Stockholm,
Sweden On Your Own Shore Excursion
By Nancy Norris
View of Stockholm
Overview:
The capital and largest city in Sweden, Stockholm is built on 14
islands located where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea.
Connected by over 50 bridges crisscrossing open bays and
narrow channels, it is often referred to as the "Venice
of the North". A city of contrasting colors, lush parks
share space with spacious boulevards and medieval dark,
stone buildings sit next to modern Scandinavian high
rises of glass and steel.
City of Contrasts
However, the natural beauty of this cosmopolitan city is arguably
its most enigmatic component. The city has much to offer
with 38 parks, 70 museums, over 100 art galleries and
multiple shopping, dining and entertainment venues.
Typical of the Baltic countries, Stockholm's
temperatures range from 51-73ºF from May to September.
Swedish is the official language, but fluent English is
spoken by most residents. While the Krona is the
official currency, Euros are accepted in many shops.
Ships in Harbor Downtown
Cruise Port Location and Information:
Stockholm can accommodate 10 cruise vessels at any given
time. Small ships can berth in Nybroviken right in city
center only a 5 minute walk to Old Town, Skeppsbron next
to the Royal Palace in Old Town and Mooring Bouy right
in Old Town. However, the majority of cruise ships dock
at one of two main terminals.
Stadsgården,
located behind the Viking Line ferry terminal, is a
dedicated cruise terminal with tourist information,
souvenir shops, restrooms and Internet access. It is a
20 minute walk to Old Town or 30 minutes to city center
and 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus. Frihamnen,
originally a commercial cargo terminal, underwent a
renovation and in 2008 opened as a state-of-the-art
dedicated cruise terminal that can accommodate
mega-ships of up to 4,000 passengers. Located further
out of town, depending on traffic, it is a 10-20 minute
taxi or shuttle bus ride into town and a 40-45 minute
walk.
Downtown Shuttle Bus Drop
Exploring on Your Own:
A walking tour of Gamla Stan (Old
Town) and the surrounding downtown area is the best
place to start exploring the city. Begin at the 18th
century Royal Palace which dominates the north-east
hillside of Old Town.
Royal Palace
As one of the largest inhabited royal castles in the
world, this official residence of the King of Sweden
offers tours of the Royal Apartments, the Treasury and
the Royal Armory daily. Make sure to schedule your
walking tour so that you are at the Royal Palace for the
Changing of the Guards.
Changing of Guards
This impressive display of pomp and circumstance takes
place daily during the summertime and Wednesdays and
Saturdays in the winter. Notice the Obelisk that sits in
front of the Royal Palace which as erected to honor
Stockholm burghers for their support in the war with
Russia. Standing near the obelisk, locate the yellow
building which is the Finnish Church and check out the
park in the rear for a glimpse of “Iron Boy”, the
smallest statue in Stockholm at 14 cm high.
Iron Boy statue
In summer he may wear a sun hat or hold a flower and in
winter, he wears a cap and scarf. Walk through the door
in the wall, and wander to the old Stock Exchange and
the Nobel Museum for a historical glimpse into the
world's most diverse and prestigious award.
Nobel Museum
Turn left and stroll into Stortorget, a spacious open
square that was once the old market center and location
for public hangings.
Stortorget
The focal point of the square is a picturesque, yet no
longer functional, old well.
Stortorget Well
From there, visit the 15th century Gothic
Cathedral (Storkyrkan), Stockholm's oldest church. It is
still used for royal weddings, coronations and baptisms.
Storkyrakan
Step through the nearby arch to enter Västerlånggatan,
the main shopping street in Old Town. Even if shopping
is not on your agenda, have fun wandering through the
narrow, winding cobblestone streets and alleys.
Cobblestone Alleys
Stop along the way and take a peak inside some of the
shops. Many still have glass ceilings and others are
beautifully hand painted. Eventually, your walking tour
will lead to the charming street of Österlånggatan. A
street with cafes, statues and shops, it is often called
the “gem of Gamla Stan”.
Statue on Österlånggatan
Dating back to the founding of the city, parts of the
old city walls are still preserved in some of the
buildings. While one could easily spend the entire day
in Old Town, if you wish to see other aspects of this
fascinating city, exit Gamla Stan and make a quick visit
to Riddarholmen Church across from Old Town.
Riddarholmen Church
Founded in the 13th Century, it has been the Royal
mausoleum for 400 years. Explore City Hall (Stadshuset)
which is also the City Museum of Stockholm.
Stockholm City Hall
Artistically and architecturally striking, this imposing
structure, with its majestic tower adorned with three
gold crowns, hosts the Nobel Prize Banquet in the
magnificent Golden Hall covered with 19 million mosaic
tiles.
After exploring downtown, find the bridge that crosses
over to Djurgården or, better yet, take the short ferry
ride for a visit the Vasa Museum. It is a very short
walk from where the ferry drops you off at Gröna Lund
(see more about that in “off the beaten path”
suggestions). The most visited museum in all of
Scandinavia, the Vasa Museum features the only 17th
century ship remaining intact and offers visitors unique
insight into that period of seafaring history. The
museum is actually built around the warship that sunk in
the Stockholm Harbor on its maiden voyage in 1628.
Vasa Museum
Shopping Tips:
Stockholm offers much more than the high quality glass
and crystal that has become synonymous with Swedish
design. There are over 4,000 stores in a relatively
compact area of Stockholm that have made this city the
fashion capital of Scandinavia. Giant department stores,
modern gallerias and shopping boulevards offer
everything from local handcrafted items and tailor-made
clothing to street fashions and designer collections.
If you are in Old Town, Västerlånggatan is the main
shopping street in Gamla Stan. Catering to tourists,
souvenir shops and cute boutiques abound. Here is where
to look for trolls, Viking stuff, wooden clogs or
glassware. But, you will also find some interesting
stores selling handmade ceramics, clothing and other
unique items around the corner on Osterlanggatan.
< 17.Västerlånggatan>
In Old Town, near Stortorget, you will even find open
markets offering fresh produce.
Open Air Market
Drottninggatan, or Queen’s Street, is a long “pedestrian
only” shopping street in the center of town. Here you
will find designer chain stores and unique boutiques
with every imaginable ware available. Whether you are in
the market for a Rolex watch, Swedish crystal, T-shirts
or clothing from one of the many H&M stores, you will
find it here. There are a number of exclusive designer
shops and interesting local shops that can be found on
the side streets, running both perpendicular and
parallel to Drottninggaten.
Drottninggatan
Port Highlights:
Gamla Stan (Old Town), although touristy, is fun to
explore on foot (see “Exploring on Your Own” above for a
self-guided walking tour). Check out all the historical
buildings, meander along the cobblestone streets and
alleys, stop in one of the outdoor cafes for a snack or
libation, visit the unique shops and enjoy the views.
Gamla Stan
The Royal Palace and viewing the changing of the guards
are both quite impressive and need to be included in
your walking tour of Gamla Stan.
Palace Changing of the Guards
The Vasa Museum in
Djurgården is a fascinating maritime museum. Salvaged
from the harbor in 1961, the warship has been completely
restored to its original condition. The museum is open
from 10 AM – 5 PM daily and admission is 110SEK for
adults, children up to age 18 are free.
Off the Beaten Path:
After visiting Old Town, the surrounding downtown
environs and the Vasa Museum, if time permits (and
you’re not too exhausted), plan to explore the green
island oasis of Djurgården and its other tourist
temptations.
Djurgården Green Oasis
Parks and tree lined boulevards provide a scenic stroll
as you walk the short distance from the Vasa to Skansen,
another Djurgården treat. Skansen, the world's oldest
open-air museum, is home to 150 culturally historic
buildings representing social conditions in Sweden from
the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Skansen Building
Skansen Farm
While wandering the expansive grounds of Skansen,
visitors can watch various craft and occupational
demonstrations, as well as, tour gardens and an open-air
zoo.
Another highlight of this island is the Nordic Museum,
which looks more like a palace than a museum. Located
next to the Vasa Museum and behind Skansen, it features
over 500 years of Swedish history and cultural trends.
Nordic Museum
If you took the ferry over to Djurgården to visit the
Vasa Museum, it literally drops you off at the entrance
to Gröna Lund amusement park. This is Sweden's Tivoli
Gardens. Relatively small (about 30 attractions), it is
more popular for its summer concert series, but if you
have children in toe, it can be fun for a diversion.
Gröna Lund Entrance
Another option is to visit Lidingo, one of Stockholm's
outlying islands, Millesgården, a wonderful sculpture
park that was once Carl Milles' residence offers a
relaxing respite. As one of Sweden's greatest sculptors,
many of his works are on display in the lovely garden.
But, Milles was also an avid art collector, so visitors
can enjoy his collection of Greek and Roman antiquities
on display in the home. As an added bonus, the grounds
offer spectacular views of Stockholm. Finally, if you
have been to Stockholm before and looking for something
a little different, a visit to the Absolut Ice Bar in
the Nordic Sea Hotel is a unique experience.
Dining and Drinking Suggestions:
While it is difficult to recommend a specific
restaurant, Stockholm is known for its wild game and
various fish dishes, particularly salmon. For those with
a hearty appetite, this is a good place to sample a
traditional smorgasbord. No matter whether you are in
Old Town, downtown, or on one of the outlying islands,
there is no shortage of dining and drinking
establishments from which to choose. There are a number
of outdoor cafes and restaurants that line
Västerlånggatan and
Stortorget in Gamla Stan, but don’t discount the many
hidden gems on the side streets and cobblestone alleys.
Dining in Gamla Stan
If you are shopping on
Drottninggaten or walking along the waterfront, a
boundless number of appealing locales will entice you to
enter for a quick bite or drink to satisfy your
appetite.
Waterfront Bar
Must Do List:
Stockholm Archipelago
Don’t miss the visual feast of
ever-changing scenery as your ship enters the
archipelago of 24,000 islands and islets on your journey
into Stockholm's harbor. Created in the last Ice Age,
the natural beauty is simply spectacular.
A walking tour of Gamla Stan and watching the changing
of the guard at the Royal Palace should be on everyone’s
must do list.
The Vasa Museum is also highly recommended.
Archipelago Entering Harbor
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