Stockholm Ferries

The port of Stockholm plays a key role in the ferry network of Sweden, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Stockholm serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Stockholm, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Helsinki - Stockholm connecting Stockholm with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Tallink Silja, Viking Line, Finnlines run regular services from Stockholm, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Stockholm offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Stockholm is well-connected to the rest of Sweden and Europe through an extensive transportation network. The city is accessible by high-speed trains from Gothenburg (3 hours), Malmö (4.5 hours), and Copenhagen (5 hours). If flying in, Arlanda Airport offers regular Arlanda Express trains reaching the city center in just 20 minutes. Public buses and the subway system provide convenient connections to Stockholm's ferry terminals. For those driving, several parking facilities are available near the port areas, though pre-booking is recommended during summer months when ferries operate at full capacity.

Spread across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm blends historic charm with modern Scandinavian cool. The Swedish capital's waterfront setting makes it naturally suited for ferry travel, with boats weaving through the archipelago just as they have for centuries. Visitors arriving by sea are treated to one of Europe's most dramatic urban approaches, with colorful buildings and church spires rising from the water.

Stockholm shines brightest during the summer months (June-August) when daylight stretches past 10pm and locals fill waterfront cafés and parks. This peak season offers the most frequent ferry departures and optimal conditions for archipelago exploration. Spring (April-May) brings blooming gardens and fewer tourists, while autumn (September-October) dazzles with golden foliage across the city parks. Winter visits (November-March) showcase Stockholm's cozy side with Christmas markets and snow-dusted streets, though some ferry routes operate on reduced schedules during this period. For the perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds, aim for late May or early September.

Stockholm serves as the gateway to one of the world's most stunning archipelagos, comprising nearly 30,000 islands and islets. Ferries connect to Vaxholm, the 'capital' of the archipelago, in just 1 hour, offering charming wooden houses and a historic fortress. Further out, the car-free island of Sandhamn (2.5 hours) rewards visitors with sandy beaches and sailing culture. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Birka (2 hours) reveals Viking-age archaeological treasures on Björkö island. For a quick escape, the royal domain of Drottningholm on Lovön island can be reached in just 45 minutes, combining palace splendor with tranquil gardens.

The waterfront Gamla Stan (Old Town) forms Stockholm's historic heart, with narrow cobblestone streets leading to the Royal Palace and Nobel Museum. Maritime enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Vasa Museum, housing a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. Södermalm district offers trendy boutiques and panoramic city views from its elevated position. For a taste of local flavors, Östermalms Saluhall food hall showcases Swedish specialties like gravlax and herring, while the nearby Djurgården island combines museums, gardens, and the open-air Skansen museum. All these attractions sit conveniently close to the waterfront, making them easily accessible for ferry passengers.

Stockholm's subway system doubles as the world's longest art gallery, with over 90 stations featuring sculptures, mosaics, and installations by different artists. The city hosts the Nobel Prize ceremonies each December, continuing Alfred Nobel's legacy in the country's capital. Stockholm's tap water is so clean that locals often prefer it to bottled varieties, it comes from Lake Mälaren and undergoes minimal treatment. The city's Ericsson Globe, the world's largest spherical building, represents the sun in the world's largest scale model of the solar system, with planets spread throughout Sweden.