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Stockholm - 2 day port itinerary - Can it be a DIY?


alwayslost
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We are coming in to Stockholm on July 2 Wed 8:00 am and departing next day July 3 Th at 5 pm.

 

I was wondering if this can be a DIY rather than going with a tour? We are in good health and will be traveling with a 13-year old son, who loves history.

 

Any suggestion is appreciated? Would a tour be the better course?

 

Holland America has a 7-hour tour to Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum, then Sigtuna. Really don't like cruise tours, but will do so if it's not convenient. Right now, if booked before the end of the month -- $155/person.

 

Can we on our own just go to Gamla Stan then go to Vasa Museum. Any thoughts or past notes would be appreciated.

thanks

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Stockholm is most certainly a DIY port, with the amount of time you have there is absolutely no need for booking a tour. It is easy to do it on your own.

 

You have lots of info and advices in this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1017275

 

And if you have more questions just ask and we'll try to help.

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I strongly suggest you buy a two day Stockholm card and DIY as you then have total freedom and can do it all at your own pace.

 

A two day Stockholm card would be 2 x 650 kr + 265 kr = 1565 kr or some 240 USD in total for two adults and one child.

 

http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/stockholmcard/

Edited by Ultima Thule
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We had a 2 day stop in Stockholm last September. We bought a 24 hour public transport pass. You have unlimited use on buses, trams, ferries and metro. I have limited mobility, but we still made good use of it and went to all the places you mention on the Holland America excursion.

 

We did our own thing in all the ports of call on our Baltic cruise except SPB, where we booked with Alla and Gdansk where we did do the ship's excursion due to time restraint.

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We also have a 2 day stop. Our plan is to use the HOHO boat & feet for transportation. Unfortunately the Stockholm card apparently doesn't cover the HOHO boat. Please correct me if I am wrong. If it did it would be a no brainer.

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We are coming in to Stockholm on July 2 Wed 8:00 am and departing next day July 3 Th at 5 pm.

 

I was wondering if this can be a DIY rather than going with a tour? We are in good health and will be traveling with a 13-year old son, who loves history.

 

Any suggestion is appreciated? Would a tour be the better course?

 

Holland America has a 7-hour tour to Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum, then Sigtuna. Really don't like cruise tours, but will do so if it's not convenient. Right now, if booked before the end of the month -- $155/person.

 

Can we on our own just go to Gamla Stan then go to Vasa Museum. Any thoughts or past notes would be appreciated.

thanks

 

You get much better advice from our friends who live right there, but in my very humble opinion, Stockholm is a very easy to do it yourself city.

 

First of all, museums like the Vasa have their own tour guides so whomever you tour with basically leaves you off at the door. In Gamla Stan, the fun of this entire area is to just wander about on your own, discovering all sorts of riches. It is impossible to do a guided tour in here.

The only thing a tour can do is MAYBE get you into the Vasa Museum if there is a line out front. Get there early and you won't have to worry about this.

 

The Royal Palace at the beginning of the area known as Gamla Stan

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1241.jpg

 

The guards where these very shiny helmets

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1255.jpg

 

Every day they have a Changing of the Guard ceremony

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1306.jpg

 

Part of the wonderful harbor area of Stockholm

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster1318.jpg

 

Entering Gamla Stan, with many wonderful places to sit and eat

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1265.jpg

 

Gamla Stan is a wonderful place to just roam around, with very narrow, cobblestone streets

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1271.jpg

 

Hope you enjoy

 

Cheers

 

Len

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Entering Gamla Stan, with many wonderful places to sit and eat

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1265.jpg

 

Gamla Stan is a wonderful place to just roam around, with very narrow, cobblestone streets

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe1271.jpg

 

Hope you enjoy

 

Cheers

 

Len

 

First one is Järntorget.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A4rntorget_%28Stockholm%29

 

Second is Västerlånggatan, standing just south of Kåkbrinken and looking southwards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4sterl%C3%A5nggatan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%A5kbrinken

Edited by Desdichado62
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We will be visiting Stockholm for the first time on HAL Eurodam on May 29 and 30. The plan was to see the major sights on the 29th and use the 30th for wandering, shopping, and perhaps even an outing to the Ikea flagship store. However, I just realized that May 29 is Ascension Day. How will this holiday impact schedules for tourist sites and public transit, if at all?

 

Also, my understanding is that Eurodam will be moored somewhere near Gamla stan. Does anyone know where the tenders drop off? What is the best way to get from the tender drop-off point to the Vasa museum (HOHO? Ferry?).

 

Thanks for your input!!

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We will be visiting Stockholm for the first time on HAL Eurodam on May 29 and 30. The plan was to see the major sights on the 29th and use the 30th for wandering, shopping, and perhaps even an outing to the Ikea flagship store. However, I just realized that May 29 is Ascension Day. How will this holiday impact schedules for tourist sites and public transit, if at all?

 

Also, my understanding is that Eurodam will be moored somewhere near Gamla stan. Does anyone know where the tenders drop off? What is the best way to get from the tender drop-off point to the Vasa museum (HOHO? Ferry?).

 

Thanks for your input!!

 

Yes the Eurodam will moor at a buoy at Strömmen.

I am not sure where the tenders will drop you off more then it is somewhere on Skeppsbron.

 

I would guess that they either drop you off in front of the Royal Palace (A) or at the southern end of Skeppsbron (B),

 

https://maps.google.se/maps?saddr=Skeppsbrokajen&daddr=Skeppsbrokajen&hl=sv&ll=59.321608,18.078175&spn=0.016904,0.066047&sll=59.325467,18.077005&sspn=0.004225,0.016512&geocode=FThAiQMdhM4TAQ%3BFakuiQMdicwTAQ&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=dme&mrsp=0&sz=17&z=15

 

You basically have two options for transport to Vasa.

If you are dropped off at (A) bus #76 towards Ropsten is normally the best choice, get off at Djurgårdsbron and walk the few 100m remaining to Vasa.

 

If at (B) go with Djurgårdsfärjan to Allmänna gränd and walk from there.

http://www.waxholmsbolaget.se/visitor/djurgarden-ferry/maps-ferry-terminals/

 

Ascension day (in Swedish: Kristi Himmelsfärdsdag) will have minor impact on your travelling. It is a red day and public transport will use Sunday schedule will slightly less frequent schedule I think.

Some smaller stores might be closed and the larger gallerias probably close a few hours earlier then normal.

 

Vasa museum will be open as usual but doesn't open until 10.00 to June 30th From June 1st until the end of the summer it opens at 08.30.

Royal Palace is also open as usual. For other desired museums just google them and it will be written on their websites (under opening hours) if they are open or not.

Edited by Desdichado62
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Desdichado62, we are on same cruise May 29/30 in Stockholm. My question is we plan to use the HOHO boats for our primary transport. From their map, it appears that they stop at the palace and near the lower end of Gamla Stan (near your map potential tender dropoffs). Does the HOHO boat seem to you to be a good alternative to the bus you recommended?

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Thanks for all the responses!!

 

Question though, we're the type who would rather enjoy a few places and not rush and see everything. Because if we love it enough, we will come back. We been to a lot of European countries, and we would rather find something that makes Stockholm stand out.

 

We are traveling with our 13 year old son. Who is mature for his age and loves history (military history in particular). Seems Vasa Museum is a good place to go.

 

So with that said... anybody has any suggestions? And also is it then worth the Stockholm card or we're better off as suggested here to use the HOHO boat? Or a 24-hour travel card mentioned in another thread?

 

Thanks again!

Edited by alwayslost
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Thanks for all the responses!!

 

We are traveling with our 13 year old son. Who is mature for his age and loves history (military history in particular). Seems Vasa Museum is a good place to go.

 

Vasa? Of course!!

 

National Historical Museum, located two blocks north of Djurgården bridge is not often mentioned on this forum but I think its a wonderful museum, well worth a visit, especially the huge viking collection and the gold room.

 

I recommend The Royal Armoury on the south side of the royal palace as well.

 

I havent visited The Army Museum since they made a major rebuilding so I relly cannot comment on that one.

 

And also is it then worth the Stockholm card or we're better off as suggested here to use the HOHO boat? Or a 24-hour travel card mentioned in another thread?

 

I think the HOHO boat is best for those who dock at Stadsgården, only have a few hours time and want to visit just Vasa and Gamla Stan and don't plan to do any other trips.

 

In my mind the more time you spend in Stockholm the more natural it would be to use the public transport instead (more flexible, much shorter intervals etc). Is the Stockholm card or the public tranport travel card better? That depends on how many museums etc. you want to visit. The Stockholm card can be bought in advance and I understand your ship moor at a buoy at Strömmen and you'll land somewhere in Gamla Stan so there shouldn't be any problem for you to find a place to buy the travel card either.

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Desdichado62, we are on same cruise May 29/30 in Stockholm. My question is we plan to use the HOHO boats for our primary transport. From their map, it appears that they stop at the palace and near the lower end of Gamla Stan (near your map potential tender dropoffs). Does the HOHO boat seem to you to be a good alternative to the bus you recommended?

 

According to the time table the first Ho-Ho boat does not depart until 09.45 from Nybroplan which means it won't be at the Royal Palace until the clock have passed 10.30 and you won't be at Vasa until 10.50 at the earliest.

 

It depends on when you are able to get off the ship I suppose,

 

http://www.stromma.se/Upload/Sightseeing/Tidtabeller/Stockholm/HoHo_until_aug-31.jpg?cb=true

 

There is also another bus-tram combination that will work just as good as the bus #76.

 

Take Blue bus #2 towards Norrtull get off at Karl XII:s torg (next stop) , walk to Nyboplan and take tram #7 towards DJURGÅRDEN Waldemarsudde,

get off at Djurgårdsbron or at Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet.

The latter is only if you use the tram since bus #76 does not have any stops on Djurgården.

 

you can use http://sl.se/en/Visitor/Plan-your-journey/ to search for connections.

Royal Palace stop is called Slottsbacken and Djurgårdsbron or at Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet.

 

I also agree with Ultima Thule regarding Historiska museet, public transport and the Stockholm card.

 

Historiska is open between 11.00 and 17.00

http://www.historiska.se/home/exhibitions/

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Vasamuseet,+Gal%C3%A4rvarvsv%C3%A4gen,+Stockholm,+Sverige&daddr=Narvav%C3%A4gen+13,+Stockholm,+Sverige&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=59.332029,18.092959&spn=0.01008,0.033023&sll=59.334568,18.092508&sspn=0.010079,0.033023&geocode=FQhHiQMdrQ4UASFBMsG08ZrwzymvKYNtVJ1fRjFBMsG08Zrwzw%3BFXxfiQMd5w0UASlRTJ3mUZ1fRjFkS8iSHYDoVA&oq=Vasam&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=ltm&z=16

 

Armémuseum is at Riddargatan 13.

Opening hours i 11.00-17.00

http://www.sfhm.se/templates/pages/ArmeStandardPage.aspx?id=1069&epslanguage=SV

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Narvav%C3%A4gen+13,+Stockholm,+Sverige&daddr=Riddargatan+13,+114+51+Stockholm,+Sverige&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=59.333693,18.086307&spn=0.00504,0.016512&sll=59.334273,18.084912&sspn=0.010079,0.033023&geocode=FXxfiQMd5w0UASlRTJ3mUZ1fRjFkS8iSHYDoVA%3BFVddiQMdp98TASmp0jf0Wp1fRjGiMwpwowg98w&oq=Narvav%C3%A4gen+13,+Stockholm,+Sverige&t=h&dirflg=w&doflg=ptk&mra=ls&z=17

or

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Narvav%C3%A4gen+13,+Stockholm,+Sverige&daddr=59.3338782,18.0890471+to:59.3348827,18.0843318+to:Riddargatan+13,+114+51+Stockholm,+Sverige&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=59.3343,18.084129&spn=0.005062,0.016512&sll=59.333638,18.08929&sspn=0.01008,0.033023&geocode=FXxfiQMd5w0UASlRTJ3mUZ1fRjFkS8iSHYDoVA%3BFfZciQMdVwQUASk_XyfIUZ1fRjGNEdqZsQyykA%3BFeJgiQMd6_ETASnP8-sNUJ1fRjFyP4xntvWT4g%3BFVddiQMdp98TASmp0jf0Wp1fRjGiMwpwowg98w&oq=Narvav%C3%A4gen+13,+Stockholm,+Sverige&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=dpe&mrsp=2&sz=16&via=1,2&z=17

 

the second route will take you past Kvarteret Krubban and Hedvig Eleonora Kyrka.

http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kvarteret_Krubban

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedvig_Eleonora_Church

 

 

As for bus tickets if you are dropped off at the southern the cloest place to buy bus tickets is at Hjärtpunkten, Järntorget 83.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=59.321796,18.074424&daddr=J%C3%A4rntorget+83,+Stockholm,+Sverige&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=59.322446,18.073725&spn=0.001782,0.004128&sll=59.324274,18.074559&sspn=0.005041,0.016512&geocode=FcQtiQMdOMsTAQ%3BFb0xiQMd2MUTASknHAbY4ndfRjE2No2ZiKRfKg&oq=J%C3%A4rntorget+83,+Stockholm,+Sverige&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=ltm&z=19

 

For the Northern end the closest is Pressbyrån at Trångsund 2.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Skeppsbron&daddr=59.3264522,18.0737698+to:59.3261308,18.0724278+to:59.3257285,18.0711364+to:Tr%C3%A5ngsund+2,+Stockholm,+Sverige&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=59.325137,18.072472&spn=0.00358,0.008256&sll=59.325836,18.073046&sspn=0.005041,0.016512&geocode=FR1BiQMducsTAQ%3BFfQ_iQMdqcgTASmzpTdwWJ1fRjHC3IB_1gHjrA%3BFbI-iQMda8MTASkF8GZ5WJ1fRjGH5bNI0lhdgw%3BFSA9iQMdYL4TASk_5QOA4ndfRjFTQ7G1u13T0Q%3BFZM8iQMdA7kTASk_EDZw4ndfRjHie3ihAUKcjg&t=h&dirflg=w&mra=mrv&via=1,2,3&z=18

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Thanks again! I think some of the museums are great places to go to.

 

Also, we see that the Stockholm card has a free bike tour. We've rented bikes in past vacations, and I always have fond memories of the bike rides. Sometimes we never reach the destination (like an abbey in Budapest - that seemed closer than it actually was), but the journey was always enjoyable.

 

With that said, any thoughts on that? Does anybody know how strenuous it is? We're moderately fit, wish perfect fit. Would it be better if we just rent the bikes and go on our own?

 

Another question, since the ship will be there overnight -- any suggestions on what we can do at night with a 13-year old? Somewhere close to the ship? To enjoy the local culture.

 

Oh... what food should we eat that's representative of Stockholm?

 

Thanks again!

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Thanks again! I think some of the museums are great places to go to.

 

Also, we see that the Stockholm card has a free bike tour. We've rented bikes in past vacations, and I always have fond memories of the bike rides. Sometimes we never reach the destination (like an abbey in Budapest - that seemed closer than it actually was), but the journey was always enjoyable.

 

With that said, any thoughts on that? Does anybody know how strenuous it is? We're moderately fit, wish perfect fit. Would it be better if we just rent the bikes and go on our own?

 

Another question, since the ship will be there overnight -- any suggestions on what we can do at night with a 13-year old? Somewhere close to the ship? To enjoy the local culture.

 

Oh... what food should we eat that's representative of Stockholm?

 

Thanks again!

 

 

I don't know but I don't think you would have any problems on the bike tour.

 

Regarding night-life with the 13 year old, the only thing that I know of is Gröna Lund which is a small amusement park.

They also usually have live bands playing in the evenings and on the 29th there is a Queen cover band playing at 18.00 called Queen Extravaganza.

However in this case tickets (320SEK/$59USD each) need to be booked and purchased in advance.

 

Gröna Lund website:

http://www.gronalund.com/en/

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gr%C3%B6na+Lund/@59.3233409,18.1008389,2386m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x465f82aac87aa537:0xd53ee16e34a5e131

 

Foodwise, the thing I would like to recommend is Stekt Strömming (fried herring) with mashed potatoes.

I know of one or maybe two places that it is available at.

One place is at Södermalmstorg, and the other atDjurgårdsbrons Café.

 

Another thing that you won't be able to fins in restaurants os rose hip soup, which you would have to buy from a supermarket.

There are both soups that you can drink as they are and soups that you need to blend yourself by boiling water and adding the poweder into the water.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_hip_soup

Edited by Desdichado62
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The Stockholm card is a must. I had mine mailed to my house so I was ready to go when I got there and didn't have to carry as much cash.

 

Go to the Vasa 1st thing. It's the most amazing museum.

 

Next to the Vasa is an aquarium that faces the inner harbor.

 

Skansen is also right there which is a zoo/ another aquarium/ open air museum.

 

Loved all of them,

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Any thoughts on Sodermalm? How do we get there? Heard about nice artwork in metro?

 

Thinking of doing it the next day. So from port how do I get to Sodermalm?

Thanks

Södermalm is the area south of Gamla Stan. If from the ship you face Gamla Stan and then turn your head to the left Södermalm is what you see. In other words, you are almost there when you leave the tender.

 

Any special reason you are interested? In my mind it is the best part of Stockholm, but my opinion is biased, I live there. If your interest comes from the Millenium Trilogy books and films there will probably be guided walking tours "in the footsteps of Lisbeth Salander" during the summer. But it is to early to see if that will be available during the days you are here. If there is something else that has got you interestad let me know so I can tell you where to go.

 

As for the Metro artwork there is none at all along the Metro lines that pass Gamla Stan and Södermalm. The art is found in stations along the blue lline, north of Gamla Stan. Personally I would not spend any time on that.

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Södermalm is the area south of Gamla Stan. If from the ship you face Gamla Stan and then turn your head to the left Södermalm is what you see. In other words, you are almost there when you leave the tender.

 

Here is a picture of a cruise ship moored at Strömmen, just where your ship will be, seen from Södermalm. Djurgården in the background. Slussen and Gamla Stan are hidden behind the house to the left.

 

soder1_zpsbb3e50fb.jpg

 

Some parts of Södermalm are very hilly. This is "Brännkyrkagatan". (Note that the picture is taken from street level, not from a balcony!) Regarding art at the subway, as far as i know Södermalm has the oldest and least interesting stations.

 

soder2_zpsd3fe65f1.jpg

Edited by Ultima Thule
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Södermalm is the area south of Gamla Stan. If from the ship you face Gamla Stan and then turn your head to the left Södermalm is what you see. In other words, you are almost there when you leave the tender.

 

Any special reason you are interested? ...

 

Just want to try something different and see Stockholm from the view of a local. I know the museums, castles etc are great to see, but my fondest memories of places are when we did something where we felt like a local or meet the local people.

 

For example, one of my our (my son's and my) fondest memories --> being in a local french bakery and just buying and trying the baguettes that we saw locals were toting around, meeting a japanese family on a random street, going to a local flea market where locals go to..... So when I heard Sodermalm... thought it would be a fun place to meander and explore...

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