The Stockholm day trip you probably haven't thought of yet
We think we've found the best way to enjoy the Stockholm Archipelago with this memorable day trip idea.
So you've had a cosy fika in charming Gamla Stan, seen the enormous Vasa up close, pretended to dance alongside ABBA and bar-hopped and shopped your way around Södermalm. There's been meatball meals, viking experiences and city sightseeing aplenty.
Stockholm has a lot to offer but there is also plenty to see and do beyond the city. Maybe you have family or friends coming to visit, or you're simply looking for a new day trip idea.
Have you considered boarding a cruise ship and taking in the Stockholm Archipelago for a day? Tickets start at just 14 euros and it's an easy, fun and impressive way to host for a day and show off the area.
After taking an 11-hour Archipelago Cruise with Viking Line recently, here's what to expect and why we think you should go on one too.
Discover the archipelago
No visit to Stockholm is complete without seeing at least some of the 30,000 islands that make up the beautiful Stockholm Archipelago. It's even been named by National Geographic as one of the 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025.
The high vantage point of a Viking Line ship offers a truly unique way to see the sprawling islands.
Sail past sheltered coves, dreamy summer house scenes, islets, hidden beaches, granite skerries, bird life and lighthouses from Stockholm to Åland, taking in the two archipelagos.
We've found the best day trip idea! Book an Archipelago Cruise with Viking Line
The day trip details
The Viking Line Archipelago Cruise sails from Stockholm with Viking Grace at 7:45 and returns, via Mariehamn, on Viking Glory at 18:55. It's an early start but means making the most of the day and is perfect timing for a delicious premium breakfast at Viking Grace's Oscar A La Carte restaurant at the ship's bow as she cruises out from the city and towards Åland (technically Finland so bring your travel documents).
Start the day with a friendly greeting and an offer of cava or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It really sets the mood for a holiday (even if only for a day). With plenty of time ahead, you can have a calm start to the day, take your time and enjoy. Alongside the lavish breakfast buffet, choose a hot breakfast dish from the menu with the likes of a big 'Viking' breakfast or a 64-degree egg with potato foam and salmon on offer.
Vista room aboard Viking Glory. Photo: Viking Lines
There are seven other places to eat or drink on board, ranging from casual cafes to retro bars, plus plenty of public spaces to hang out in. If you want some private space, it's possible to book one of the impressively large cabins to unwind in if you like, too.
Post-breakfast is a good time to explore the ship and take in the vast nature and serene views – see the impressive green islands and summer estates around Furusund, to the north of Stockholm, for example.
Spas at sea
In true Swedish and Finnish style, there are beautiful spas on board all Viking Line ships. Starting from 19 euros, spend two hours relaxing at Viking Glory or Viking Grace's SPA Archipelago Spa and Wellness in a cosy robe with uninterrupted views of the vast Baltic Sea and its thousands of islands.
There are hot tubs beside giant windows, a relaxation pool, spa treatments, panoramic views – and a variety of saunas, of course.
This is such a nice and affordable way to have spa time. The amenities are luxurious and impressive, including spa treatments using Babor and Elemis products, and you have the added bonus of an ever-changing outlook.
If you're travelling in a group, you can also book a VIP room with a private sauna, hot tub and food and drink options.
Want a peaceful, comfortable and affordable way to see Stockholm Archipelago? Book a cruise with Viking Line
Spa with a view on Viking Glory. Photo: Viking Lines
All aboard – the ships
After a long relaxing breakfast, followed by a couple of hours relaxing in the day spa overlooking the rocky skerries, islets and lighthouses that dot the outskirts of Åland, Viking Grace glides into Mariehamn. A quick ship change at 14:10 Finnish time and it's on to Viking Line's flagship liner, the three-year-old Viking Glory, who truly lives up to her name.
This stunning ship is one of the world's most climate-smart vessels and features the kind of luxurious and well-designed interiors we come to expect in Scandinavia. Rich jewel-tones complement blonde timber, textured furnishings and gold and brass fixtures. The attention to detail in seating areas, restaurants – all the spaces of the ship – add to the experience.
As with Viking Grace, there are many options for dining aboard Viking Glory, depending on what you feel like. There are bistros, buffets, cafes, bakeries, and even a food hall.
The Buffet restaurant presents a smorgasbord to rival all smorgasbords and includes quality Nordic dishes with a focus on local and seasonal produce (70 per cent of the ingredients are sourced from the Nordic region) and a fun DIY dessert area. The plant-based section is inspiring and well thought-out, plus drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee, are included in the affordable price.
Sail past the Stockholm and Åland archipelagos aboard Viking Grace for an unforgettable day trip. Photo: Viking Lines
Unwind after lunch with a wander around the ship, there's a rooftop bar and plenty of cosy nooks and plush chairs to relax in. Stop by a cafe for fika, or maybe a table by a big window for a wine or local Åland beer. There's inviting seating and live music in Torget, the ship's main square, a whole event line-up of musicians, singers, DJs and illusionists to see, duty free shopping and a casino – plus games zones and play areas for younger ones.
Make sure to find a comfortable spot outside on the Viking Terrace or by a window as Glory cruises back into Stockholm to enjoy the early evening light on the city and its glorious islands.
Who does this trip suit?
This is the kind of day trip that is super easy and convenient for everyone of all ages. There are no buses to hop on and off, no cobblestone streets to navigate. The ships are nice, they are new and they are comfortable and filled with places you actually want to spend your time in.
Have kids in tow? There are playrooms with slides, ball pits, books, soft-play areas, mini climbing walls and toys galore, plus scheduled activities – like craft, quizzes and hugs with ship cat Ville Viking – on board. When it's time to refuel, there are kids' menus available in the restaurants and The Buffet restaurant even has a dedicated kids area, loaded with all the things children love to eat, like chicken drumsticks, sausages, meatballs, fries, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
The spa is also family friendly during certain hours and little ones will be captivated by being on an enormous ship, spotting islands and birds.
There are plenty of areas to hang out, sit around and catch up while you enjoy the serene views, pamper yourselves. Have a coffee at one end of the ship, enjoy lunch somewhere else, have a snack and a drink on the deck as you look out over the sea.
Whether you want to relax to some jazz, dance to old favourites on the piano, or see a favourite artist or band, there's a packed list of activities and music to entertain all ages on each cruise.
It's all easy and fun and works no matter what kind of day trip you are after – whether you're a family, a couple or friends.
So if you're after a relaxing day trip that includes seeing the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, tasting quality Nordic cuisine in beautiful restaurants and relaxing in a spa overlooking the Baltic Sea, a cruise is an idea worth exploring.
From day trips to overnight voyages, Viking Line has a number of cruises and destinations to choose from. Find out more here
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