Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is one of the most beautiful cruise destinations in Europe. The city spreads on 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges, therefore is often named “the Venice of the North”. Stockholm itself is a city of culture, history, innovations and has a lot to offer to tourists visiting by cruise ship. You have many options on what to see choosing one of the 70 museums in the city, learn about their rich history or simply take a walk and discover the city atmosphere.
Where do cruise ships dock at the Port of Stockholm, Sweden?
Cruise ships arriving in Stockholm dock at one of the several berths named Stadsgården, Frihamnen Dock, (where most of the big cruise ship berth) and Skeppsbron Dock (mostly used by smaller cruise ships).Some cruise vessels use tender boats which is a quite good option because the tender drops you off just in the city enter.
Dock Stadsgården
This docking area is a little bit further from the city center, some 3 kilometers, therefore shuttle bus services are offered to the guests and crew. There is also a city bus number 53 available from the Folkungagatan station that takes you to the city center. Please be advised that you need to buy tickets bus tickets from the tourist information stand at the pier.
Dock Frihamnen
Frihamnen cruise ship quay is around 4 km from the city center. Most of the cruise ships offer shuttle bus services however this is not always the case. If your cruise ship docks at the 638 Frihamnen there is a tourist information inside the terminal or if you berth at the southern part there is temporary tourist stand. From this location, you can take a ferry to the city center or local bus number 76. If you are looking for a free Wi-Fi there is inside the Frihamnen terminal.
Dock Skeppsbron
Small or Mid-size cruise ships usually dock at Skeppsbron. If your cruise ship dock at Skeppsbronthe quay you are in the walking distance from the city center right at Gamla Stan Old town.
Cruise Ship Anchoring at Förtöjning På Strömmen
Some cruise ships may anchor at Förtöjning På Strömmen and use tender boats. This option usually passengers want to avoid, but this is not the case in Stockholm. Tender boats take you right in the city center and are quite convenient. Unlike the other docks in Stockholm, cruise passengers don’t need any transportation anymore once you set foot on land.
Stockholm Sightseeing Google Map for cruise ship visitors
The map of Port of Stockholm presented bellow shows cruise ships docking and anchoring areas together with tender boats drop-off points and the most popular tourist attractions. If you are visiting Stockholm for a day by cruise ship this map is of great help pinpointing city’s most visited tourist attractions.
What to visit in Stockholm when arriving by a cruise ship?
Vasa Museum
Vasa Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions and usually this tour is offered by most cruise lines. The impressive warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage in the 17th century, was salvaged from the sea and reconstructed in 1961. This warship remarkably well preserved with her complete lower rigging at the Vasa Museum – making it the only museum of its kind in the world. Free admission for cruise ship crew with the ID card.
Stockholm City Hall
The City Hall is one of the best-known landmarks of Stockholm and the administrative and representative center. This is the venue where Nobel Prize Awards take place each year In the Blue Hall followed by a ball in the Golden Hall.
Skansen Open Air Museum
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing Sweden’s cultural and historic heritage with houses and farmsteads from every part of the country. Skansen also includes a zoo with wild and domestic Scandinavian animals and this is the venue for traditional annual festivities, markets, and folk dance displays,
The ABBA Museum
The new must-see place in Stockholm is the ABBA Museum. Open in 2013 this interactive museum will take you back to the 70’s and the 80’s glory days of Sweden’s most popular Pop band ABBA. Visit the museum for a trip down memory lane. Be sure to do it, because it is one gigantic party here! Make recordings with the group, dance to the music and test your ABBA knowledge!
The Royal Palace
If you decide to visit Sweeden Royal Palace you will see the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, the Royal Church and the Museum Tre Kronor (Three Crowns), which features the medieval history of this historic building. The Changing of the Guard takes place in the outer courtyard daily at Noon and at 1:00 pm on Sunday.
Fåfängan Coffee and Restaurant
If you want to relax enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Stockholm and your cruise ship is docked at Stadsgarden quay you can take a 10-minute walk from the ship's pier to the Fåfängan Coffee and Restaurant. This place located at the top of the hill offers a panoramic view overlooking the harbor and Stockholm while enjoying a cup of coffee or a lunch.