The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
Fans of Stieg Larsson's Millennium book series will love this excursion, as it highlights the island of Södermalm, where the books' characters live and work. Not only will you experience Stockholm from the characters' perspective, but you will also enjoy a panoramic drive of Stockholm and a visit to City Hall.
Boarding your coach at the pier, you'll begin with a panoramic introductory exploration of Stockholm. Venturing to the island of Kungsholmen and City Hall, you will pass the fashionable Östermalm district, the Royale Dramatic Theater, the city center and the colorful Hötorget market.
You will stop at City Hall where you will have a one-hour visit which gives you time to fully appreciate this architectural masterpiece. Designed by Swedish architect Ragnar Östberg, the now-famous landmark was inaugurated in 1923 and has become one of the city's most popular points of interest, thanks to its impressive halls and picturesque location on the shores of Lake Mälaren. In addition to housing offices for around 200 politicians and civil servants, Stockholm's City Hall also hosts the annual Nobel Prize banquet, with a gala dinner held in the Blue Hall followed by dancing in the Holden Hall.
The next chapter of your adventure unfolds with a visit to the island of Södermalm, where a walking tour centered around Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy commences. Over 46 million copies of the books have sold worldwide, bringing a touch of Stockholm into the lives of readers from around the globe. Today, you will have the opportunity to experience the Stockholm of Larsson's best-selling books firsthand. With a little imagination, you might even feel as if you are a part of the books' suspenseful plots. Your guided stroll will be spiced with factual information and intriguing stories that tie the real Stockholm to Larsson's works of fiction.
Leaving the world of the Millennium trilogy behind, rejoin your coach and head back to the pier, passing by the Royal Palace, Parliament building and Royal Opera House en route.
Please note: This tour includes approximately two hours of moderate to strenuous walking. The walking portion of the tour in Södermalm is comprised of extensive walking over cobbled and uneven surfaces. The tour is not recommended to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Warm, layered clothing; rain gear; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. City Hall may close on short notice due to state visits or functions.
To ensure that your shoreside experiences are as convenient and enjoyable as possible, we are delighted to offer a complimentary shuttle between your ship and the city center in every port where the ship is not docked within walking distance of the city center. This service runs continuously, aligning perfectly with your ship’s in-port schedule. Best of all, there’s no need to reserve your seat in advance. Simply make your way to the designated stop to board your shuttle, and you’ll be whisked away to the heart of the city. Additional information and schedules can be obtained by visiting the onboard Destination Services Desk during your voyage.