Autumn Market at Skansen

Skansen is the world's first open-air museum and one of Stockholm's main attractions. It is a museum of Swedish culture and rural life, the city's zoo and park... all wrapped up in one. The park was opened in 1891 and contains buildings (churches, farmhouses, cottages, etc.) that come from all around Sweden and were purchased by Skansen's founder Artur Hazelius and shipped, piece by piece, to the park and reconstructed. So, visiting Skansen is like stepping back in history and seeing what Sweden looked like in the 1800's.

Vendor and customer at Skansen's autumn market.
Photo by Bengt Berglund

This weekend (September 29th & 30th), Skansen will be holding their popular, annual autumn market. It is set up like a traditional farmers' market from the 1800's. These markets were big events in rural Sweden at the time. Besides being able to purchase jams, preserves, sausages, candies, traditional handicrafts and more, they also have activities, dancing, music and games. Very family friendly! Stroll through the park, see all the Scandinavian animals (moose, reindeer, bears, wolves & more) and visit the market.

Musicians at the autumn market
Photo by Christina Westberg/Skansen

The market is open between 11am and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården and the easiest way to get there from the Hotel Rival is by the Djurgård Ferry from nearby Gamla Stan (10 minute trip with the ferries departing every 15 minutes). On the island you have several other large attractions like the Vasa Museum and ABBA the Museum as well as acres of parkland beyond Skansen... which is a nice place to visit to enjoy the autumn colors.

Smiths at work, Skansen's autumn market
Photo by Bengt Berglund