Top 7 Reasons to Cruise Stockholm

As the gateway to Scandinavia, enchanting Stockholm hosts some of the largest ships in the world, making it a convenient place to begin or end your cruise. The city has quite a following, with the prestigious Cruise International Awards naming it Europe’s Best Cruise Destination in 2013. Here, we highlight the top seven reasons why Sweden’s remarkable capital is the ideal place to extend your cruise, start or finish.

1. Scandinavia’s Capital This Nordic hub is the self-proclaimed capital of Scandinavia. With the city’s activity teeming around you, a breadth of cultural offerings make Stockholm an ideal extension of your cruise, from the world’s first permanent ice bar serving cocktails in glasses carved out of ice to the Vasa Museum displaying the world’s only intact 17th-century ship, salvaged from the depths of Stockholm’s harbor.

2. Ancient Old Town Stockholm’s Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is one of the world’s bestpreserved medieval centers. Amble along cobblestoned streets and take lunch at Den Gyldene Freden restaurant, the oldest existing restaurant with an original interior. Or, marvel at the charming old merchants’ houses lining the public square.

3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Culture Thanks to its compact nature, Stockholm is perfect for exploration on foot or bike. Bicycle rental stations are sprinkled throughout the city, and bike lanes weave through most streets for convenient, safe access. Make your way to Södermalm district, where scenic bridges give ample opportunity to admire spectacular views of Riddarfjärden Bay, Kungsholmen island, City Hall and Old Town.

4. Natural Beauty Spread across 14 islands in an archipelago of 30,000, Stockholm is rich with lush landscapes and sparkling waterways. Spot deer, foxes and elk within the city limits in Royal National City Park, forming an arc more than six miles long. The bustling urban city intertwines with the verdant greenery of the islands, making for a stunning place to start your cruise. Or, relax on a small-boat canal cruise through the archipelago.

5. Art and Culture Stockholm boasts cutting-edge music, burgeoning fashion trends, worldclass shopping and the world’s highest concentration of museums. Art, architecture and design are an integrated part of city life. Immerse yourself in Scandinavian art and culture at locations such as ABBA The Museum, paying homage to the 70s music group founded in the city, or Fotografiska, one of the world’s largest contemporary photography galleries with dozens of exhibitions shown annually. For a naval perspective to kick off your cruise, the National Maritime Museum explores humankind’s love affair with the sea and, in the summer, showcases its boat collection alongside the Vasa Museum.

6. Fika and new nordic cuisine The core of Stockholm’s social structure, fika is more than just a coffee break; it’s one of the most important parts of the day. Always taken with something sweet, such as kanelbulle - the original cinnamon bun - coffee in Stockholm becomes an opportunity to catch up with friends at a local café for people- watching and lively conversation. With friends new and old, extend the relaxation of your cruise and relive memories or your travels. Afterward, partake in Stockholm’s new Nordic culinary scene, in which award-winning chefs put a contemporary spin on classic Swedish cuisine.

7. Convenient Access By sea or by plane Stockholm is easily accessible. Many cruise lines include Stockholm on their Nordic itineraries and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers non-stop transatlantic service to Stockholm from New York and Chicago, making it easier than ever to visit Stockholm before or after your cruise. Exclusive SAS Business and 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. Marvel at onboard innovations such as the self-service buffet in SAS Business, featuring classic Scandinavian snacks as well as an assortment of drinks.