Best Stockholm Boat Tours

The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is a city built on the Baltic Sea archipelago, which encompasses an impressive system of islands and numerous bridges. Because of these conditions, boat trips are one of the best things to do in Stockholm, whether you want to take a look around or explore some of the islets in more detail.

You can board a classic boat to sail under Stockholm's bridges and cruise the canals in an eco-friendly way on an electric boat. You also have the option of discovering the coast of the island of Sodermalm and the municipality of Nacka in a speedboat, or travel along the coast of Södermalm and the island of Skeppsholmen in an amphibious bus, among other adventures that I'll tell you about in a moment.

There are many boat trips you can take during your stay of at least 2 days in Stockholm, but the most popular is certainly the trip under the city's bridges. From the canals you'll see at least 15 of these monumental constructions and discover a striking urban and natural contrast.

This adventure usually starts at Strömkajen pier, where you'll board a traditional boat. You can sit on deck or stay in the main cabin, relax and enjoy the view while breathing fresh air and taking amazing pictures.

Throughout this experience, you will get a different perspective of the old town and its main buildings, such as the Royal Palace with its baroque architecture. You will also marvel at the lush natural scene of Djurgården Island, known for housing some of the best museums in Stockholm.

Also, on this boat trip under Stockholm's bridges you will have the opportunity to sail past Södermalm Island, located south of the city centre; and the small island Lilla Essingen, which concentrates a residential area with large blocks of flats. You will also pass by the island of Stora Essingen, which is home to several villas.

Useful information

• Price: the price of this boat trip starts at around 36€ per person.
• Duration: the experience lasts around 2 hours.

Enjoy the Stockholm archipelago from the sea is another of the adventures you can undertake on your trip. You will see a series of historical monuments and natural areas of great scenic beauty. You'll also learn about the cultural significance of the islands and destinations along the way.

This activity, considered among the best Stockholm tours from the sea, usually starts from the City Hall pier. There, you'll board a boat and, together with a guide, sail along the coast on a round-trip route from the Swedish capital to the town of Vaxholm.

As the boat moves away from the mainland, you'll begin to get a fairly wide view of the city, seeing, for example, the City Hall from a different perspective. You will also identify other places of historical relevance such as the Royal Palace, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Palace of Parliament, among others.

With this panoramic cruise through the Stockholm archipelago you will not only have the opportunity to enjoy a privileged view of this amazing system of islands, some of them populated and others deserted. You will also learn about the archipelago: cultural aspects, historical and even religious facts. All this, thanks to the commentary of a guide on board.

Useful information

• Price: the average price of the activity is around €36 per person.
• Duration: the tour usually lasts about 3 hours.

With this kind of tour you will not only see different perspectives of the city, but you will also learn about the monuments and natural areas hidden in the islands of this archipelago. All this while experiencing a thrill-packed adventure on board a speedboat, which is ideal if you are travelling alone, with friends or are in Stockholm with children.

This adventure starts from one of the docks in the old city centre, so you will get a panoramic view of the 17th century buildings of Gamla Stan from the water. You'll be accompanied by a guide along the main waterways of the Swedish capital and make a few stops to see the islands as you go.

Some of the sights you'll see on this speedboat tour of the Stockholm archipelago include the following:

• Vaxholm Fortress; this is a 17th century national monument with a museum.
• The Royal Canal of Djurgårdsbrunns, surrounded by lush vegetation.
• The coastline of Sodermalm Island, which is one of Stockholm's largest islands.
• A series of islands, some of them rocky and uninhabited, while from others you will see the facades of picturesque houses and some fishing villages.

Useful information

• Price: The approximate price of this experience is €122 per person.
• Duration: The speedboat tour of Stockholm takes approximately 60 minutes.

Another way to see Stockholm from the water is on a kayak tour, which is ideal if you're a water sports enthusiast. You'll paddle through the calm waters of the city, taking in some of the most iconic sights that the Swedish capital has to offer.

For this tour you'll connect with the guide in charge, either in the city centre or in the bay of the old town. Before getting into the kayak, you'll receive some basic tips to make sure you don't have any problems on the water. Afterwards, you will start paddling and enjoy the surroundings.

Throughout this kayak tour of Stockholm you will have the opportunity to see destinations of tourist, historical and cultural interest such as:

• The City Hall, located on the island Kungsholmen, right on the water's edge and whose tower stands out for its three golden crowns.
• Riddarholmen Church, where Swedish monarchs from King Gustav II to King Gustav V are laid to rest.
• The Gamla Stan area, known as the historic centre of the Swedish capital.
• Langholmen Island, which among other gems houses a memorial museum to musician Carl Michael Bellman.

Useful information

• Price: the value of the experience starts from 58€ per person.
• Duration: The adventure can last about two hours.

The free-stop boat is the best option for those who want to move around the city's lakes and canals at their own pace. You can hop on and off at the nine available stops along the island, accessing the most popular sights and tourist attractions.

You will depart from the pier in Stockholm's old city centre and have the option of taking a full scenic route around the city's central islands. You can also get off the boat at the desired stop to explore the area and then board another boat to continue the tour. Quite similar to the Stockholm sightseeing bus, but by water.

In either case, you'll see an unmissable panorama of Gamla Stan, sail past Djurgården Island, Skeppsholmen Island and more. You will also have the chance to stop at places such as the City Hall, the Royal Palace, the Stadsgården cultural centre, the Gröna Lund amusement park, the Vasa Museum, etc.

Useful information

• Price: from approximately 70€ per person.
• Duration: The complete tour takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, but this time could be extended if you make a few stops.

Any time of year is a good opportunity to explore the Swedish capital by boat. So if you're in Stockholm in winter, don't miss the opportunity to cruise the canals. You'll be enveloped in a nostalgic atmosphere as you contemplate the icy panorama.

Some of the destinations you'll visit on this boat trip include the following:

• Some of Gamla Stan's historic buildings, such as the Royal Palace, Riddarholmen Church, City Hall, among others.
• The city docks, with their picturesque view.
• Fjäderholmarna Island, which consists of four islands: Rövarns Holme, Stora Fjäderholmen, Libertas and Ängsholmen, as well as some islets.
• Djurgården Island, where you will have the opportunity to see the Royal Garden. It is a natural lung with lush vegetation and a history dating back some 400 years.

You will then return to the mainland to continue discovering the so-called Venice of the North. And, if you wish, join a guided tour of Stockholm's Old Town, or take a stroll along the Drottninggatan shopping street for some shopping, among other activities.

Useful information

• Price: the approximate cost of the boat trip is €31 per person.
• Duration: The activity can take about 75 minutes.

The Royal Canal is another boat tour you can take on your 3-day stay in Stockholm or longer. You'll cruise through the city centre from Nybrokajen Quay to the island of Djurgården in the southern region, enjoying what is considered the greenest area in the Swedish capital.

Once on the boat, put on your headphones to hear some important facts about the sights and natural areas along the way. All this while relaxing on deck and cruising along this ancient canal built in 1834 by order of King Calos XIV

During the tour, you'll cruise along the tranquil waters of this canal lined with forests, gardens and parks that are more than 400 years old. And, if you're lucky, you might spot some birds of prey such as herons and owls, which are characteristic of the region.

When you arrive at Djurgården, you'll circle the island and see a number of historic buildings. In the distance you will also see the large amusement park Gröna Lund, visited annually by hundreds of tourists and locals, the Nordic Museum, with its imposing neo-Renaissance architecture, the Vrak, the Stockholm Shipwreck Museum, among others.

Useful information

• Price: this boat trip can cost around 21€ per person, approximately.
• Duration: The average duration of this tour is 50 minutes.

Another of the best boat tours in Stockholm is the route along the canals in the western part of the city, namely Kungsholmen Island and Långholmen. There, you'll find a number of historical and architectural sights that you can see from the sea and get a unique perspective of them.

Due to the location of the islands, this adventure usually starts from the pier at Stockholm City Hall. You will board a boat and set sail. As you sail away from Gamla Stan or Old Town you will spot some buildings: the Royal Palace, the outstanding tower of the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, etc.

After a few minutes you will be circling the island of Kungsholmen, located in Lake Malaren and dotted with beautiful green areas. In this region you will see:

• A number of art deco buildings, with their geometric patterns and vertical windows.
• The Palace of Justice, representative of the Art Nouveau architectural style.
• The Kristineber Palace, built in 1750.
• Serafen Hospital, considered the first modern medical facility in the city, built in 1752.

Next, you will pass by the island of Långholmen, which until 1975 housed the state prison. Today, this building is still standing, but has been restored and occupied as a hotel and youth hostel.

Useful information

• Price: the price of the boat trip is approximately €20 per person.
• Duration: the boat trip lasts about 50 minutes.

If you want to break with tradition when it comes to boat rides in Stockholm, then you'll have to get on the amphibious bus. You will tour the city in a different way and experience a unique moment when you go from the pavement to the waters of the Baltic Sea without having to transfer to a boat.

The adventure starts with a land bus tour with an expert guide. You will walk past the 19th century Royal Opera House, the lively Birger Jarl Street, the Royal Library with its Nordic Classicism architectural style and finally the Östermalm area.

You will then leave the pavement behind and join a slightly uneven path until you begin to float on the water. This is the start of an amazing scenic drive where you will see destinations such as:

• The Royal Island of Djurgården, with the Vasa Museum and the Gröna Lund amusement park.
• The facades of the buildings in the old town whose history dates back to the 16th century.
• The island of Skeppsholmen, home to the Royal Palace and the famous ship Af Chapman, occupied in the 19th century as a naval station.
• The coastal island of Södermalm, considered one of the largest in Stockholm.

You'll then return to the mainland to continue your itinerary, which may include joining a food tour of Stockholm, taking a stroll along Marten Trotzigs Gränd (the city's narrowest street) or connecting with the Stockholm Airport transfer service, should this be your last day in the Swedish capital.

Useful information

• Price: the average price of the amphibious bus tour is €30 per person.
• Duration: the approximate duration of this experience is about 60 minutes.

Although Stockholm stands on 14 islands, the surrounding area and archipelago has more than 24,000 islands in total, which you can see on a day cruise through the waters of the Baltic Sea. You' ll get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of these paradisiacal places from the deck of the boat.

Some of the islands you'll see include the following:

• Kymmendö Island, known to have inspired the Swedish playwright August Strindberg in his 1887 novel The People of Hemsö.
• Bullerö Island, dotted with picturesque paths and surrounded by a few coves.
• Sandhamn Island, with a rich maritime history dating back to the 17th century, wooden houses, lush vegetation and crystal clear waters.

After this experience, you will return to Stockholm at night to continue exploring the city if you wish. For example, you could join a ghost tour of Stockholm and discover its hidden mysteries, or perhaps take a stroll through the discos and clubs to enjoy the lively nightlife.

Useful information

• Price: the cruise can cost up to about €175 per person.
• Duration: approximately 12 hours.