The Ultimate Guide to Kolmården Wildlife Park: A Perfect Family Day Trip

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Planning a family day out at Kolmården Wildlife Park? As an expat living in Sweden and a parent who has visited the park several times, I can confidently say it’s one of the best family-friendly destinations around. 

From the magical world of Bamse to thrilling rides and incredible animal encounters, Kolmården offers something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll share our favorite must-do activities, insider tips for making the most of your visit, and advice on how to plan a stress-free trip with toddlers.

Why is Kolmården Wildlife Park Perfect for Families Living in Sweden?


Kolmården is the perfect destination for families living in Sweden, especially those with young children who already know Bamse, the world’s strongest bear.

If your kids attend preschool here, chances are they already know Bamse and his friends. 

At Kolmården, they can step right into Bamse’s world, where they can fly on his magic carpet or ride the Candy Train from the movie. The pure joy of seeing their favorite characters come to life is priceless. 

Kolmården is a perfect way for expat families to connect with Swedish culture while having fun. It blends Swedish traditional characters with the excitement of a wildlife park.

Visitors gather at the entrance of Kolmården Wildlife Park, which features a large stone sign adorned with sculptures of animals, including a giraffe, dolphin, elephant, lion, and bear. The entrance is bustling with people, some with strollers, preparing to explore the park. The detailed animal figures set the tone for the wildlife experiences inside, creating an inviting atmosphere for families and nature lovers. Pin

And the best part? It’s just an hour and a half drive, so you can easily head out around 8:30 am and be there when the park opens at 10. No overnight planning needed.

My kids still talk about it long after our visit! It’s quickly become one of our favorite summer family traditions.

Must-Do Activities at Kolmården


Kolmården is packed with amazing things to see and do, but here are our absolute must-do activities if you visit the park with toddlers:

Bamse’s Värld

Without a doubt, Bamse’s Värld was the highlight for our boys! Located right at the entrance, it’s the perfect place to start your adventure. It’s been our starting point both times we’ve visited.

Bamse’s Värld is filled with colorful rides and attractions, and this year we were able to experience almost everything as a family. Ollie, now 5, and Theo, who just turned 2, were both so happy and eager to be part of the action. 

Last year, Theo missed out on a few rides, but this year, he had a blast on almost everything!

Bamse’s Flying Carpet was a huge hit. Ollie insisted on being the highest carpet in the sky, and I loved watching him wave down at Dad and Theo on the carpet just behind ours. 

Then came Bamse’s Honeypot merry-go-round, the classic ride that spins you dizzy. While it’s not my favorite (I’m still wondering how my husband left me alone with both kids on that one!), the boys had an absolute blast. 

Even Viktoria’s Boat was a lovely experience. I was worried Theo might be scared, but he managed just fine. It wasn’t his top favorite, but it was worth it! 

And lastly, Godis Taget rollercoaster! Ollie said he wouldn’t ride it again last year, but this year, he bravely climbed aboard and loved it. Theo will have to wait a few years for this one, but it’s something to look forward to! 

Visitors enjoy a thrilling ride on the colorful Godiståget roller coaster at Kolmården Wildlife Park. The track winds through a forested area, with the cars painted in bright colors and filled with excited riders. The surrounding trees and rustic buildings enhance the natural setting, adding to the excitement of this family-friendly attraction in the park. Pin

And let’s not forget Bamse’s Performance. You cannot miss it! The excitement on our kids’ faces as they watched Bamse and his friends in action was priceless.

Safari Gondola

This is an absolute must! Even though there can be a long queue, it’s worth the wait. 

If you want to skip the line, there’s an option to pre-book a specific time slot for a fee, which we did last year and found super convenient. 

The gondola ride offers a one-of-a-kind experience. We saw brown bears, giraffes munching on leaves, antelope running, and the lions having a lazy afternoon when we passed over them, completely unbothered by our presence.

The open-air gondolas make you feel like a guest in the animals’ world, and the audio commentary (in Swedish, English, and Finnish) adds to the experience, making it fun and educational. 

Honestly, I wouldn’t want to visit Kolmården if the Safari Gondola were closed. It’s that special!

Dolphin Show HOPE

My husband and I have mixed feelings about seeing animals in shows, but I have to admit, the dolphins at Kolmården are incredible. 

The show is all about inspiring hope and spreading a message of conservation, which is something we can all appreciate. The dolphins were incredible, jumping and performing with such grace. 

Of course, it’s not the same as seeing them in the wild, but the kids were completely mesmerized. It ended up being one of the highlights of the day for them! 

Be sure to check the showtimes in advance and arrive early to snag good seats. It’s popular for a reason!

Wildfire Rollercoaster

This one’s for the parents! Our kids are still a bit too young for Wildfire, but my husband and I took turns riding it. 

Wow, what a thrill! It starts with a steep climb to 180 feet, and just as you take in the Swedish countryside’s stunning views, you’re launched into a jaw-dropping 160-foot drop at an 83˚ angle. 

From there, it’s two minutes of pure adrenaline. heartline rolls, zero gravity moments, and up to 70 mph speeds. It’s fast, intense, and exhilarating. 

A scenic view from a cable car ride at Kolmården Wildlife Park, showing lush green forests, distant roller coasters, and a vast lake under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The cable car system provides a breathtaking aerial perspective of the park, with attractions and natural landscapes stretching out to the horizon. The serene and adventurous setting captures the beauty of the park's surroundings. Pin

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you cannot skip this one. Crazy awesome is an understatement!

Fun Facts:

  • Best in Europe: In 2018, Wildfire was named the best roller coaster in Europe and the third best globally.
  • Highest in Europe: Towering 142 meters above sea level, Wildfire is Europe’s highest wooden roller coaster and the second highest globally.
  • Fastest in Europe: With a maximum speed of 115 kph, Wildfire is Europe’s fastest wooden roller coaster! It also delivers the second-largest number of inversions in the world.

Planning Your Trip to Kolmården


Getting There

Kolmården is located about 170 km south of Stockholm, making it an easy day trip for families in the area.

  • By Car: If you’re driving, follow the signs from the E4 highway. I highly recommend pre-booking your parking through the APCOA Flow or EasyPark apps for a hassle-free arrival. You can even pay for parking up to 72 hours after your visit, so there’s no need to rush when leaving! 

If you’re driving an electric car, a few parking spaces are equipped with charging stations in the lot.

A visitor enjoys a ride on a bright red, vintage-style vehicle attraction at Kolmården Wildlife Park. The ride is set in a playful area with colorful buildings and a white picket fence in the background. Other park-goers watch from the side as the ride swings into motion, capturing the fun and whimsical atmosphere of the park's family-friendly attractions. Pin
  • By Train: The nearest train stations are Kolmården and Norrköping. From there, you can hop on a bus to the park entrance. For timetables and fares, check out the Swedish Railway website.
  • By Bus: Daily bus services connect Kolmården with nearby towns. You can check the Östgötatrafiken or Flixbus websites for timetables and fares information.

Tickets

Kolmården offers a variety of ticket options. You can choose between a day pass or the Wild Card annual pass, which might be better if you visit many times.

  • Day Pass: This is ideal for a one-day visit. I recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to skip the lines at the gate. Children under 3 enter for free, making it an excellent option for families with young kids.
  • Wild Card (Annual Pass): If you plan on visiting Kolmården more than once a year, the Wild Card is an excellent value. It offers unlimited entry throughout the year, plus perks like free parking and discounts on food and souvenirs. It’s especially handy for visiting during special festivities like Halloween or Christmas.

Keep an eye out for special offers on the annual pass, as Kolmården occasionally offers discounted prices. An opportunity not to miss!

Best Time to Visit

Kolmården isn’t open year-round, so planning your visit around the park’s seasonal schedule is important. 

The park typically opens in early May and remains open daily until mid-August. After that, it’s open on weekends only, from late August to the end of September. 

A lively performance featuring characters from Bamse, the Swedish cartoon bear, takes place on an outdoor stage at Kolmården Wildlife Park. Costumed characters, including Bamse and his friends, entertain children and families in front of a charming red theater building surrounded by trees. The playful scene captures the fun, family-oriented entertainment in Bamse's World, a popular attraction for young visitors at the park. Pin

Special events like Halloween and Christmas bring extra magic to the park, with weekend openings in October and December. They also host a special event for Easter, so there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the year.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds, spring and early autumn weekdays are ideal, especially if your kids aren’t in school yet. 

While summer weekends can get busier, we’ve visited in July, and the park is spacious enough that it never feels too crowded. The queues weren’t bad either, but if you prefer to skip the lines, you can pre-book certain activities for an extra fee.

Be sure to check Kolmården’s calendar for seasonal highlights and plan your visit accordingly!

Tips for Families


Packing Essentials

Kolmården is an outdoor park, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. On our last visit, we packed rain gear, which came in handy when a sudden shower hit—it allowed us to keep exploring without any fuss!

  • Sunscreen & Hats: You’ll be outside all day, so sunscreen and hats are a must, especially on sunny days.
  • Water Bottles: Stay hydrated by bringing refillable water bottles.
  • Snacks: Although there are plenty of food options in the park, having some snacks on hand is always helpful. My kids love grapes and bananas for a quick bite between meals.
  • Meals: If you plan to eat in the park, we love Farmors Kök in Bamse’s World for traditional meatballs and pancakes. Reef Burgers, near the HOPE show, is also a hit with our kids—burger-approved!
  • Stroller or Baby Carrier: A stroller is essential if you have young children. The park’s main path is 3 km long, and that’s a lot for little legs. 
A mother carries her child on her shoulders while they observe camels and other animals in an open enclosure at Kolmården Wildlife Park. Another child holds a park map, eagerly exploring the surroundings. The family enjoys a close-up view of the wildlife against a backdrop of trees and overcast skies, capturing the park’s immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Pin

Remember that you’ll need to leave your stroller outside the Dolphin Show and Safari Gondola, so a baby carrier can come in handy. 

If you don’t bring a stroller, you can also rent trolleys to help carry everything.

  • Safety Wristbands: At the entrance, Kolmården offers free safety wristbands for kids. You can write their name and your phone number on the band in case you get separated. It’s a great peace of mind when exploring such a large park.

Kolmården is large, so use their handy app, which includes an interactive map and gives you live wait times for attractions. 

You can even order food through the app, making your day smoother and more efficient.

Food and Drink

The park has several restaurants and kiosks offering a variety of meals. They also cater to dietary needs, including vegetarian options and meals for those with allergies. 

A young child, holding a map, gazes through a wooden fence at an animal enclosure at Kolmården Wildlife Park. In the distance, a monkey can be seen climbing on ropes near a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and natural greenery. The scene captures a moment of quiet observation, highlighting the park’s immersive wildlife experience for families. Pin

Rest Areas

Kolmården is well-equipped for families. There are plenty of bathrooms with changing tables. You can also find dedicated breastfeeding rooms that make it easy to take breaks when needed.

Rainy Day Options

Most of the park is outdoors, so be sure to bring rain gear to keep exploring even if the weather turns. There aren’t many indoor activities, but a little rain won’t stop the fun if you’re prepared!

Have you visited Kolmården Wildlife Park with your family? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip, feel free to ask any questions. Don’t forget to share this post with other expat families who might find it helpful!

TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Buy flight tickets in advance

Always buy flight tickets in advance! The place to find the best prices for flight tickets is Skyscanner.com

🏠 Book your accommodation

Booking.com is easy to use and has many options and filters you can use to book in advance and check availability.

🚙 Renting a Car

I recommend Discover Cars because they always have the best rates and great customer service.

🎡 Plan tours and activities

Viator is an excellent place to start looking for activities. They provide a huge selection and great prices.

Photo of author

Astrid Chacon

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