Stockholm card opinions?

Posted by cslh324 (Richmond, VA) on 05/09/15 06:39 PM

Hello,

I will be arriving in Stockholm around midday this June, the day before my Rick Steves Scandinavia tour begins. I am going back and forth on whether I should get the Stockholm card, either for two or three days. If my plane is on time, I should land at 12:30 and hopefully be at the hotel by 1:30, leaving me with a few hours before most sites close. The next day I plan to got to Drottningholm. Given the amount of time, it doesn't seem like the card would be a huge savings, but I wonder about the convenience factor. Does it, like some other cards, allow you to skip long lines? Any input, especially for those who've had the card, would be appreciated!

Thanks!
~C

Posted by Laura

Virginia, USA

05/09/15 07:01 PM

5846 posts

It can definitely be worth it if you plan to see a number of sites but you really have to do the math. I got a 5 day card last year and got my money's worth. It does not allow you to skip lines, but you will rarely encounter a long line in Stockholm. Last August, the only place I encountered a line of any size was the Vasa Museet, but even that line was no more than 15 minutes.

I'd figure out what things you plan to see that aren't covered by your tour. See if you will break even. The card covers Drottningholm and also the boat to Drottningholm. Also factor in your tunnelbana and bus trips.

Posted by Laura

Virginia, USA

05/09/15 07:12 PM

5846 posts

Correction. I see it only gives you a discount on the boat so maybe the card won't make sense for you.

By the way, when I go to Drottningholm, I usually take the boat there and come home by bus/tunnelbana to save some time. The palace itself is not so impressive, but the grounds are nice.

Posted by Laura

Virginia, USA

05/09/15 11:05 PM

5846 posts

also you have to check out a 7-11 and see how much the Swedes love candy.

"Lördagsgodis" (Saturday's candy) is a huge tradition in Sweden. On Saturday, kids often get a treat where they get to choose from the many kinds of loose candy which you will see in every grocery store and many convenience stores.

Posted by Meghan

Salem, MA

05/10/15 12:14 AM

4 posts

I agree with Laura about the lines, we were in Stockholm June of last year and I think the only long line we encountered was at Skansen but that was because it was midsummer and it was just about the only thing open for tourists. I did the math on the three day card before we went and I figured out we would break even so I decided to get it. We were staying a bit far from the city center, so it worked out with transportation being included. I mostly liked the convenience of not having to fork over money for each attraction. It also included a bike tour which was a plus for us. We ended up visiting some places like Grona Lund and the Spirit Museum (Absolut) just because they were included with the card.

I also agree with Ray the VASA was awesome and if you go take advantage of the free tour that is included with admission.

Posted by Ron

Alma, AR, USA

05/11/15 02:54 AM

92 posts

We arrived 2 days early before the RS Scandinavia tour last summer and found the card to be cost effective. We used it for travel and to see sites not done by the RS tour ( which goes to the Vasa Museum as I am sure you are aware.) You have less than a half day when you arrive, and only part of the next day as you will want to be back to the hotel in time to start the RS tour. In my opinion, you do not have enough time to recoup your cost. I would skip the card personally for that short time. The card simplified the transportation but does not provide a priority access line at attractions.

I agree with the others that lines did not seem to be an issue. We were at Drottningham when it opened, so that of course helped. In order to see and do more things we took the subway/ bus both ways. I am sure the boat ride has some nice scenery, but is a slow one way trip. However unless you want to try and squeeze in 1 more thing before joining the RS tour, the boat ride out and bus/ subway back would be a relaxing morning.