This guide is tailored for cruise passenger visiting Srockholm.
The port of Stockholm has four cruise ship terminals - Stadsgarden, Frihamnen, Vartahamnen, Skeppsbron. When docked in Frihamnen or Vartahamnen, you can take the bus N76 to the Central Station. Buy the ticket right before the ride, as it’s valid only for an hour. If docked in Stadsgarten, located in Södermalm, you will have easy walking access to the old city, which is visible directly from the cruise ship.
Smaller cruise ships dock in Skeppsbron, which is very close to the old city.
Another cruise ship terminal, Nynäshamn, is aimed at hosting giant cruise ships that don’t fit through the narrow canal.
About the City: Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, stands on 14 islands on the Lake Mälaren, making up a beautiful archipelago, which borders the Baltic Sea on the East. Stockholm is the seat of the Swedish royal family. The family resides in the Stockholm Palace.
The population of the city is ±2 million. The city has two airports, Stockholm - Arlanda International Airport and Bromma Airport.
Climate
The average high temperature is -1°C in winter and 23°C in summer. December 21 has the shortest period of daylight, only 6 hours. The weather is generally chilly both in winter and summer.
Internet Connection
There are many free WIFI spots in cafes and fast food places. You might have to order something to get the password. Major shopping centers also have free WIFI.
History & Culture
History
The most important city of Sweden was built due to a necessity rather than historical developments. It was founded in 1252 and received the name “Stockholm” that means the town between bridges. Vessels carrying goods from one country to another needed a harbor on their way, so that they could reload before continuing the voyage. The city was located on a strategically important trade juncture and, therefore, was expanded and fortified in the 13th century.
The Old Town is flavored with German architecture, as the city was inhabited by the Germans in the 14th century. The 17th century was marked by the construction of royal palaces and castles. Stockholm was modernized in the 19th century; new suburbs were built and the population was redistributed. Stockholm was named the “Capital of Culture in Europe” in 1998.
Culture
While the Sweden draws a lot from the Scandinavian culture, it has contributed to the region and Europe, too. The Swedish design peculiarities became popular in 1930 and later shaped the modernist movement. Clean, elegant and sophisticated design is at the core of the Swedish culture.
The Swedish nation has all typical Scandinavian traits. Swedes like to remain humble, speak less, listen more, and be very polite to others. They also respect personal space and privacy. Despite this, they are very friendly and ready to help.
Eating is a formal event, especially when many guests are expected for a dinner party. All cafes can be super-busy at lunch time, as the Danes prefer long lunch chats with friends.
Eating/ Drinking
Just like in other Scandinavian countries, the Swedish cuisine offers a variety of open-faced sandwiches, which are called smörgås in Sweden. These sandwiches originated from using the bread as a plate centuries ago. Naturally, the lower class was their main consumer.
Swedish creativity with sandwiches extends further to Smörgåstårta or sandwich cakes. These are real cake-size sandwiches decorated with shrimp, salmon, veggies, and so on.
Swedish meatballs or Köttbullar are the best choice for budget travelers. They are cheap, delicious and in fashion year round.
Pea soup and pancakes on Thursdays are an old tradition in Sweden. Every local has been raised with this fixed meal.
Last thing you’d want to try is herring fermented in a special Swedish way. Surströmming, as they call it, is salted and fermented for 2 months. The dish has a strong smell and should be eaten outside.
Museum
Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum established in 1891. It features a recreation of the Swedish life as it was around 500 years ago. Houses, everyday items and a lot of information are on display. The staff is dressed in traditional Swedish costumes and each one plays a certain social role. The museum also organizes celebrations of Christmas, Midsummer and other holidays in a typical Swedish tradition.
Vasa Museum contains the only 17th century preserved ship in the world. The exhibitions cover every piece of the ship, i.e. the sculptures, the people on board, the vessel traffic of the time and so on.
The Nordic Museum offers a collection about the Scandinavia starting from the 16th century on. It’s a great way to learn about the ethnic peculiarities of the Swedish people.
ABBA: The Museum is a top priority for all ABBA fans, as visitors can see the personal belongings of the musicians, try their own musical skills at the Polar Studio, and enjoy the interactive exhibition.
The Nobel Museum has a collection of over 700 creative ideas and inventions. The exhibition illustrates the Noble Prize and its laureates. Those, who have no idea or interest in the world developments had better skip this museum.
Things to Do
Gamla Stan (the Old Town) occupies the Stadsholmen Island. The majority of buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This part of the city is excellent for pedestrian sightseeing. It includes narrow streets and colorful buildings. The main sites are the Royal Palace and the Royal Chapel.
Riddarholmskyrkan is the only medieval church of Sweden. It’s of great importance to the nation, as a huge number of Swedish kings are buried here. The church is open to public only in summer.
Transportation
The transport in Stockholm consists of metro, trains, buses and ferries. Three metro lines connect the northern part of the city with the south. They all pass through the Central Station.
The buses operate with tickets only, no cash inside. The only way of buying the ticket inside the bus is to make use of the coin machine. One-way tickets are valid only for an hour.
You can either buy a prepaid transport ticket for a day, which will grant free access to all means of public transport in the city or obtain a Stockholm Card, which grants for free admission into 80 museums and public transport.
Welcome to the port of Stockholm
This AI-generated guide, courtesy of ChatGPT, is tailored for cruise passengers visiting Stockholm for the first time.
General Port Information
Stockholm's port, embracing the Baltic Sea, is the heart of the city and Sweden's largest. It serves as a hub for international cruises and ferries, connecting passengers to the city's archipelago and beyond.
Touristic Information
The port of Stockholm is your gateway to a city of history and modernity, spread across 14 islands, with a plethora of museums, historical buildings, chic restaurants, and vibrant street life.
Transportation Options
Train Services
Trains connect Stockholm to nearby attractions such as the historic city of Uppsala, 71 km (44 miles) away, in under an hour.
Bus Services
Bus routes offer access to Drottningholm Palace, located 15 km (9.3 miles) from the port with a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Other Means of Transportation
Apart from public transport, taxis, bicycles, and ferries are widely available for exploring Stockholm's cityscape and archipelago.
Top 5 Attractions
1. Vasa Museum: Home to the 17th-century warship, Vasa. Entry fee applies.
2. Gamla Stan: Stockholm's Old Town, featuring cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Free to explore.
3. Skansen Open-Air Museum: World's oldest open-air museum, showcasing Sweden's way of life. Tickets required.
4. Royal Palace: Official residence of the Swedish monarch. Admission fee charged.
5. ABBA The Museum: An interactive exhibition about the famous pop group. Purchase of tickets necessary.
Nice to Know Facts
1. Stockholm is known as the 'Venice of the North' due to its beautiful waterways and bridges.
2. The Nobel Prizes, except for the Peace Prize, are awarded here annually.
3. The city's subway system is often called the world’s longest art gallery, with elaborately decorated stations.
Fun for Families
For children up to 6 years old: Junibacken, a children's museum focused on Swedish children's literature, is enchanting.
Ages 7-12: The Natural History Museum with its IMAX theatre, Cosmonova, offers exciting educational experiences.
Ages 13-18: Gröna Lund amusement park provides thrilling rides and games for teenagers.
Popular Things to Do
Enjoy a fika, the Swedish coffee break tradition, at a local café.
Take a boat tour to appreciate Stockholm from its waterways.
Visit Fotografiska, a contemporary photography museum with stunning views of the city.
Local Food and Drinks
1. Meatballs with lingonberries, a classic Swedish dish.
2. Pickled herring, often served as part of a smörgåsbord.
3. Glögg, a mulled wine typically enjoyed during winter.
Shopping
Drottninggatan and Biblioteksgatan are popular shopping streets, and Mall of Scandinavia is one of the largest shopping centers in Scandinavia.
Historical and Cultural Tours
Guided tours of the Royal Djurgården, the historic island that is home to many of Stockholm’s museums and cultural landmarks.
Local Customs
In Stockholm, punctuality is highly regarded, and it's common to remove shoes when entering someone's home.
Google Maps
Stockholm City Center on Google Maps
Cruise Ship Terminal on Google Maps
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.