StockholmSweden · Ferry Destinations

All About Stockholm

Founded by Birger Jarl in 1252, Stockholm is one of the world’s most unique capitals. Comprising of 14 islands connected through 57 bridges, it is often labeled as the ‘Venice of the north’. Taking a ferry to Stockholm is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. Showcasing seamless amalgamation between deep-rooted traditions and contemporary thinking, Stockholm repeatedly leaves visitors awestruck with its inspirational architecture, culinary magic, and tech-savvy attitude that have become an integral part of the city’s ethos. Stockholm boasts a melange of attractions for all ages, from restaurants practicing foraging and citywide beaches to top-class museums and excursions that let you explore the region’s natural wonders.
 

Routes and Ferries to Stockholm

Stockholm is connected to the world via four airports. Stockholm-Arlanda International and Bromma welcome visitors from far away countries as well as cities within Sweden. Västerås and Skavsta are the other two airports, situated 100 km outside the city. There are also regular and timely train connections bringing passengers from London, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Oslo, and other European cities.

For something truly exclusive and visually stunning, consider taking a ferry to Stockholm. The views from the boats as they meander through the archipelago are spectacular, promising a memorable start to your Swedish holiday. The ferry to Stockholm can be booked easily via the Ferryscanner website.

There are regular Viking Line and Silja Line ferry services from Långnäs and Mariehamn in the Åland Islands that take about six hours one way. Longer duration ferries arrive in Stockholm from Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, and St. Petersburg via the three prominent ferry companies operating in this region, St. Peter Line, Tallink Silja, and Viking Line.
 

Ports of Stockholm

When arriving in Stockholm via boat, you are likely to reach one of three ports. Frihamnen is the busiest cruise terminal in the region, with ships departing for Riga and St. Petersburg. The harbor is well-connected with the city center via scheduled shuttle service, costing €12 one way. Otherwise, take a taxi, which is slightly more expensive but direct and comfortable if traveling with lots of luggage.

Just north of Frihamnen is Värtahamnen. Passengers sailing with Silja Line will disembark at this port. Having a state-of-the-art complex, individuals, groups, and passengers traveling with vehicles at Värtahamnen can check-in through separate counters, making the entire process streamlined and faster.

All Viking Line ferries voyaging between Stockholm and Turku, Helsinki, and the Åland Islands arrive at Stadsgården. The port is 20-minutes away from the city center. To reach Stadsgården, you can easily take the bus, metro, or train from different stops across the city. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Stockholm.
 

Best Beaches

Stockholm summers are surprisingly pleasant, with clear blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures going up to 30 °C (86 °F). Making the most of the sunny weather, residents usually dash to the beaches in Stockholm, which come alive with activities, be it swimming, picnics, or general fun and frolics with family and friends. A point to remember is that although Stockholm is a pet-friendly city, public beaches do not allow pets during summer.

Hellasgården

For an authentic Swedish experience, take a 20-minute bus ride from Slussen to Hellasgården. The locals typically come here during the winters to warm up in the saunas and take a plunge into the lake’s icy cold water. However, a plethora of pursuits, including nature trails, mini-golf, a beach to sunbathe, tennis, canoeing, and yoga sessions, attract tourists during summertime. Hellasgården also has cabins you can rent for $50 to $150 depending on the occupant numbers and season.

Oxhålsbadet

Stora Essingen is primarily a residential island, and thus, its local seaside hangout spot, Oxhålsbadet, gives proper city beach vibes with its three jetties, grassy surroundings, but no sandy areas. As a result of its location, reachable by taking Bus number 1, and humble nature, Oxhålsbadet is a cute little hidden gem of a beach that only a few tourists ever visit.

Smedsuddsbadet

Smedsuddsbadet is conveniently located near the city center and is your perfect chance to take a dip in Lake Mälaren. Due to its location, the beach gets incredibly crowded during the summer. Residents like to swim in the refreshing water or sunbathe on the lawns that are a part of Rålambshov Park. Although lacking any extra-curricular liveliness, the availability of toilets, restaurants, and showers make it ideal for a peaceful family outing.

Flatenbadet

A part-sandy and part-grassy field welcome sunbathers at Lake Flaten in the south of Stockholm. The family-friendly beach has plenty of open and shaded spaces, jetties, ramp access to the water, and a diving tower popular with the younger crowd. There are swings for smaller children, while adults enjoy volleyball to take a break from idling on the beach. Facilities at Flatenbadet include a café, toilets, and lockers. The beach is easily reachable by bus from the town center.

Långholmsbadet

Promising a vast green garden perfect for picnics, character-adding low-lying rocks, dramatic views of the arch-bridge Västerbron, a sandy beach, and clear waters, Långholmsbadet is the most popular waterside destinations in Stockholm. The beach area is well-developed with toilets, open showers, cafes, and shops in the vicinity. Those wanting more than to just lounge the day away can discover the islet of Långholmen through several walking trails starting from the beach.
 

Neighborhoods

Culturally significant with modern-day entertainment options, Stockholm’s neighborhoods are where you can mingle with locals, experience gastronomic wizardry, and dance the night away while immersing yourself in the city’s endearingly quaint personality.

Gamla Stan

Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, dates back to the 13th century and is also its beating heart that never fails to amaze. It is here that you’ll come across the Nobel Prize Museum, the impressive 600-room Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and the city’s oldest square, Stortorge. A pedestrian-only neighborhood, the cobblestoned streets, quirky souvenir shops, and cute cafes do give Gamla Stan a touristy disposition. Still, it is also one place you cannot leave Stockholm without visiting.

Östermalm

Situated just east of the city’s center, Östermalm is also Stockholm’s most posh neighborhood with Sweden’s high property prices. Frequented by celebrities, the royalty, and the rich, it is home to embassies, the Royal Dramatic Theater, Ethnographic Museum, and Strandvägen, the ultimate destination for high-end branded shopping. Gourmands wanting to relish Nordic cuisine will find Michelin starred restaurants like Gastrologik and Ekstedt in Östermalm as well as plenty of bars and clubs that give unmatched vivacity to Stockholm’s nightlife.

Södermalm

Words like up-and-coming, hipster central, and boho-chic are enough to give you an idea of what Södermalm is all about. Stockholm’s trendiest neighborhood, known simply as Söder, is brimming with Instagrammable cafes, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and a vibe that will particularly appeal to millennials. Situated south of Gamla Stan, there is a beautiful juxtaposition between the retro architecture and contemporary attitude of the area. No wonder you’ll find food trucks, flea markets, and museums such as Fotografiska and Stadsmuseet within a few minutes of each other here.

Djurgården

If wishing for a day filled with energetic and educational activities for the whole family, head straight for the island of Djurgården. You can possibly spend your entire time at Gröna Lund, the famous theme park with thrilling rollercoasters and rides for all ages. The ABBA and Vasa Museum, two of the most popular museums in the city, are also here, as is Skansen, a zoo and open-air museum that children especially love. To end your perfect day in Djurgården, sit by the water in Royal Djurgården Park, an idyllic spot to admire the setting sun.

Vasastan

Whimsical and so-not-touristy, Vasastan is a quieter residential district known for its wide streets, distinct architecture, and Observatorielunden park with its panoramic views and observatory built back in 1753. Bibliophiles wandering around Vasastan will be delighted to find statues of Astrid Lindgren and August Strindberg at Tegnérlunden park. The neighborhood is an excellent place to step away from the bustling city and appreciate fika – the Swedish pastime of enjoying coffee and cake with friends at a café.
 

Transportation Around Stockholm

While you’ll easily explore neighborhoods like Gamla Stan on foot, it is easier to travel around Stockholm by using its excellent public transport system. The Metro, referred to as the ‘world’s longest art gallery’, webs across the city with over 100 stations, each beautifully decorated with gorgeous mosaics and art installations. Stockholm follows a zone system with single trip tickets on buses and the underground costing $4. When staying for a few days, look into buying the 24 or 72-hour card for $13, as it includes travel on buses, metro, trams, and certain ferries.

Stockholm is very bike-friendly, and it is possible to rent a cycle for around $30 a day. Djurgården and Hammarby Sjöstad are ideal day-trip options, and ferries depart from Nybroviken and Slussen to these two destinations daily, throughout the year.