Quick Answer: Stockholm spans 14 islands connected by bridges and ferries. The Vasa Museum (perfectly preserved 1628 warship) is a must-see. Gamla Stan's medieval alleys, ABBA Museum, and the archipelago sail-in are unforgettable.

Stockholm: My 14-Island Archipelago Masterpiece

Sailing through Stockholm's archipelago at sunrise with thousands of pine-covered islands is one of cruising's greatest thrills — and Stockholm lives up to every bit of the hype (4.8–5.0 stars). My perfect day: off the ship and straight into Gamla Stan's medieval alleys while they're still quiet — cobblestones, rune stones, the narrowest alley (Mårten Trotzigs Gränd), and fika (coffee + cinnamon bun) at Chokladkoppen.

Then the Vasa Museum — that perfectly preserved 1628 warship rising three stories inside the building is jaw-dropping. ABBA The Museum for interactive 70s fun, the Royal Palace changing of the guard at noon, and a ferry under the bridges to Djurgården for Skansen open-air museum and Gröna Lund amusement park. Lunch is always meatballs with lingonberries or herring platter. In the afternoon I do a rooftop tour walking on the parliament building or a kayak tour through the city canals. Sunset ferry back watching the city light up is magical.

The Moment That Stays With Me: Standing before the Vasa, a warship so ornate and massive it sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, now preserved so perfectly you can see the original paint and carved warriors. It's both a monument to human ambition and a humbling reminder of hubris. Sweden spent 333 years raising and restoring it, and the result is breathtaking.

Getting Around Stockholm

Most ships dock at Stadsgården/Frihamnen — free shuttle or €10–15 taxi to city center (10–20 minutes). Once there the public ferries, metro, and trams are fantastic and scenic.

  • Gamla Stan: 15–20 minute walk or quick bus/taxi
  • Vasa Museum (Djurgården): Ferry from Slussen or walk across bridge
  • ABBA Museum: Same area as Vasa on Djurgården

Positively Framed Word of Warning

The spread-out, water-everywhere layout is what makes Stockholm so breathtaking — embrace the short ferry hops as your personal archipelago cruise included in the price of admission.

← Back to Ports Guide