Djurgården Facts for Kids

The Nordic Museum at Djurgården, facing south-west with Skeppsholmen, Gamla stan and Södermalm in the background.

Djurgården is a beautiful island right in the heart of Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden. It's a super popular spot for both locals and visitors. People come here to have fun, learn new things, and enjoy nature.

This green island is home to many famous attractions. You can find the exciting amusement park Gröna Lund here. There's also the amazing open air museum, Skansen, where you can see old Swedish buildings and animals. Djurgården is like a giant park filled with history, culture, and entertainment for everyone.

A Fun Place to Visit
History of Djurgården
Getting to Djurgården
- Transport Options
Images for kids
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A Fun Place to Visit

Djurgården is known for its many exciting places. It's a perfect destination for a day trip with friends or family. You can spend hours exploring all the different attractions.

Gröna Lund Amusement Park

One of the biggest draws is Gröna Lund. This amusement park has thrilling rides and fun games. It's been around for a long time, bringing joy to visitors since the 1800s. You can enjoy roller coasters, carousels, and live concerts here.

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Skansen is another must-see. It's the world's oldest open-air museum. Here, you can step back in time and see how people lived in Sweden long ago. There are old houses, farms, and workshops from different parts of the country. Skansen also has a zoo with Nordic animals like bears and moose. It's a great way to learn about Swedish traditions and wildlife.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is a very special place on Djurgården. It houses the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship ever salvaged. The warship Vasa sank on its first trip in 1628. It was brought up from the sea floor in 1961. The museum is built around this huge ship. You can see how big it was and learn about its history.

Nordic Museum

Close to the Vasa Museum is the Nordic Museum. This museum focuses on the cultural history of Sweden. It shows how people have lived and worked in Sweden from the 16th century to today. You can see traditional clothes, furniture, and tools. It's a great place to understand Swedish culture and traditions.

Other Attractions

Djurgården also has other interesting spots. There's the ABBA The Museum, where you can learn about the famous Swedish pop group. The Junibacken children's museum brings storybook characters to life. You can also find beautiful gardens and walking paths all over the island.

History of Djurgården

Djurgården has a long and interesting history. For many centuries, it was a royal hunting ground. Kings would come here to hunt deer and other animals. This is where the name "Djurgården" comes from, meaning "animal garden" or "animal park."

Royal Hunting Ground

In the 15th century, King John III enclosed the area. He wanted to keep deer and other game animals there. This made it a private hunting park for the royal family. Over time, it became a place for royal entertainment.

Public Park Development

Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, Djurgården began to change. It slowly opened up more to the public. People started coming here for walks and picnics. The first attractions, like Gröna Lund, began to appear. The Stockholm Exhibition of 1897 was held here. This event helped to make Djurgården a popular public park.

Modern Djurgården

Today, Djurgården is a beloved part of Stockholm. It's a place where history meets modern fun. Millions of people visit every year to enjoy its unique mix of museums, parks, and entertainment. It's a green oasis in the middle of a busy city.

Getting to Djurgården

It's easy to get to Djurgården from central Stockholm. You can take a tram, a bus, or even a ferry. Many people also enjoy walking to the island. The bridges connecting it to the mainland make it very accessible.

Transport Options

The Djurgården line tram is a popular way to arrive. It offers scenic views along the way. Ferries also run regularly, giving you a lovely ride across the water. Walking or cycling is also a great option, especially on a sunny day.