Stockholm: The Skansen Aquarium Entry Ticket

If you’re thinking about adding a bit of animal magic to your Stockholm trip, the Skansen Aquarium is worth considering. While we haven’t personally wandered through it, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty inviting picture. For just $17 per person, you’re getting a day filled with curious creatures from around the world, offering a chance to connect with nature in a cozy setting.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to pet snakes and tarantulas—a treat for those interested in touch-and-feel encounters, especially on weekends and school holidays. Second, if the weather’s kind, you’ll love walking among ring-tailed lemurs on sunny days from May to September. That said, a possible downside is that you’ll need a separate ticket for Skansen itself, as this is just the aquarium’s entry. Still, if you’re an animal lover or traveling with kids who love animals, this could be a real highlight.

This tour fits best for anyone looking for a relaxed, family-friendly outing or those interested in seeing a variety of species without spending hours traveling. It’s also a good option for travelers who want to break up their sightseeing with something interactive and engaging.

Key Points

• Affordable entry fee provides access to a wide variety of animals.
• Close contact experiences like petting snakes and tarantulas are available on weekends and during school holidays.
• Walking among lemurs is a rare treat, especially in good weather.
• The aquarium has been expanding for over 40 years, making it feel like a well-loved space.
• You need a separate ticket for Skansen, so this is a focused visit rather than a full-day experience.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a broad range of visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect at Skansen-Akvariet

Walking into Skansen-Akvariet feels more like entering a small but lively zoo than a typical aquarium. It’s packed with over 30 different species, from fish and coral reefs to monkeys, lizards, snakes, and parrots. The layout is cozy, inviting you to explore at your own pace, with plenty of spots to observe or get closer.

One of the key highlights is the petting corner on weekends and school holidays, where you can gently handle snakes and tarantulas. For animal enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate tactile experiences, this is definitely a selling point. Remember, this is a touch-and-feel activity, so it’s perfect for kids or curious adults, but not for anyone squeamish about creepy crawlies.

Throughout the year, the aquarium has grown into more of an ark—a sanctuary for animals from around the world. You might find crocodiles, turtles, sloths, and parrots sharing space, making it a microcosm of global biodiversity. The environment is designed to be intimate, giving you an up-close perspective that’s often missing in larger, more commercial attractions.

The Experience in Detail

When you arrive, you’ll first need to enter Skansen itself with a separate ticket, then head over to the aquarium. Once inside, the range of animals is surprising considering the size. It’s a manageable space, so it’s great if you’re not interested in a sprawling, tiring tour. You’ll see everything from small fish and coral to larger creatures like crocodiles, which you can observe from a safe distance.

The walkthrough experience lets you view animals in semi-natural environments. The lemurs are a particular favorite—on sunny days, they seem genuinely happy to be out and about, and you’ll enjoy walking amongst them in their enclosure. It’s a rare chance to get so close to these lively primates, especially in a city setting.

During weekends and holidays, the petting corner offers a fun, interactive element. As one reviewer pointed out, “Super cool,” when describing their time petting snakes and tarantulas, which turns out to be a memorable part of the visit. It’s a relaxed environment where you can learn about the animals without feeling rushed.

For the serious animal lovers, this experience offers a variety of species from all over the world, making it an excellent option for anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of different animals without leaving Stockholm.

Practical Details and Tips

The ticket price of $17 is very reasonable considering the variety of animals and the personal experiences on offer. Remember, it only grants access to the aquarium, so if you want to explore Skansen’s broader grounds, you’ll need a separate ticket. This setup works well if your main interest is the aquatic and exotic animal side.

The experience is valid for one day, with checkable starting times. Since it’s a relatively small attraction, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours here comfortably, making it a perfect short stop or a family-friendly break during a longer sightseeing day.

Wheelchair accessibility is noted, so most visitors with mobility needs should navigate comfortably. The environment is designed to be cozy and inviting, although, like many small attractions, it may be crowded during peak times.

Food and drinks are not included, and there’s no mention of on-site cafes or eateries, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy a meal elsewhere in Skansen.

Who Is It Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re interested in animals and want a relaxed, interactive encounter without the crowds or expense of larger zoos or aquariums. It’s great for families, as children tend to love the petting corner and the chance to walk amongst lemurs. It also suits solo travelers or couples looking for a small, engaging activity that offers a break from more traditional sightseeing.

If you’re traveling with specific expectations of seeing marine life or exotic animals, this will deliver, but keep in mind it’s a smaller, more intimate setting rather than a comprehensive zoo or aquarium. If your trip already includes other Skansen attractions, the aquarium can be a fun, quick addition.

More Great Tours Nearby

FAQ

Do I need a ticket for Skansen to visit the aquarium?
Yes, you must have a separate ticket for Skansen itself to access the Skansen-Akvariet.

How much does the ticket cost?
The entry fee is $17 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the variety of animals you’ll see and interact with.

What animals can I pet at the aquarium?
On weekends and school holidays, you can pet snakes and tarantulas at the petting corner.

When can I walk among lemurs?
On sunny days from May to September, you can walk amongst the lemurs in their enclosure.

Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Can I visit just the aquarium, or do I need a full-day ticket?
You only need this specific entry ticket for the aquarium; visiting Skansen itself requires a separate ticket.

Are food and drinks included?
No, they are not included, so plan accordingly if you wish to eat there or bring snacks.

How long should I plan to spend here?
Most visitors find 1-2 hours sufficient for seeing all the animals and enjoying the petting corner.

Final Thoughts

The Skansen Aquarium in Stockholm offers an engaging and affordable way to get close to a variety of exotic animals. It’s particularly attractive for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, small-scale experience that adds a touch of wildness to their trip. The chance to pet snakes and walk amongst lemurs stands out as unique among city attractions, making it a memorable stop.

While it isn’t a sprawling zoo or a full aquarium experience, it excels in providing a cozy, personal environment where you can learn about animals from around the world without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re comfortable with the idea of a somewhat intimate setting and appreciate the chance for tactile encounters, this could be a delightful addition to your Stockholm itinerary.

Overall, for just $17, you’re getting a chance to see and connect with animals in a way that many larger attractions can’t match. It’s a solid choice if animals are on your must-see list, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just love discovering new creatures.

Hope this helps you decide whether the Skansen Aquarium is a good fit for your trip. Happy exploring and enjoy your animal encounters in Stockholm!

You can check availability for your dates here: