If you are on a quest for an incredible experience that you and your family will be able to cherish for a lifetime, look no further than Sweden‘s breathtaking zoos and aquariums.
Did you know that Sweden offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most fascinating animals, many in their natural habitats?
Visiting any of the zoos and aquariums provided below will present you with an unforgettable experience that will equip you with a lifetime of memories.
Contents
Best Zoos & Aquariums in Sweden
1. Tropikariet Zoo
The Tropikariet Zoo is a privately owned indoor park. It is located in central Helsingborg.
Although the outside looks like an ordinary zoo, the inside contains a variety of fun activities.
This indoor zoo is home to exotic animals from around the world.
You can see lemurs, pygmy marmosets, meerkats, and more.
Also, there is a shark tank home to several sharks.
A gift shop and cafe serve coffee and other snacks.
There are also cuddle pools and leaf-cutting ants to entertain the kids.
You will love Goeldi’s Monkey Exhibit if you are interested in monkeys.
The exhibit was located in the South America section and designed by Tropikariet staff.
Rather than using traditional cages, this exhibit uses bio-bedding, which is both more comfortable for the animals and minimizes the carbon footprint.
Using this type of bedding will help absorb the majority of food dropped by the monkeys.
2. Kolmarden Wildlife Park
The Kolmarden Wildlife Park was built in 1965 and is now one of the most prominent zoos in Scandinavia.
Open year-round, this venue is considered one of the Nordic countries top tourist attractions
This comes as no surprise as it is home to more than six-hundred species of animals worldwide, including the first Scandinavian dolphinarium.
In addition to its vast array of animals, the zoo features rides such as a roller coaster and the Kolmarden Safari.
As a bonus, a viewing platform provides breathtaking views of the archipelagos.
3. Mariebergsskogen Zoo
If you are looking for a place to visit, that is both educational and fun;
I highly suggest the Mariebergsskogen Zoo in Karlstad, Sweden.
Mariebergsskogen Zoo is a large, secluded park that offers amazing attractions sure to please anyone.
These attractions include mini golf, a petting zoo, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a miniature train.
However, while at Mariebergsskogen Zoo, please make sure to pay a visit to the animals to gain a deeper understanding of what life is like in a wild animal park.
Mariebergsskogen Zoo is a popular destination for families and people who enjoy nature, which offers activities on a wooded hill on Lake Vanern’s shore.
4. Skansen-Akvariet
The Skansen-Akvariet (or “Akvariet,” a Swedish word for “house”) is a complex of outdoor and indoor exhibits.
This array of beauty includes both tropical and rainforest habitats for its inhabitants to experience.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Skansen – Akvariet Aquarium is one of the park’s most exciting and beautiful displays.
In fact, many of the exhibits in the aquarium at Skansen feature exotic species.
For example, you will find naked mole rats, snakes, baboons, crocodiles, parrots, lizards, monkeys, hyenas, lion tamarins, and many more.
Furthermore, a white-backed woodpecker aviary collaborates with the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
In addition to the hamadryas baboon rock, visitors can see the ring-tailed lemur walk-through enclosure.
Besides the animals mentioned above, the Skansen Aquarium houses more than 200 other incredible species.
5. Skanes Djurpark
If you are an animal lover, you are strongly encouraged to check out the Skanes Djurpark Zoon, located in Skane, Sweden.
For starters, the Skanes Djurpark Zoon is the world’s largest animal park, showcasing an array of Nordic animals, including Swedish moose, lynx, grey seal, and wolf.
However, to further enhance your experience, make sure that you join the zoo keeper for a feeding expedition and witness these Nordic creatures interact with their natural environments in large natural enclosures.
Ultimately, the Skanes Djurpark Zoon is responsible for creating unforgettable family experiences that will last a lifetime.
6. Tropicarium Aquarium
The Tropicarium Aquarium is one of Sweden’s largest tropical exhibitions.
It is also one of the largest offshore aquariums in Central Europe.
Initially founded in Budapest, the concept that fuels the Tropicarium Aquarium was brought to Sweden by Hungarian businessman Karoly Farkasdi and his family.
To fully experience what motivated Mr. Farkasdi to establish this aquarium in Sweden, the must-see at the Tropicarium is the Shark Aquarium.
The Shark Aquarium is home to 24 different shark species, several of which can be seen in an 11-meter (36 feet) long tunnel.
Other attractions include an educational exposition on the ocean and birds of prey.
Visitors can even take a cable car safari through the wilds.
If you want a more exciting experience, you can try the roller coaster called “The Dolphin Express” and a seal show.
7. Borås Djurpark
Located in the city of Boras, Sweden, close to Gothenburg, the Borås Djurpark Zoo is one of the largest zoos in western Sweden.
This zoo is incredible as it features over 500 animals of 65 different species.
For example, the Borås Djurpark Zoo has an exciting range of animals, including Siberian tigers and hyenas, grey seals, moose, brown bears, bison, and red pandas.
One of the most unique features of this zoo is its African savannah.
Here, animals roam in a spacious area surrounded by stone walls.
Additionally, the Borås Djurpark Zoo offers naturalistic enclosures for the many African Savannah beasts and Nordic animals.
8. Vatternakvariet Aquarium
Situated along Lake Vattern, the Vatternakvariet Aquarium sits in the city of Motala, Sweden.
The Vatternakvariet Aquarium has been around for nearly two decades and is a must-see for families of all ages who relish scenic lakeside views during their downtime.
Furthermore, the Vatternakvariet Aquarium features sixty different animal habitats, including an exhibit devoted to the pygmy rabbit, proving that there is something for everyone.
Additionally, the aquarium is home to over 30 fish species, including, but not limited to, whitefish, smelt, and alpine char, which live in clear, cold, nutrient-free water.
Other attractions of the Vatternakvariet Aquarium include the Radio and Technology Museum, the Matchstick Museum, the Motala Industrimuseum, and the Motala City Park.
9. Ystad Animal Park
Located in the southern town of Ystad, Sweden, the Ystad Animal Park houses over sixty species of animals.
During your visit to Ystad Animal Park, you can expect to see an array of animals including, lemurs, birds, reptiles, rheas, alligators, crocodiles, and primates.
Furthermore, art enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that the Ystad Animal Park features a variety of outdoor and indoor art installations to help accentuate its animal exhibits.
Additionally, during the summer months, the Ystad Animal Park hosts a wildlife park with tigers, a dolphin show, and a safari camp.
Visitors with children will especially appreciate the petting zoo, swimming pools, and cable car rides.
10. Järvzoo
Located in the town of Jarvso in central Sweden, Jarvzoo is a nature park with a vast array of animals from Nordic countries.
These animals include moose, roe deer, roe elk, and several different Nordic birds.
Additionally, Jarvzoo visitors can witness animals at Jarvzoo in their natural habitats, allowing them to learn about their daily lives.
In fact, a hotel in the middle of the park (Varghotellet) allows guests to sleep near wolves in their natural habitat.
Needless to say, Jarvzoo is the perfect choice for couples and families who love nature.
11. Havets Hus
Havets Hus is a saltwater aquarium with an impressive collection of animals.
As the largest aquarium in Sweden, it includes an underwater tunnel, a touch pool, and the granddaddy of them all.
Among the sites’ notable features are the interactive dolphins, the oceanarium, and the sharks and rays display.
However, the main attraction of Havets Hus is a 450-square-meter display containing over one hundred species, including the fish of the day.
Other exciting attractions include the aquarium’s impressively large touch pool, which is a must for those of you who have kids.
Additionally, there are themed weekends and guided tours to keep visitors entertained.
While you’re at it, feel free to try your luck on the mini golf course, take a dip in the saltwater pool, or indulge in a relaxing meal in the restaurant and cafe.
The great news is that if you can’t make it to Havets Hus in person, you can always take a virtual tour of this fascinating aquarium online.
11 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Sweden – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Tropikariet Zoo | Hävertgatan 21, 254 42 Helsingborg, Sweden |
| Kolmarden Wildlife Park | 618 92 Kolmården, Sweden |
| Mariebergsskogen Zoo | Treffenbergsvägen, 652 29 Karlstad, Sweden |
| Skansen-Akvariet | Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden |
| Skanes Djurpark | 150, 243 93 Jularp, Sweden |
| Tropicarium Aquarium | Kopparbovägen 1, 618 93 Kolmården, Sweden |
| Borås Djurpark | Alidelundsgatan 11, 506 31 Borås, Sweden |
| Vatternakvariet Aquarium | Platensgatan 2, 591 35 Motala, Sweden |
| Ystad Animal Park | Gamla Lundavägen 514, 271 91 Blentarp, Sweden |
| Järvzoo | Vallmovägen 49, 827 51 Järvsö, Sweden |
| Havets Hus | Strandvägen 9, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden |
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to plan a trip to Sweden?
The best time of year to visit Sweden is definitely during the summer months.
Although Sweden does see rain, the summer weather is generally warm and sunny.
However, no matter the season, Sweden is always a lovely place to visit.
What is the currency in Sweden?
The Swedish krona (SEK) is the primary currency of Sweden, often referred to as the Swedish crown.
While Sweden is part of the European Union, it does not use the Euro as its currency.
What Is the Climate Like in Sweden Based on the Time of Year?
In July, temperatures can hover around 18 or 20 degrees Celsius. (64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, winters in Sweden are long.
Some zones in the far south experience sub-zero temperatures.
How Can I Get Around in Sweden?
The easiest and safest way to travel in Sweden is by bus.
Bus lines are frequent and can take you anywhere you want to go.
