Stockholm is a popular port city, with deep canals that allow both small and large cruise ships pull right up to the city center. Built on 14 islands, Stockholm appears to be floating on water. Add to that the beautiful architecture and an abundance of nature, and you couldn’t ask for a prettier port of arrival — or departure.
If 14 islands should prove to be insufficient, not to worry: At Stockholm’s doorstep are 30,000 islands in the archipelago. Cruising through the archipelago is surely one of the world’s most beautiful transits.
Take a peek at the splashy hotspot of international jetsetters: gleaming Stockholm, with its posh and palatial offerings that prove to be just suited for an extended cruise vacation.
Whether you plan to spend extra time before you embark on your European voyage or stay a few days after disembarkation, this beautiful port city has a bevy of attractions all placed in close proximity to your ship’s dock. Let Stockholm’s friendly people, innovative art, gastronomic delights and rich culture add a sophisticated touch to your sailing, from royal outings to refined offerings.
Regal Pursuits
You’ll feel like royalty when we arrange for a personal driver to chauffeur you from your cruise dock to the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, where the baroque architecture of the Royal Palace – Kungliga Slottet – overlooks medieval cobblestoned streets on one of the city’s picturesque canals. As the official private residence of the Swedish Royal Family, Kungliga Slottet houses the gilded and marbled halls of the Royal Apartments, its chambers giving you a glimpse into the storied lives of royal Swedes. The annual Royal Palace Music Festival, held mid August to late September, allows music lovers to indulge in enchanting classical music while ensconced in such breathtaking surrounds as the Hall of State and Royal Chapel.
Drottningholm Palace, built in the 1600s, is Sweden’s most well-preserved castle as well as one of the country’s 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy the highly decorated salons of the palace before exploring the beautifully landscaped park.
Or, be pampered at Grand Hôtel Stockholm’s Nordic Spa & Fitness, where you are attended to by some of Sweden’s most skilled massage therapists. A world-famous Swedish massage will invigorate your muscles and knead away the tension in your body for unsurpassed relaxation – an ideal way to begin or end your cruise vacation.
Elegant Enlightenment
From fine arts to fine food, Stockholm pairs perfectly with your cruise’s luxuries. Complement onboard cuisine with onshore samplings of Swedish gastronomy at such restaurants as the two Michelin-starred Frantzén, nestled in the medieval Old Town. Serving a select 19 guests, this elegant and intimate eatery forms its menu around only the finest seasonal produce for the freshest and most flavorful dishes. A dinner here is often an impressive show that reflects Chef Björn Frantzén’s well-mastered inventive cooking techniques. Enjoy a visual and savory feast for the senses with dishes such as cod with juniper berries and pears, and sweetbreads with liquorice and caramelized yuzu.
Extending your cruise vacation in Stockholm offers further time to peruse the museum galleries of Liljevalchs Konsthall, an iconic bastion of contemporary Swedish and international art for nearly a century. Artwork is curated annually in the museum’s famed jury-selected Spring Salon.
Chic pleasures abound both on land and by air. Venturing to and from Stockholm for your voyage is effortless with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Direct service from New York and Chicago means easy indulgence in the sundry facets of Scandinavian culture. Elevate your flight experience with SAS Business and SAS Plus services, such as SAS Fast Track for quick security checks and private pre-flight lounges ensure that the relaxation of your vacation begins at the airport. Onboard innovations like self-service buffet in SAS Business featuring classic Scandinavian snacks as well as an assortment of drinks make even your flight refined.
From the thousands of islands making up its archipelago to its richly varied history, Stockholm infuses your journey with its sophistication and style, on land, in the air or at sea. Whether witnessing an elegant opera on palace grounds or enjoying delicacies from an onboard café midflight, your extended stay in Scandinavia’s self-proclaimed capital will add tasteful flair both royal and refined.
If you are interested in traveling to Stockholm, you can research Scandinavia tours and Scandinavia cruises by clicking on the provided links.
FAQs
Stockholm – the capital of Scandinavia.
Which Scandinavian capital is best? ›
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is consistently rated as one of the happiest cities in the world, and it's not hard to see why. In the capital of Denmark, you can experience Michelin-starred restaurants, grand sites like castles and palaces, and cutting-edge galleries. You may have heard about Copenhagen's green credentials too.
Why is Stockholm the capital of Sweden? ›
Stockholm is considered the capital city of Sweden because it is the country's largest city, its political and economic center, and the seat of the Swedish government and monarchy. Stockholm is also the cultural and educational hub of Sweden, with numerous museums, universities, and cultural institutions.
Is Stockholm the most populated Scandinavian city in the world? ›
Stockholm (Swedish: [ˈstɔ̂kː(h)ɔlm]) is the capital and most populous city of Sweden as well as the largest urban area in the Nordic countries. Approximately 1 million people live in the municipality, with 1.6 million in the urban area, and 2.4 million in the metropolitan area.
What are the 4 capitals of Scandinavia? ›
All four capitals – Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen – offer visitors a host of activities.
What is Stockholm best known for? ›
The city is sometimes referred to as 'Venice of the North', thanks to its beautiful buildings and exquisite architecture, abundant open water and numerous parks. 9. The total absence of heavy industry makes Stockholm one of the world's cleanest metropolises.
What is better Copenhagen or Stockholm? ›
Ultimately, Stockholm wins this round because its vast archipelago of surrounding islands, which gives you a lot of additional options. You can take short tours around the islands, or take a public ferry to hop on one of the islands if you want to make a daytrip or overnight stop.
Is Stockholm worth visiting? ›
Without a doubt, yes! Stockholm has so much to offer and is a truly unique destination. From its charming old town, Gamla Stan, to the modern and stylish neighbourhoods of Södermalm and Östermalm, there's more than enough to see and do in this beautiful city.
Is Oslo better than Stockholm? ›
It totally depends on what you are looking for. Stockholm is bigger, more multicultural and more trendy. Stockholm has a better night-life, better cultural activities (museums, theaters, concerts) and the city itself is more beautiful with its Gamla Stan etc. Oslo, on the other hand, is more of an outdoorsy city.
Why is Stockholm so popular? ›
Stockholm is Beautifully Built
Sweden's stunning capital is awash with beautiful buildings. Of course, there's Gamla Stan, the picturesque Old Town, which is home to some of Stockholm's most impressive architecture including the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum, the Opera House and historic Storkyrkan cathedral.
Tourist Attractions: Stockholm is known for its historic sites, cultural attractions, and beautiful architecture. Popular attractions such as the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (Old Town), and the Vasa Museum may contribute to its appeal. Quality of Life: Sweden, in general, is often ranked high.
What is the nickname of Stockholm? ›
Spreading idyllically across a Baltic Sea archipelago of fourteen islands, it's easy to see why the Swedish capital of Stockholm has acquired the nickname “Venice of the north”.
Where do the rich live in Sweden? ›
Stockholm, Sweden
Ostermalm is where you live if you have money. It's been that way since the early 1900's. Streets are straight and rather wide, shopping limited but there are good restaurants (and the British pub Tudor Arms). There are not many attractions apart from the History museum.
Is Stockholm the most beautiful city in the world? ›
Stockholm is one of the world's most beautiful cities. But that alone is not enough to differentiate it.
What are some fun facts about Stockholm? ›
The city is connected by 57 bridges, has 96 beaches, and the people of Stockholm own around 200,000 boats. This earned the Swedish capital the nickname 'Beauty on the Water'. Another special feature about Stockholm is the abundance of green space.
What is the main country of Scandinavia? ›
In general, Scandinavia denotes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The term Norden refers to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. These form a group of countries having affinities with each other and are distinct from the rest of continental Europe.
Which Scandinavian capital is the biggest? ›
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and also its largest city, and it is also the largest of the five capitals of Scandinavia.
What is the Norse capital city? ›
Oslo is the capital of Norway, and the economic and governmental centre of the country. Oslo is the largest city in Norway, with a population of some 600 000 inhabitants.
What are the three Scandinavian countries and their capitals? ›
Each Scandinavian city has its unique characteristics; Sweden's capital Stockholm - famous for its archipelago and diverse architecture, Denmark's capital Copenhagen - a pulsating metropol and historical oasis, Norway's capital Oslo - combining vibrant city life with the beautiful outdoors.
