Four Stockholm Museums

Given Stockholm's rich history as an industrial and technological hub for the Scandinavian region (and all of Europe), it's no surprise that this Swedish capital has many fantastic museums. Stockholm museums cover a broad range of topics, including the country's past, its royalty, and everyday life. Of course, because there are so many, it can be hard to choose which to visit during your trip. To make planning your trip easier, use this list of four Stockholm museums to plan your museum adventure.

1. The Skansen Open-Air Museum—This is the world's first open-air museum, and one of the best Stockholm museums around. It does a great job of documenting life in Sweden throughout the country's history. It features replicas of houses from different time periods and regions of the country, giving visitors who are unfamiliar with the different regional cultures a keen insight into Swedish life. Employees also act out the daily rituals of life in Stockholm and Sweden. In all, Skansen has more than 150 buildings and homes, as well as an open-air zoo with many native animals. Skansen also has a popular Christmas market during December that cannot be missed if you're here to experience a Swedish winter.

2. The National Museum—For art, head to the National Museum. It is home to Sweden's largest art collection, with more than 16,000 paintings and 30,000 drawings. The art runs the gamut from medieval times through the 19th century, and it includes works by some of the world's top artists. For those whose interest in traditional art tends to wane easily, the first floor of the Museum is dedicated to furniture and applied art. Whatever your tastes in art, you're sure to find something you enjoy at this Stockholm museum.

3. The Nordiska Museet—Also known as the or Nordic Museum, this is the premier Stockholm museum focusing on culture and daily life. You'll find exhibits dedicated to just about everything here, including gadgets, furniture, toys, and fashion. These artifacts have been purchased from or donated by people from all over Sweden and the Scandinavian region, ensuring the museum's authenticity and that you'll get a real glimpse into Scandinavian life. You might as well visit even if it's just for the building itself. This Stockholm museum is housed in a veritable palace, with cathedral spires and Dutch-inspired architecture. If you want to get a sense of the way daily life as changed and evolved throughout Stockholm's history, this is the museum for you.

4. The Vasa Warship Museum—This is a museum you'll only find in Stockholm. Vasa, a royal battleship from the 1600s, unfortunately capsized only twenty minutes after entering the water. It was finally removed from the water during the 1960s, and has since been rebuilt in the Vasa Warship Museum. The museum offers guided tours, exhibits, a restaurant, and gift shop. To outsiders, the Vasa's story may seem inconsequential, but it's this kind of niche museum that can provide lasting memories of your foray through Stockholm museums. This is also a great place to take kids, as they're bound to enjoy trolling across the docks and galleys of this ancient warship.

Stockholm museums are high quality and varied in topic and focus. Whether you only visit one for a few hours, or complete the entire circuit, any of these four Stockholm museums will offer a great view of the country's history.

Check out other Stockholm attractions.