Do you need advice about Stockholm?

[lost in translation]

Just got back and haven't read all that has been posted in the last two weeks but this was our experience. We docked at Frihamnen. I had been concerned about buying bus tickets, etc. but there is a tourist information booth in the port building that sells single bus tickets, day passes, Stockholm cards, tickets for the HOHO, etc. In spite of what I had read on the HOHO website that they don't run until 10:00 in May they were parked right there at the port. If you don't mind walking a little farther to the bus stop bus 76 is the way to go. We got the city transportation pass I think 115 euros each. Took the bus to the Vasa (a very short walk from the bus stop, the name of which has been mentioned earlier). Walked to the amusement park and took the ferry to Gamla Stan (included in the pass). Spent the rest of the day at Gamla Stan and took bus 76 back.

Also, Vasa wasn't to open until 10:00 in May but we got there at about 9:30 and basically got right in. Maybe they felt sorry for everybody because it was raining.

[Desdichado62]

More info about the Royal Wedding in June.Date is June 8th and time is 16.00 (4pm).

 

Expect areas around parts of the Royal Palace and along the Cortège route to be less available then normal

for at least during the wedding day and maybe a few days before.

 

Cortège route:

http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/thewedding/thewedding/cortegeroute.4.4ea495e313c19c119aa590f.html

http://www.kungahuset.se/images/18.4ea495e313c19c119aa5cad/kortegevag_stor.jpg

[lost in translation]

Just got back and haven't read all that has been posted in the last two weeks but this was our experience. We docked at Frihamnen. I had been concerned about buying bus tickets, etc. but there is a tourist information booth in the port building that sells single bus tickets, day passes, Stockholm cards, tickets for the HOHO, etc. In spite of what I had read on the HOHO website that they don't run until 10:00 in May they were parked right there at the port. If you don't mind walking a little farther to the bus stop bus 76 is the way to go. We got the city transportation pass I think 115 euros each. Took the bus to the Vasa (a very short walk from the bus stop, the name of which has been mentioned earlier). Walked to the amusement park and took the ferry to Gamla Stan (included in the pass). Spent the rest of the day at Gamla Stan and took bus 76 back.

Also, Vasa wasn't to open until 10:00 in May but we got there at about 9:30 and basically got right in. Maybe they felt sorry for everybody because it was raining.

Obviously by euros I meant SEK. Stockholm is expensive, but not that expensive. I'm still on currency overload.

[north-bound]

More info about the Royal Wedding in June.Date is June 8th and time is 16.00 (4pm).

 

Expect areas around parts of the Royal Palace and along the Cortège route to be less available then normal

for at least during the wedding day and maybe a few days before.

 

Cortège route:

http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/thewedding/thewedding/cortegeroute.4.4ea495e313c19c119aa590f.html

http://www.kungahuset.se/images/18.4ea495e313c19c119aa5cad/kortegevag_stor.jpg

 

There doesn't seem to be a huge problem for cruise passengers with this royal wedding. On the day before the wedding there is only one small cruise ship in Stockholm, on the wedding day there are two small cruise ships. None of the big ships regularly visiting Sweden will be here on those days.

[Piyley]

Do any of the experts on this thread know whether it is possible to go up the Town Hall Tower without booking a guided tour of the City Hall itself? It costs 40 SEK to go up the Tower, and 100 SEK for the guided tour so I was wondering if it's possible to do one and not the other.

[Desdichado62]

Do any of the experts on this thread know whether it is possible to go up the Town Hall Tower without booking a guided tour of the City Hall itself? It costs 40 SEK to go up the Tower, and 100 SEK for the guided tour so I was wondering if it's possible to do one and not the other.

 

Yes it is possible. Tower visits are sold separately.

 

However if you want to make sure that you have a place in one of the tower visits. It is recommended to buy a ticket for the desired

time in advance, but you can only buy tickets at the entrance and tickets are only sold for one day at a time.

 

http://international.stockholm.se/City-Hall/Guided-tours-of-the-City-Hall/The-City-Hall-Tower/

 

Time info for tower visits:

 

http://www.stockholm.se/OmStockholm/Stadshuset/Guidade-visningar/Stadshustornet/Tider-for-uppgangar-i-maj-och-september/

 

http://www.stockholm.se/OmStockholm/Stadshuset/Guidade-visningar/Stadshustornet/Tider-for-uppgangar-i-Stadshustornet-i-juni-juli-och-augusti/

[Mediana]

Just a heads up for those arriving to Stockholm June 1 on Norwegian Star, Costa Pacifica, Grand Mistral and Emerald Princess. Its Stockholm Marathon which will mean major traffic disruptions around the city.

[Desdichado62]

Just a heads up for those arriving to Stockholm June 1 on Norwegian Star, Costa Pacifica, Grand Mistral and Emerald Princess. Its Stockholm Marathon which will mean major traffic disruptions around the city.

 

 

Good point. All buses and trams that goes in traffic in inner Stockholm will be affected.

Buses to Vasa and to Gamla stan and will most likely not be able to go as usual.

 

Use Subway or harbour ferries/hoho boats to get around if you don't want to walk. Taxis will not work either.

 

Here is a map of the route: http://media.marathon.se/bilder/uploaded/SM11_NYBana_sv.gif

[Piyley]

Thanks Desdichado62! From what you know, do you think there is a need for me to (as a cruise passenger) go to City Hall in the morning to book a guided tour, then go over to Vasa and come back in the afternoon for the guided tour at the City Hall? Or do you think that it should be fine going to Vasa first and then going over to City Hall in the afternoon and be able to book an appointment then? We'll be at port on June 28th

 

Yes it is possible. Tower visits are sold separately.

 

However if you want to make sure that you have a place in one of the tower visits. It is recommended to buy a ticket for the desired

time in advance, but you can only buy tickets at the entrance and tickets are only sold for one day at a time.

 

http://international.stockholm.se/City-Hall/Guided-tours-of-the-City-Hall/The-City-Hall-Tower/

 

Time info for tower visits:

 

http://www.stockholm.se/OmStockholm/Stadshuset/Guidade-visningar/Stadshustornet/Tider-for-uppgangar-i-maj-och-september/

 

http://www.stockholm.se/OmStockholm/Stadshuset/Guidade-visningar/Stadshustornet/Tider-for-uppgangar-i-Stadshustornet-i-juni-juli-och-augusti/

[Desdichado62]

Thanks Desdichado62! From what you know, do you think there is a need for me to (as a cruise passenger) go to City Hall in the morning to book a guided tour, then go over to Vasa and come back in the afternoon for the guided tour at the City Hall? Or do you think that it should be fine going to Vasa first and then going over to City Hall in the afternoon and be able to book an appointment then? We'll be at port on June 28th

 

To be honest I don't know. I have never done the tour myself.

 

Perhaps some you could email them? cityhalltours.slk@stockholm.se

[lawblond7]

I have a VERY strange question and maybe you can help. My boys (16,16, & 20) are all very into playing Minecraft especially one of the twins. The company that makes the game Mojang is based in Stockholm. Do you know anything about them as my son is begging to go by their offices. I did obtain an email and going to send one just wondering if anyone knows anything.

 

We will be in Stockholm on Thursday July 11th

 

Thanks

[SoBaycruiser]

Thanks Desdichado62! From what you know, do you think there is a need for me to (as a cruise passenger) go to City Hall in the morning to book a guided tour, then go over to Vasa and come back in the afternoon for the guided tour at the City Hall? Or do you think that it should be fine going to Vasa first and then going over to City Hall in the afternoon and be able to book an appointment then? We'll be at port on June 28th

 

I read someone's blog from last year where they went to the Vasa and then City Hall. They were able to buy tickets for the next tour of the city hall plus tickets for the tower after the tour.

[Desdichado62]

I have a VERY strange question and maybe you can help. My boys (16,16, & 20) are all very into playing Minecraft especially one of the twins. The company that makes the game Mojang is based in Stockholm. Do you know anything about them as my son is begging to go by their offices. I did obtain an email and going to send one just wondering if anyone knows anything.

 

We will be in Stockholm on Thursday July 11th

 

Thanks

 

 

Ok I did some research and they're supposed to be located at:

https://maps.google.se/maps?q=MARIA+SKOLGATA+83+BV+118+53+Stockholm&ie=UTF8&hnear=Maria+Skolgata+83,+118+53+Stockholm,+Stockholms+l%C3%A4n&t=h&z=16

 

Will you do Wasa as well? I would recommend going to Vasa first and then going to this adress.

 

http://reseplanerare.sl.se/bin/query.exe/en?seqnr=1&ident=i3.01015453.1369269805&OK#focus

 

In that case from Vasa, take tram 7 to Sergels torg.

At Sergels torg take subway red line #14 towards Liljeholmen or Fruänngen or Norsborg.

Get off at Mariatorget or Zinkensdam and walk to Mojang's office.

Mariatorget to Mojang. Zinkensdam to Mojang.

[Piyley]

I also have a question about the public transport in Stockholm. Somewhere in the thread, I read that they no longer sell the pre-paid strips of 16 coupons. Is that true? I still see in on the SL website, but perhaps they never updated the website?

 

The zones are confusing to me, but are most of the main attractions (like Vasa, City Hall, and Gamla Stan) all in Zone A?

[diathoney]

I second, third, fourth all of this. Months ago, when we were planning Stockholm, I dove into all of this information. The info doesn't seem to be cut and dry. There seems to be a lot of walking involved and waiting at bus stops. Frankly, with 7 hours to work with and a beautiful city to take in, I gave up. After I had everything planned, it just seemed overwhelming to have our group of 5 commuting everywhere via public transportation in such a short time.

 

We booked a tour and that was that.

 

We came to the same decision. I started planning it myself, but the timing and transportation was a concern. I don't usually like tours, but there was so much to see, a short day plus commutes to each place (Vasa, City Hall and Gamla Stan) so tour it is!

[Desdichado62]

I also have a question about the public transport in Stockholm. Somewhere in the thread, I read that they no longer sell the pre-paid strips of 16 coupons. Is that true? I still see in on the SL website, but perhaps they never updated the website?

 

The zones are confusing to me, but are most of the main attractions (like Vasa, City Hall, and Gamla Stan) all in Zone A?

 

Yeah that is correct the old prepaid coupon strips are not being sold any longer

but they are still valid to use until August 31st.

 

And yes a large part of Stockholm is zone A so you don't have to worry about zones

as long as you don't planning on going to some of the suburbs.

 

http://sl.se/Global/Pdf/Kartor/spartrafik_zoner08.pdf

[Janner13]

Is It worth it to go to the Icebar? How far is it from the port? Is it best to book it in advance?

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[donaldsc]

When we do a city with only 1 day, we like to do things slowly instead of running around and trying to see everything which is obviously impossible in Stockholm.

 

We were thinking of spending most of our 1 day on the island of Djurgården as there are many interesting sites there.

 

Does this make any sense?

 

DON

[mirsown]

I second, third, fourth all of this. Months ago, when we were planning Stockholm, I dove into all of this information. The info doesn't seem to be cut and dry. There seems to be a lot of walking involved and waiting at bus stops. Frankly, with 7 hours to work with and a beautiful city to take in, I gave up. After I had everything planned, it just seemed overwhelming to have our group of 5 commuting everywhere via public transportation in such a short time.

 

We booked a tour and that was that.

 

I'm so glad I'm not alone in finding it hard to plan for this city! I too gave up and booked a tour, because like someone else said I had no problems with the Med but I really can't get to grips with the Baltics!:o

[Desdichado62]

Is It worth it to go to the Icebar? How far is it from the port? Is it best to book it in advance?

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

Its not far, its located near the centralstation.

https://maps.google.se/maps?q=ice+bar&hl=sv&sll=59.332642,18.073754&sspn=0.014469,0.05918&gl=se&hq=ice+bar&t=m&z=15

 

Whether its worth it or not I don't know. Its fairly pricey 180SEK for a prebooked ticket.

http://www.nordicseahotel.se/en/The-hotel/Food-and-drink/ICEBAR-STOCKHOLM-by-ICEHOTEL/

 

 

When we do a city with only 1 day, we like to do things slowly instead of running around and trying to see everything which is obviously impossible in Stockholm.

 

We were thinking of spending most of our 1 day on the island of Djurgården as there are many interesting sites there.

Does this make any sense?

 

DON

 

If you have many things that you want to see/visit that are located at Djurgården then why not?

But in the end its only you and those you travel with that can decided what you like and what you want to see.

[Desdichado62]

A new combined steam ship museum/restaurant will open at Strandvägen in a couple of days time.

It is located at berth 18 at Strandvägen. Approximate location: https://maps.google.se/maps?hl=sv&ll=59.331416,18.085223&spn=0.003617,0.014795&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=59.331423,18.083352&panoid=cgx7kUQuuHDkSmV7zYUzAQ&cbp=12,204.83,,0,7.69

 

read more (in Swedish only): http://bit.se/qePFWn

[jellygirl]

I have been reading about the rioting in Stockholm. We are traveling with small children on our baltics cruise. Is it safe? Are there areas to avoid? What can you recommend for children (6 and 7)?

[Aorinka]

I have been reading about the rioting in Stockholm. We are traveling with small children on our baltics cruise. Is it safe? Are there areas to avoid? What can you recommend for children (6 and 7)?

 

Stockholm felt as the safest place on earth. The old city (Gamlastan) is traffic free, it's a walking area, so safe for children. Depends on how many hours you are spending in Stockholm and how children-oriented you would like your stay to be, but consider visiting Skansen http://www.skansen.se and Junibacken http://www.junibacken.se.

[Aorinka]

When we do a city with only 1 day, we like to do things slowly instead of running around and trying to see everything which is obviously impossible in Stockholm.

 

We were thinking of spending most of our 1 day on the island of Djurgården as there are many interesting sites there.

 

Does this make any sense?

 

DON

 

In my opinion, you will have a lovely walk in a beautiful sorrowing full of nature if you stay on Djurgarden island, but to get the feel the city of Stockholm one should have a stroll around Gamlastan too.

[Aorinka]

Is It worth it to go to the Icebar? How far is it from the port? Is it best to book it in advance?

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

It really depends on how long you are staying in Stockholm. I would say that a bar is a night time activity, so if you are only staying there one day with the cruise when do you go? Stockholm is a beautiful city where you could just walk and walk, not to speak of all the attractions you would like to visit. Ice bars similar to the one in Stockholm can be found in many other cities now. So I vote against going there on a one-day stay, but it is always very individual.