#65 Swedens National Day (or hanging out with the Swedish Royal Family)

The Swedish National Day, June 6th, isn't a very popular holiday in Sweden. For most it seems to be just a day off work, instead of a celebration to actively partake in. While researching a few days before, I found it difficult to find information on events or activities in Stockholm, except for Skansen. Skansen is the large outdoor museum, featuring a mini zoo and buildings from Sweden's history. It is also the place that holds traditional Swedish celebrations and places special events, and it was where we decided to go.

What was extra special about the National Day in Skansen, was the appearance of the entire Swedish Royal Family, and a speech from King Carl Gustav! There were events during the day such as traditional Swedish dances and Swedish games activities, and then at 6pm was a special concert, which was broadcast live on Swedish television.

I had previously visited Skansen in March, when it was still covered in snow. It was nice to visit again in the sunshine, and to see it so busy too! 

 Traditional Swedish Dancers

 Speech by the Swedish King

The Swedish Royal Family

#45 Skansen

One of the top attractions in Stockholm, Skansen is an outdoor folk museum located in the city. It features real Swedish houses and buildings from different places in Sweden and different times in history that have been taken down and moved to the park in Stockholm. It also features a large children's play area (including pony rides!) and some Nordic animals like a bear and wolves (- but not so many as to call it a zoo).

One of the many buildings

There's a great view all around the park

You can sit on a giant Dala horse!

The reindeer (they were pretty far away)

Lynx

Fox

Feeding time for the grey seal

The interior of one of the houses

There are many buildings to see, they all have a little placard with information in both English and Swedish on them. Some of the buildings are open, and some of them have guides inside. These people are dressed in the clothes of the time and give you some background information, and answer your questions. They speak English too!

The park is popular around Christmas due to its Christmas markets and activities, but it really thrives in the summer when it is bright and sunny. Also in the summer more of the houses are open, as well as more of the restaurants and souvenir shops. It costs about 100kr for entrance which is about the same price for most museums etc in Stockholm.

There is an "aquarium" with some exotic animals like alligators, but beware that this costs an extra 100kr (the same price as entrance to the park!).