Visitor recommendations
Our recommendations
How much time do you have? See our tips below.
1–2 hours
Quick guide to the museum highlights.
Follow the Highlights audio guide
The museum collections hold over 10 million objects. We’ve selected 16 highlights you shouldn’t miss! With the Highlights audio guide, you’ll explore five exhibitions and hear fascinating stories from Swedish history. The guide takes about 60 minutes.
Need help finding the audio guide? Just ask at the information desk.
Prefer to explore on your own?
You can also choose to visit the exhibitions at your own pace.
- A great place to start is The Viking World – a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Love shiny things? Don’t miss The Gold Room, our very own treasure chamber.
- More into art? Check out Medieval Art, featuring world-class art from across Europe.
Round off your visit with a coffee or lunch at Restaurant Rosengården. In spring and summer, enjoy the leafy outdoor terrace. Or stop by our museum shop for a memorable souvenir.
Spend a whole day at the museum
Take your time and explore at your own pace.
Start in Prehistory
Begin your journey in Prehistories and discover Sweden’s earliest past. Meet Stone Age people, explore ancient tools and art, and see some of the first runes ever carved.
Take a break in our café
Afterward, enjoy a fika (Swedish-style coffee break) at our restaurant. When the weather allows, sit outside in Rosengården, a calm oasis in the heart of the museum.
Experience one of the world’s largest Viking exhibitions
Next up is The Viking World, one of the biggest Viking exhibitions in the world. Dispell Viking myths and see objects they traded from across the globe. Learn what life was like a thousand years ago – and what still feels familiar today.
Time for lunch
Have lunch in our restaurant or enjoy your own brought lunch in the packed lunch room on the lower floor - or if weather permits, in the spacious courtyard!
An afternoon of Swedish history
In the afternoon, head upstairs to History of Sweden – a sweeping overview of the country’s development through the centuries. Visit Medieval Massacre – the Battle of Gotland 1361, a dramatic story from the past. Do you prefer something lighter? Explore Medieval Art, with world-class examples of European art.
On the upper floor, you’ll also find quiet areas to relax and take in the atmosphere.
Audio guides and tours
Most exhibitions have audio guides available. Audio guides are available in multiple languages. We offer audio guides in Swedish, English, Finnish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian.
During summer, we offer guided tours in English. You can also book a private guide for a more personal experience.
Visiting with children: half day or full day
The Swedish History Museum is a great place for kids and families!
Explore big and small questions about life through stories, objects and hands-on activities. The museum has everything you need: strollers to borrow, a microwave for meals, a quiet room for breaks, and a courtyard where kids can run and play.
Half-day visit with kids
- Many of our exhibitions have interactive elements that engage children, but especially Prehistories and The Viking World.
- In Together Through Time, a playful exhibition made just for children, you can explore history in playful and imaginative ways.
- In summer, try life as a Viking! In our outdoor courtyard, try Mission: Viking where kids can bake bread, try crafts and clothing, and take on fun challenges.
- End the visit with a meal in the restaurant, which offers kid-friendly options, or bring your own picnic.
Full-day visit with children
Make the most of your time with more activities.
- Love solving puzzles? We offer several activity trails through the exhibitions with varying difficulty levels. Do them at your own pace using free materials available at the entrance.
1–2 hours: focus on Viking history
Short on time? Visit The Viking World, one of the largest Viking exhibitions in the world. The audio guide takes about 40 minutes.
A full day: focus on Viking history
Start with The Viking World
Explore 1,000 square meters of stories and 2,500 original objects from the Viking Age. Try the interactive stations and learn more about everyday Viking life. In the center stands the World Tree Yggdrasil – sit down and listen to old Norse tales. Explore The Viking World
Lunch break at Restaurant Rosengården
Enjoy a fika or lunch – why not try our special Viking plate?
See Viking treasures
Visit The Gold Room and admire stunning Viking artifacts. Discover pendants and figures believed to represent Norse gods like Odin, Freyr, and Freyja.
Bring a piece of Viking history home
Finish your day in the museum shop – find Viking jewelry, games, and books on Norse mythology.
Plan your visit
How to get here from ferries and hotels in Stockholm
Find the best routes to the Swedish History Museum.