We use cookies to improve, measure and analyze the use of the website as well as for visitor statistics and marketing.

The history of porridge

Come and be inspired by porridge, a dish that has survived through the centuries and still holds a special place on our tables. Step into some of Skansen's historical buildings and learn how this simple yet versatile dish has changed over time.

  • Porridge has a long history as a staple food in Sweden. The type of porridge people ate could tell a lot about the time and place – where in the country they lived, which social class they belonged to, and whether it was an ordinary day or a special occasion.

    Can we draw inspiration from our ancestors’ eating habits? Then, as well as today, porridge is associated with both everyday meals and celebrations, oatmeal as a healthy breakfast or rice porridge as a must-have on the Christmas table. Welcome to learn more about porridge through the ages, while also reflecting on how we view porridge as a dish today.

    • Bollnäs cottage
    • Älvros Farmstead
    • The Printer’s Home
    • The Worker’s home
    • Väla School
    • The Farm Labourer’s Cottage/Statare House
    • Skåne Farmstead
    • The Ironmonger’s Apartment
Day Time
Today, 19 October 2025 10.00-16.00
Show more

  • The Children´s zoo (Lill-Skansen) included in the entrance fee
    Jan-Mar weekdays10-15 weekends 10-16, April 10-16, May 10.00–17.00, Jun-Aug 10.00-18.00, Sept 10.00-17.00, Oct-Dec weekdays 10-15, weekends 10-16

  • Baltic Sea Science Center, included in the entrance fee
    Jan-Mar weekdays10-15 weekends 10-16, April 10-16, May 10.00–17.00, Jun-Aug 10.00-18.00, Sept 10.00-17.00, Oct-Dec weekdays 10-15, weekends 10-16

  • Funicular railway (Bergbanan)
    The funicular railwayruns daily during Easter, weekends in April and thereafter daily.

  • The Skansen-Aquarium
    Opens daily 10.00 see calendar for closing hours