Stockholm: The Skansen Aquarium Entry Ticket

When exploring Stockholm, most visitors flock to iconic sites like the Vasa Museum or Gamla Stan. But for those looking to add a splash of the exotic and get up close with fascinating creatures, the Skansen Aquarium offers a surprisingly engaging experience. This ticket provides entry to one of Stockholm’s smaller, yet lively, animal habitats—where tropical fish, lemurs, and reptiles await discovery.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to pet a snake or tarantula on weekends and school holidays is quite memorable. Second, walking amongst ring-tailed lemurs on sunny summer days makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Madagascar documentary. The main minus? You’ll need a separate ticket to access Skansen itself, which might require some extra planning if you’re aiming for a full day. This tour suits families, animal lovers, and curious travelers eager for a hands-on encounter with creatures from around the world.

Key Points

• Affordable entry at around $17 per person offers good value for a close animal interaction.
• Petting animals such as snakes and tarantulas is seasonally available, adding a memorable touch.
• Walking among lemurs is a highlight during sunny months, creating a natural, immersive experience.
• The facility has been expanding for over 40 years, emphasizing diverse species and interactive encounters.
• Note that access to Skansen (the larger outdoor museum) requires a separate ticket.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible and offers flexibility with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Skansen Aquarium Experience?

The Skansen-Akvariet is more than a typical aquarium—it’s a small sanctuary showcasing animals from all over the globe. Over the past four decades, it’s grown into what some might call an ark of biodiversity, emphasizing conservation and education. With over 30 species—including fish, coral reefs, reptiles, and mammals—the aquarium provides visitors a chance to get close to creatures usually kept behind glass.

Unlike large, impersonal aquariums, Skansen-Akvariet’s intimate setting encourages interaction—though with a caveat: no cuddling baboons or cobras. Still, the opportunity to pet a snake or see lemurs up close offers a tactile experience that appeals especially to kids and animal enthusiasts.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

For the modest price of $17, entry to Skansen-Akvariet is included. This makes it a fantastic value, especially when considering the interactive moments like petting a tarantula or walking among lemurs. However, it’s important to remember that access to the larger Skansen outdoor museum requires a separate ticket, so plan accordingly if you want to explore the entire complex.

Food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning a meal outside may be wise, especially if you’re with children who want to stay longer.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Starting at the main entrance of Skansen, you’ll enter a cozy, well-organized facility. After walking up the stairs and turning right, you’ll find the aquarium’s main areas filled with tanks, enclosures, and exhibit signs. Expect to see a variety of species from around the world—from brightly colored parrots to sly crocodiles and slow-moving turtles.

The highlight for many is the petting corner, available on weekends and school holidays, where you can gently touch or hold snakes and tarantulas. This hands-on element transforms the visit from passive observation to active learning, making it ideal for families or curious adults.

On sunny summer days, the enclosure with ring-tailed lemurs beckons. You can walk among the lemurs, observing their playful antics up close—something that surprised many visitors in reviews who called it “super cool.” The lemurs’ lively behavior and naturalistic environment create a memorable, almost safari-like feeling.

Throughout the visit, the staff have been praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making interactions informative and engaging. The facility’s focus on animal welfare and conservation adds depth to the experience.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Timing: Check the availability and starting times, as the ticket is valid for one day only. Mornings might be less crowded, especially in peak summer months.
• Petting Corner: Remember, petting snakes and tarantulas is seasonal—available only on weekends and school holidays—and weather-dependent.
• Lemur Walks: Best enjoyed on sunny days from May to September; arrive early to beat the crowds.
• Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits.
• Additional Planning: Since entry to Skansen itself is separate, consider whether you want a combined ticket for a full outdoor experience or just the aquarium.

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Authentic Reviews and Feedback

Reviewers have consistently scored the experience highly, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 10 reviews. One delighted visitor simply called it “super cool,” highlighting the fun and interactive nature of the encounter. Many appreciated the seasonal petting opportunities, which add a tangible, memorable element to the visit.

Some noted that the price offers good value, especially considering the close contact with animals and the variety of species on display. Others mentioned that it’s a perfect choice for families or anyone with a curiosity for wildlife.

Is It Worth It?

The Skansen Aquarium provides a delightful, affordable way to get a behind-the-scenes look at animals from around the world. Its small size keeps it manageable for a quick visit, but the interactive features elevate it beyond a simple viewing experience. If you’re traveling with children, animal lovers, or simply want a different perspective on Stockholm’s attractions, this is a charming choice.

However, keep in mind that it’s a single-visit ticket to a specialized site—so if you’re after a comprehensive outdoor museum experience, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for Skansen’s larger grounds.

Who Should Consider Visiting?

This experience is ideal for families with kids, especially those who love animals and hands-on activities. It’s also suitable for solo travelers or couples interested in a relaxed, educational outing. If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer larger, more elaborate aquariums or zoos, you might find this smaller venue a pleasant, manageable diversion.

For travelers eager to connect with nature and enjoy a local, authentic experience, the Skansen Aquarium offers a perfect balance of education, fun, and value.

FAQ – Your Practical Questions Answered

Do I need a separate ticket to visit Skansen-Akvariet? Yes, this ticket grants access only to the aquarium. To explore the entire Skansen outdoor museum, you’ll need a different ticket.

Can I pet animals all year round? Petting a snake or tarantula is seasonally available, specifically on weekends and school holidays. It depends on the weather and schedule.

Is the experience suitable for children? Absolutely. The close contact with animals and the interactive petting corner are particularly appealing to children.

How long does the visit last? The ticket is valid for one day, so you can spend as much or as little time as you like within the opening hours.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for all visitors to enjoy the exhibits.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, perhaps a camera, and some patience if you want to participate in petting animals or walk among lemurs.

Are there guided tours? The provided information does not mention guided tours. Visitors typically explore at their own pace.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How much does it cost? The entry fee is $17 per person, which many consider fair given the interactive, intimate nature of the experience.

Is this experience good value? For the price, the opportunity to touch, see, and learn about animals from around the world makes it a very worthwhile addition to your Stockholm itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The Skansen Aquarium in Stockholm offers a special blend of education, interaction, and fun. It’s a compact, thoughtfully curated space that manages to pack in a variety of animals and experiences, with seasonal highlights like petting and lemur walks. While it’s not a full zoo or massive aquarium, its intimate scale makes it perfect for a quick, meaningful encounter with wildlife.

If you’re traveling with kids or simply have a soft spot for animals, this experience offers genuine value and memorable moments for a reasonable price. Just remember to plan ahead—check the availability, and consider pairing it with a visit to Skansen’s outdoor museum if you want a full day of exploring Stockholm’s outdoors and wildlife.

In short, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a curious family, this ticket could be one of those unexpected highlights of your trip—small in size but big on charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: