The world's first open-air museum, founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius to preserve a vanishing rural Sweden. Over 150 historic buildings — farmsteads, workshops, a church, a school — were moved here from across the country, staffed by costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts like glassblowing, bread-baking, and printing.
The grounds also serve as a zoo for Nordic wildlife: brown bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx, elk, and seals all live in naturalistic enclosures spread across the hillside. The aquarium (separate ticket) adds tropical species.
Skansen sits on Djurgården island and the hilltop views over Stockholm's harbor are excellent. Budget at least half a day. The Christmas market in December and Midsummer celebrations in June are particularly worth timing a visit around.