Stockholm: Land and Water Tour by Amphibious Bus

Embarking on a tour of Stockholm’s most iconic sights aboard an amphibious bus is a unique way to experience the city’s blend of history, modernity, and beautiful waterways. This review covers what makes this tour stand out, from its lively guides to the thrill of splashing into the water, helping you decide if it’s right for your visit.

What we love about this experience is how effortlessly it combines educational storytelling with pure fun. The fact that about half of the journey takes place on the water means you’ll get a whole new perspective of Stockholm’s skyline and its charming islands. Plus, the lively guides truly bring the city to life, making it a memorable start or break in your sightseeing plans. The only consideration? It’s not suitable for children under 3 or wheelchair users, which could limit some travelers.

This tour is particularly perfect for those wanting a lighthearted yet informative introduction to Stockholm. It suits first-time visitors eager to see multiple landmarks without the hassle of multiple tickets or schedules. If you’re after a fun, relaxing, and visually stunning activity, this amphibious adventure ticks all those boxes.

Good To Know

• Unique Land & Water Experience: Combines city sightseeing with a splash into Stockholm’s canals.
• Engaging Guides: Known for lively, humorous, and informative commentary that makes the tour memorable.
• Stunning Views: Offers postcard-worthy vistas of landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gröna Lund, and the Old Town.
• Good Value: Includes a ticket, guide, and a one-hour adventure that packs in a lot.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most ages, except very young children or those with mobility needs.
• Highly Rated: With a 4.7/5 rating from over 4,200 reviews, it’s clearly a well-loved experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Stockholm Amphibious Bus Tour

The Itinerary and Route: What to Expect

This tour begins at a convenient starting point between the Royal Opera and the Grand Hotel, making it easy to fit into your Stockholm itinerary. Once everyone is on board, your live English-speaking guide will introduce the vehicle and briefly explain what to anticipate. The first part of the journey takes you through Stockholm’s historic center, passing key sights like the Royal Theatre, Stureplan, and the Royal Library.

A highlight for many is the drive through Birger Jarlsgatan, a fashionable street lined with shops and cafes, before arriving at Stureplan, Stockholm’s nightlife hub. From here, the bus heads toward Östermalm, passing landmarks like the Olympic stadium from 1912 and the Royal Library, offering a taste of Stockholm’s diverse neighborhoods.

The real thrill begins when the bus hits gravel and transforms into a boat. Reviewers describe this moment as exciting and surprisingly smooth, with the driver expertly handling the transition: “Hold on to your phones and cameras,” as the guide might say, because a splash of water is imminent. The boat cruise then takes you past the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund amusement park, and into the heart of the Old Town.

Landmarks on the Water

Cruising along Stockholm’s waterways reveals a different side of the city. You’ll see the German Church and Stockholm City Hall, with its iconic three crowns. The views of the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest, are especially striking from the water. The guide shares stories about the Royal Island of Djurgården, home to museums and parks, and discusses how Stockholm became Scandinavia’s tech hub, describing the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village into a vibrant, innovative capital.

Passage around Skeppsholmen gives a panoramic view of the harbor and the historic ship Af Chapman, docked where sailors once trained. You’ll also cruise past Strandvägen, known as one of Scandinavia’s most exclusive addresses, and get a glimpse of Pippi Longstocking’s ship, a fun nod to Swedish childhood literature.

The Guides and Their Impact

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a major part of the experience’s success. Many praise their knowledge, humor, and ability to make each tour unique, often personalizing stories or sharing amusing anecdotes. For example, one reviewer called Sophia “the best singing guide in Sweden,” highlighting her engaging personality that kept the group entertained even when the weather was cold.

Another reviewer raved about Mimi, noting her enthusiasm, warmth, and the way she made the tour feel like a live show. The guides don’t just recite facts—they interact, joke, and create a lively atmosphere that appeals to all ages.

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The Water Splash Moment: A Real Crowd-Pleaser

That moment when the bus transitions into a boat is universally described as “thrilling” and “fun.” Reviewers mention the splash of water, the loud music, and the excitement of floating on Stockholm’s waterways. It’s an authentic highlight that transforms what could be a typical sightseeing tour into a full-on adventure.

The Return and Final Stops

After cruising the waterways, the bus returns to land, passing by some of Stockholm’s oldest buildings and royal parks. The drive back is a chance to process the sights and stories, with the guide offering additional facts about the city. The tour concludes back at the starting point, with many reviewers mentioning the friendly captain and the cheerful atmosphere.

Practical Details: What Matters Most

The tour lasts about 1 hour, with some variations depending on availability. It’s priced reasonably considering the inclusions—ticket, guide, and the unique experience of crossing land and water. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not for young children under 3 or those with mobility restrictions.

Dressing appropriately for the weather is recommended since part of the experience is outdoors and exposed to the elements. Also, passengers are reminded not to eat onboard, and to arrive 20 minutes early for a hassle-free start.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Many reviewers mention how guides like Axel, Linda, and Sylvia go beyond just sharing facts—they make the experience lively and personal. A guest even called the guide “Sylvia, the fifth member of ABBA,” emphasizing her entertaining style. Others appreciated how the guides balanced humor with interesting insights, making the tour educational but never dull.

Is It Worth the Price?

Given the high ratings and glowing reviews, this tour offers solid value. You’re getting a full hour of entertainment, scenic views, and insightful commentary, all bundled into a single ticket. It works especially well as an introductory activity for first-time visitors, offering a quick yet rundown of Stockholm’s highlights. The fact that it includes both land and water views means you see the city from multiple perspectives without needing separate tickets or long excursions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of fun. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy lively guides and scenic routes will find plenty to love. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate storytelling and a relaxed pace, rather than intense or lengthy excursions.

However, if you have mobility issues or are traveling with very young children, this might not be suitable. Also, those seeking an in-depth historical tour might find it a bit light on detail, but for an enjoyable overview, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Is It Right for You?

This amphibious bus tour in Stockholm offers a lighthearted, visually stunning way to get acquainted with the city. Its mix of land and water routes, lively guides, and memorable splash moments make it a standout experience for many visitors.

It provides excellent value for its price, especially given the positive reviews about the knowledgeable and entertaining guides who turn a simple sightseeing tour into a lively show. The views of landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gröna Lund, and the Old Town make it perfect for capturing postcard-perfect photos.

If you’re after a fun, engaging, and scenic introduction to Stockholm, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for first-timers, families, or anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure with their sightseeing. Just remember to dress for the weather and arrive early to make the most of this memorable ride.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, but check availability for the exact start times.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll see the Royal Palace, Gröna Lund, the Royal Theatre, Stureplan, and the Royal Island of Djurgården, among others.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is suitable for most ages, but not for children under 3 years or wheelchair users.

Does the tour include water crossing?
Yes, about 50% of the tour takes place on water, with the bus transforming into a boat during the cruise.

What should I wear?
Dress according to the weather, as parts of the tour are outdoors and exposed.

Can I eat onboard?
No, eating onboard is not permitted.

What is the price?
The tour includes a ticket, guide, and the amphibious experience, offering good value for the hour-long adventure.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide leads the tour, providing stories and commentary throughout.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The starting point is between the Royal Opera and the Grand Hotel, easily accessible in central Stockholm.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here: