Stockholm City: Visit Icebar and Vasamuseum

Stockholm City: Visit Icebar and Vasa Museum — A Balanced Look at the Swedes’ Best

If you’re considering a short but packed visit to Stockholm, this tour offers a glimpse into two very different sides of Swedish culture: the historic Vasa Museum and the decidedly modern, frosty Icebar Stockholm. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on detailed descriptions and traveler reviews, it’s a tour with clear highlights—and some practical considerations.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see one of the world’s most well-preserved 17th-century ships, the Vasa, and to enjoy a drink in a bar made entirely of ice. Plus, the guided walk through the charming Old Town adds an authentic Swedish flavor. The potential downside? The tour schedule and cost can be tight, especially if you’re looking for longer museum visits or a more leisurely pace. Still, it’s ideal for first-timers eager to hit both cultural and fun spots in one go. If you’re up for a quick, diverse experience that mixes history with a bit of icy spectacle, this tour could suit you well.

Key Points

• Unique combination of history and novelty in one tour.
• Includes the Vasa Museum, home to the only nearly intact 17th-century ship.
• Icebar experience offers a fun, chilly setting with a drink included.
• Efficient itinerary ideal for travelers with limited time.
• Guided walk through Stockholm’s charming Old Town.
• Cost considerations: entrance fees and optional extras add up.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Stockholm Tour: Vasa Museum and Icebar

This tour presents a fairly straightforward, practical way to see two standout attractions in Stockholm. With a total duration of about two hours, it’s designed for travelers who want a snapshot of the city’s highlights without the fuss of planning each detail.

Starting Point: Vasa Museum

The adventure begins at the Vasa Museum, located on Djurgården, a park that was once royal hunting ground. The ship alone is worth the visit—the only well-preserved 17th-century vessel in the world. Built over 2.5 years and sinking after just a mile into its maiden voyage, the Vasa offers an incredible story of Swedish craftsmanship and ambition.

Visitors can expect a guided tour of the museum, which explains the ship’s construction, sinking, and recovery. The museum’s setting on Djurgården adds an extra layer of interest, considering its history as a royal hunting ground, where Queen Kristina once added lions and bears to spice up the hunts. The fact that over 2000 oak trees were used to build the ship, including the largest oak—Prins Eugenes Ek—demonstrates the scale and resourcefulness involved.

Visitor Feedback on the Vasa Museum

One reviewer, Pam, loved the museum’s fascinating exhibits but was disappointed by the limited time they had there (about 45 minutes). She emphasized the importance of booking ahead for the Icebar to avoid missing out—a point worth noting because the schedule and reservation system influence the overall experience.

Transition to Old Town and the Ferry Ride

After the museum, a quick five-minute walk takes you to a nearby ferry dock. The ten-minute ferry ride is a small, scenic detour that offers views of Stockholm from the water—a great way to enjoy the city’s waterways without extra fuss. Once ashore, the guided walk through Gamla Stan—the Old Town—is a highlight for many travelers. Expect cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and a real sense of history.

The Icebar Experience

The final leg brings you to the Icebar Stockholm, managed by ICEHOTEL. Here, everything from the furniture to the glasses is made of frozen water, and the interior design changes annually. You’ll be provided with a coat and gloves to withstand the chilly -7°C (19.4°F). Be prepared for a brief 30-45 minute visit, which is sufficient to take photos, enjoy your included drink, and marvel at the artistry of ice sculpting.

Practical Tips and Considerations

A key point, highlighted by reviews, is the importance of reservations—both for the Icebar entry and timing. From October 2024, the Icebar’s opening hours shift to begin at 3 P.M., which means your schedule needs to be flexible if you want to include the bar in daylight hours.

In terms of value, the entry fee to the Icebar (around SEK 265) includes a drink, but keep in mind that the overall tour price covers just the entrance fee—additional museum tickets are extra. If you’re on a budget, this means the total cost can add up quickly, but it’s not unreasonable when considering the unique experience of being inside an ice sculpture.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at the Vasa Museum: About 45 minutes to an hour exploring the ship and exhibits.
• Ferry Ride: Ten minutes of water views, a relaxing way to change scenery.
• Walk through Old Town: A charming, quintessential Stockholm experience, passing cobbled streets and historic buildings.
• Icebar visit: 30-45 minutes inside, with a drink included and plenty of photo opportunities.

Cost and Value

While the tour price includes a knowledgeable guide and transportation, the additional entrance fees for the Wasa Museum (190–240 SEK), ferry (~60 SEK), and Icebar (SEK 265) can make this a pricier outing. The value lies in the convenience—everything is organized, and you skip lines with a separate entrance—but if you prefer to explore independently, you might find cheaper options for each site.

Authenticity and Experience

For many travelers, the Vasa Museum offers a stirring look into Swedish maritime history, and its preservation is impressive. One reviewer, Pam, appreciated the museum’s interesting exhibits but felt the limited time constrained a full experience. On the other hand, the Icebar provides a memorable visual and sensory experience, especially if you enjoy novelty and fun.

Practical Tips for Tour Participants

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking and the cold.
• Book reservations early to secure your preferred time slot, especially for the Icebar.
• Be aware that the temperature inside the Icebar is quite cold; dress accordingly.
• Pay in advance with vouchers or cash (Euro, USD, SEK)—the entrance fee covers only the admission.
• If visiting in October or later, check the adjusted opening hours for the Icebar.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re in Stockholm for a short stay and want a balanced mix of history, scenery, and fun, this tour fits the bill. It caters well to first-timers eager to see the core attractions without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s also playful enough for families, provided children are over 18, due to age restrictions at the Icebar.

However, if you’re particularly interested in deep museum exploration or spend more time at each site, you might find this tour a bit rushed—especially the limited time at the Vasa Museum.

Final Thoughts

This guided experience offers a useful, time-efficient way to see two of Stockholm’s most talked-about attractions. The Vasa Museum impresses with its historic ship and engaging exhibits, while the Icebar delivers a quirky, cool (literally) social experience. The guided walk through Old Town adds local charm, rounding out a well-rounded city snapshot.

The experience’s value hinges on your interest in unique sights and your willingness to accept the schedule’s constraints. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, memorable taste of Stockholm—especially those who appreciate the novelty of the Icebar and the allure of historic ships.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the Icebar requires participants to be at least 18 years old, and certain restrictions like baby strollers, baby carriages, and alcohol are not allowed.

How long does the whole tour last?
The total guided experience runs about two hours, including the museum visit, ferry ride, walk through Old Town, and time inside the Icebar.

Do I have to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for the Icebar, which has a limited schedule starting from October 2024. Booking ahead ensures you get your preferred time slot.

What is included in the tour fee?
Your guide’s services, the ferry ride, and the visit to the Icebar with a drink are included. Entrance fees to the Vasa Museum and Icebar are paid separately, or you can buy a combined ticket if available.

How cold is the Icebar?
The interior temperature is around -7°C (19.4°F). The bar provides coats and gloves, but dress warmly for the walk and outside portions.

Can I pay at the Icebar with my credit card?
Yes, the ferry fee can be paid with credit card, and payment for the Icebar is typically in SEK; the tour operator recommends paying in advance or with cash.

What should I wear for the Icebar visit?
Dress in warm, comfortable shoes and layers, as you will be given a coat and gloves but will still feel the cold.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

To sum it up, this Stockholm tour offers a succinct but memorable experience that combines the city’s maritime history with a fun, icy spectacle. It’s best for travelers seeking a balanced, organized visit with a bit of everything—history, scenery, and a splash of fun—without having to piece everything together on your own. Just remember to book early and dress warmly!

You can check availability for your dates here: