most dominant building on Djurgården. Spårväg City uses some vintage trams during weekends and summer. Spårväg City uses some vintage trams during weekends and summer. Ferries from Slussen call at the Vasa Museum (left) and the Nordic Museum (background). Ferries from Slussen call at the Vasa Museum (left) and the Nordic Museum (background). Skansen contains heritage buildings from all around Sweden. Skansen contains heritage buildings from all around Sweden. Gardens of Rosendal Palace Gardens of Rosendal Palace Gröna Lund is crowded during warm weather. Gröna Lund is crowded during warm weather.