Hello All:

We have four full days in Stockholm in late July and early August this year. We are staying on Soldermalm. I'm trying to plan sites to see. We are two able bodied adults and an active seven year old. When going to museums we figure we have about an hour to see what we can see. And we enjoy just walking around cities to see what we may come across. So that sort of balances things out for the seven year old. I think the Vasa Musuem, Viking history, and arms and armor may hold our son's attention more than more usual museum fare would.

I'm thinking about three days of going around the city and seeing various museums. That would leave one day for a day trip to either Birka or an excursion into the Archipelago. I suppose we could also do a day trip to Birka and a couple hour boat trip to the Archipelago.

I'm thinking of dividing the three days in the city as follows:

one day for the Vasa, Skansen, and possibly the Prins Eugesn Waldemarsudde. I've heard Skansen could take a day by itself. So I suppose we'll be giving that short shrift. Or we could try these the first day and return if we found it that compelling.

one day for Gamla Stan and the Royal palace, Mint, Armory

one day for Central Stockholm and National Museum, Historiska Museum, maybe the Armemuseum.


Any comments or ideas, must sees, should avoid, too ambitious, etc.

Thanks.

We did the Vasa Museum, then Skansen immediately thereafter. Everyone has their own style but all day at Skansen would be too long for us.

Near Vasa is Junibacken, a fairy tale inspired park for kids. Grona Lund,a classic old amusement park, is very near to Skansen. I can't imagine spending a whole day at Skansen.
If you stay at Scandic Hasselbacken Hotel you'll be next to Skansen and near the other places mentioned as well.

Thanks for the feedback about Skansen. Good to know.

I think a child would like Skansen more than many museums since it is part zoo and part live demonstrations and if you time your tour right it can be very involving for a child.

And don't forget the Royal Palace and the changing of the guard.

I, too, think that a child might like Skansen, so you might consider giving it a day in case it does seem to be to your son's liking. If so, consider going there early in the trip so you can adjust your plans accordingly.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Wasa Museum for people of ALL ages!

I loved the Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde; I'm not sure that most 7-year-olds would have the same reaction. But it is in a lovely setting and well worth an hour or so IMO.

You may be able to do more than you expect on the day you have set aside for Gamla Stan. As nytraveler said, do try to making the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace!

You might consider trying to visit Stockholm's City Hall. I thought it fascinating. .

Drottningholm is another place you might consider. As I recall, the grounds have some wonderful old trees that have hollowed-out areas, so one can climb in and "hide," and there's a garden maze, and some "secret" doors in the palace itself....

And I don't think you have time, but a half-day in Uppsala might also be worth considering. The cathedral there is quite lovely, as I recall, and your son might like the Viking remnants in the area.

Enjoy!

I am thinking of what a 7 year old would like.
As mentioned Skansen and Grona Lund is nice.

He would enjoy the grounds at Drottingnholm
but the inside may be a bit whelming.

The city hall is nice because of its affiliation with the Nobel Prizes.

But wiyh s 7 year old I would take the elevator up to the tower for those fantastic views back to Gamla Stan and elsewhere.

What 7 year old wouldn't like to be up high and looking down.

At the Vasa Museum you can say to him/her,
"Look at the big ship."!!

For changing of the guards find out the exact time (was 12:15) when I was there.
BUT get there 1/2 hour earlier to get a good spot or he/she might have to be on your shoulders the whole time.

I'll be in Stockholm on a home exchange Aug. 1-16. Who knows, I might run into you in the street and not know it.

It is my second time through to Stockholm.

Your son might enjoy a ride through the islands on one of the boats. It really doesn't matter which one you choose, but the shorter journeys are always better than longer for kids. You also get to sit down.

Thanks for the ideas about Uppsala and Drottningholm. Will take a look.

Yes, Lauren our paths may cross. I guess we all need to be on our best behavior!

Any suggestions for sites with maximum viking exposure?

"Any suggestions for sites with maximum viking exposure?" -- I believe they are concentrated in Gamla Uppsala.

Sweden has many Viking sites scattered through the countryside. I saw some near Fredrikstad, Norway. I doubt you'll get over there.

The Vasa ship is amazing and your son should enjoy it--for a limited amount of time.

Very relevant OP for us, we are taking our nine year old for 10 days and staying just outside Stockholm during the same perod as you.

We will be taking the ferry to Sandhamn and visiting Uppsala.