If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm and want to add a touch of the wild to your itinerary, the Skansen Aquarium offers an engaging peek into the animal kingdom. While it’s just a single ticketed experience within the larger Skansen complex, it promises up-close encounters with species from all over the world, making it a great choice for families, animal lovers, or curious travelers.
We love that this experience includes opportunities to pet snakes and tarantulas on weekends and school holidays, walk amongst lemurs on sunny days, and learn about a diverse range of animals without needing a full day at a zoo. The price of $17 makes it accessible, but keep in mind that entry to Skansen itself is separate, so plan accordingly. One thing to consider is that this is a small, intimate experience rather than a sprawling zoo—so if you’re expecting a large-scale animal park, you’ll want to supplement this with other activities. Overall, it’s best suited for those seeking a quick, engaging, and educational encounter with exotic creatures in Stockholm.
Good To Know
- Affordable Entry: At just $17, this ticket offers access to over 30 species, making it a good value for animal enthusiasts.
- Interactive Experiences: Petting snakes and tarantulas during peak times adds a memorable hands-on element.
- Diverse Animal Collection: From tropical fish to lemurs, the aquarium showcases species from around the globe.
- Location & Accessibility: Located inside Skansen, it’s easy to combine with other attractions in Stockholm.
- Limited Access: You need a separate ticket for Skansen itself, so plan your visit to maximize your time.
- Family Friendly: The experience is suitable for all ages, with opportunities for children to get close to exotic animals.
Exploring the Skansen Aquarium: What to Expect
When you walk through the gates of Skansen-Akvariet, you’ll quickly notice that this isn’t your typical aquarium. Over the past 40 years, it’s grown into a small animal ark, featuring a mix of aquatic and land animals, many of which are displayed in cozy, well-maintained enclosures.
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The Collection of Animals
You’ll find fish and coral reefs alongside monkeys, lizards, snakes, spiders, crocodiles, parrots, turtles, scorpions, sloths, and more. Walking through the space feels like a journey around the world—each exhibit is designed to bring you closer to nature. One reviewer mentioned that they appreciated the “variety of species from all over the world,” which truly adds to the experience’s educational value.
Petting Experiences and Special Events
The petting corner on weekends and school holidays is a highlight. Visitors can get hands-on with snakes and tarantulas, which are usually kept in a safe, supervised setting. A reviewer from GetYourGuide called it “super cool,” emphasizing how the interaction enhances the visit for kids and adults alike. If you’re visiting during May to September on a sunny day, you might also get the chance to walk amongst the lemurs inside their enclosure, an experience that brings you eye-to-eye with these charming creatures.
The Layout and Atmosphere
The cozy layout of Skansen-Akvariet makes for a relaxed visit. It’s not overwhelming or sprawling, so you won’t feel lost or rushed. The enclosure for the ring-tailed lemurs is an inviting space, where visitors can observe these playful animals in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPractical Details: Timing and Access
Your ticket is valid for one day, giving you the flexibility to visit during the hours that suit you best. The starting times vary, so it’s wise to check availability ahead of your trip. The activity is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the exhibits comfortably.
The Value of Your Ticket: Is it Worth It?
At $17 per person, the ticket offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of many animals. While it doesn’t include entry to Skansen itself, the aquarium’s exhibits are thoughtfully curated to maximize interaction and learning. The small group size (by nature of the space) means more personal contact and fewer crowds, which many visitors find appealing.
Comparing it to other Stockholm experiences, such as the Vasa Museum or Nobel Prize Museum, this ticket is much more budget-friendly and caters to those with a keen interest in animals or traveling with children. The reviews reflect this value, with one traveler simply stating “super cool,” highlighting how pleasantly surprising the experience can be.
Tips for Visitors
- Plan to visit on a sunny day, especially if you want to walk among lemurs.
- Check availability for petting sessions if that’s a highlight for your group.
- Remember that food & drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to visit nearby cafés.
- If you want to explore more, consider purchasing a combined ticket with Skansen or other nearby attractions.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This ticket is ideal for families with kids, as the hands-on petting opportunities and animal encounters tend to be a hit with children. It’s also perfect for animal lovers wanting a quick but diverse introduction to creatures from different continents.
Couples or solo travelers interested in a relaxed, educational outing will find this a refreshing alternative to larger, more commercialized zoos. People looking for a cost-effective way to see exotic animals without spending hours could find this experience both satisfying and manageable within a busy Stockholm itinerary.
The Sum Up
The Skansen Aquarium offers a well-balanced opportunity to see and learn about a variety of creatures from around the world in a cozy, accessible setting. For just $17, visitors gain access to engaging exhibits, interactive petting sessions, and a chance to get close to animals typically seen only in faraway lands. It’s particularly well-suited for families, children, and those eager to experience something different from the traditional Stockholm museums.
While it doesn’t cover the entire Skansen park, it complements your visit with a unique focus on exotic and tropical species. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick hour or planning a leisurely afternoon, this experience is a worthwhile addition for animal enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
FAQ
Do I need a separate ticket to access the Skansen Aquarium?
Yes, your ticket to the Skansen Aquarium is separate from the main Skansen entrance, so make sure to purchase or have your Skansen ticket ready.
Can I pet the animals during my visit?
Yes, on weekends and school holidays, you can pet snakes and tarantulas in the designated petting corner, subject to supervision.
How long does the visit typically last?
The ticket is valid for one day, and most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, with extra time for petting sessions if available.
Is the experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. The chance to see and interact with animals makes it especially popular among children, and reviews highlight how engaging it is for young explorers.
Are there any age restrictions for petting animals?
While specific restrictions aren’t mentioned, supervision is required, and children should be guided by staff during petting activities.
Can I see lemurs here?
Yes, on sunny days from May to September, you may walk amongst the ring-tailed lemurs inside their enclosure, a highlight for many visitors.
Is the aquarium accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the layout is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the exhibits.
If you’re after a fun, affordable, and engaging way to learn about animals from around the world while in Stockholm, the Skansen Aquarium certainly deserves a spot on your itinerary.
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