Royal Canal and Under the Bridges Tours
Two classic routes through the centre: the green canal around Djurgården, and the longer trip under the city's bridges and through its locks. Many have a guide.
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Stockholm canal cruises: the royal canal or the bridges, and who does the talking
Two routes share this page. The Royal Canal loop glides through Djurgården past parks, royal mansions and museums. The bridges route runs longer and passes through the lock between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. We list 5 canal and bridge tours in Stockholm on this page.
We would pick the route first, because it sets how much of your Stockholm day goes on the water. The royal canal takes about an hour and the bridges route a good deal longer. Then decide who should tell you the story, and in which language.
Travellers have left more than 2,099 reviews on the tours shown here, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5.
Of the tours shown here, the one with the most reviews is "Stockholm: City Center Canal Cruise ", with more than 1,256 reviews and a rating of 4.1 out of 5.
Which Stockholm canal tour suits you: a calm hour, your own language or the full route
Families and older adults after a peaceful hour
Families with children and older adults tend to enjoy the greener side of Stockholm without hours on board, and the Royal Canal gives them that. If they like a person telling the story, we would choose the boat with live English commentary, which also has a café and a bar. If earphones are fine, the same canal comes with an audio guide in English.
Groups that do not share a language
If your group mixes languages in Stockholm, we would check the commentary before the route. One city-centre cruise offers its audio guide in many languages through earphones, so each person can pick from the languages offered. A bridges and canal tour has an audio guide in German, English, Spanish and Italian.
First visits and photographers with time to spare
First-time visitors and photographers who want a sweeping view of the central islands of Stockholm should take the longer bridges route. It goes under historic bridges and through the lock, with an audio guide in English. At about 135 minutes it asks for more of your day than the Royal Canal, so we would keep it for a free afternoon.
Stockholm canal tours by length, rating and how the commentary reaches you
| Type of tour | ★ | Duration | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canal cruise with an audio guide | 4.1 | 60 min | Audio guide + earphones |
| Royal canal with a live guide | 4.1 | 50 min | Live English commentary + Wi-Fi |
Table data is indicative and comes from the GuruWalk catalogue. Each activity's current details, including availability, are the ones shown on its listing when you book.
Stockholm canal tours: frequently asked questions
Is it worth doing a canal tour in Stockholm?
We think so if you want a peaceful look at the greener side of Stockholm without giving up the day. It suits a first look at Djurgården.
What is the best month for a canal tour in Stockholm?
Royal canal tours in Stockholm mainly run from spring into early winter, so most of the year is open to you. Bridges tours can stop a little earlier, so we would check your date if you are going in the colder months.
Where do Stockholm canal tours leave from?
Royal canal boats often leave from around Strömkajen, by the Grand Hotel. Bridges routes tend to use Nybroplan or Strömkajen, so check which one applies to yours.
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