Stockholm: Land and Water Tour by Amphibious Bus

Getting a feel for Stockholm in a quick, fun way can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you’re short on time or want a different perspective. This amphibious bus tour offers a lively blend of city sights and water cruising, all in about an hour. For roughly one hour, you’ll sit behind a friendly guide, drive through Stockholm’s historic streets, and then splash into the city’s waterways. The tour covers highlights like the Royal Palace, Stureplan, Djurgården, and impressive views of the Old Town and Södermalm.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the combination of land and water provides a unique perspective you can’t get from a regular bus or boat alone. Second, the guide’s humor and local knowledge turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable, lively event. It’s especially well-loved for its entertaining guides and stunning vistas.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who prefers a quiet, contemplative experience, or if you’re visiting in cold or rainy weather, this might not be the perfect fit. Also, the one-hour duration is brief—ideal for a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

This tour suits first-time visitors, families seeking a fun activity, or anyone curious to see Stockholm from a fresh angle with a bit of humor thrown in. If you’re after a light-hearted, informative, and family-friendly introduction to Stockholm, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Unique Land & Water Experience: The tour offers roughly 50% on water, providing a dynamic view of Stockholm’s waterways and streets.
• Engaging Guides: Expect a lively, humorous guide who makes learning about the city fun, with many reviews praising their charisma.
• Iconic Sights: You’ll see Stockholm’s Royal Palace, Old Town, Gröna Lund, and the Royal Island of Djurgården.
• Great Value: The hour-long tour combines sightseeing with entertainment, often praised for its affordability and quality.
• Stunning Views & Photos: Pass by the Stockholm City Hall, Skeppsholmen, and the 19th-century ship Af Chapman, ideal for memorable photos.
• Suitable for Most: Not for young children under 3 or wheelchair users but perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Stockholm Land and Water Tour

Introduction to the Tour Experience

This Stockholm amphibious bus tour is designed for travelers who want a quick yet comprehensive introduction to the city. It’s operated by Ocean Bus Stockholm, and it lasts about one hour, making it ideal for a morning or afternoon activity. The tour starts at a convenient location between the Royal Opera and Grand Hotel, places central enough to drop by before or after other sightseeing.

What immediately draws most travelers in is the two-in-one approach—driving through Stockholm’s bustling streets and then splashing into the city’s shimmering waterways. This dual perspective ensures you get a sense of the city’s layout, architecture, and natural beauty all in one go.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Land Tour Highlights

Once onboard, the guide will give a quick introduction before the bus winds through the historic city center. You’ll see some of Stockholm’s most recognizable landmarks, including:

• The Royal Theatre and Royal Palace, which are central symbols of Swedish royalty and history.
• The fashionable Birger Jarlsgatan, known for its shops and cafes.
• The vibrant Stureplan, famous for nightlife and entertainment.
• The Royal Library, a classic piece of Stockholm architecture.
• The site of the 1912 Olympic stadium, a reminder of Sweden’s historic sporting moments.
• The elegant district of Östermalm, known for its upscale vibe.

The guide shares lively stories and historical tidbits, making the city’s landmarks more meaningful. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Sylvia and Mimi for their enthusiasm and humor—they transform sightseeing into an engaging storytelling session.

The Splash: From Land to Water

The most exciting part, of course, is when the bus transitions from land to water. The driver shifts gears, and suddenly the tarmac becomes gravel, and the bus begins to crackle with anticipation. With music playing and a splash of water on the windshield, the bus hits the water, turning into a boat. You’ll want to hold onto your camera and phones, as this is the moment that many reviews highlight as the tour’s most memorable feature.

Passing Djurgården and the Vasa Museum, you’ll cruise past some of Stockholm’s most scenic spots. This includes Gröna Lund, Sweden’s oldest amusement park, which has charm as well as nostalgia.

From the water, you’ll enjoy photo-ready views of the Old Town, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. You’ll see landmarks like the Stockholm City Hall—famous for hosting the Nobel Banquet—and the German Church.

The Water Tour & Surrounding Islands

Cruising around Skeppsholmen and passing by the ship Af Chapman, docked on Stockholm’s naval island, provides a glimpse into the city’s maritime past. As you glide past Södermalm, you’ll get sweeping views of the modern parts of the city, and Strandvägen, one of Scandinavia’s most upscale addresses.

The guide shares stories about Sweden’s transformation from a struggling nation into a tech and innovation hub, drawing parallels that many travelers find both educational and inspiring. The tour finishes on a high note with a brief drive back to the starting point, passing the oldest building in Stockholm and the royal park that once belonged to the royal family.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Reviews overwhelmingly highlight the guides’ charisma, describing them as funny, warm, and knowledgeable. One reviewer notes that Lova made the tour unforgettable with her sense of humor and genuine passion. Another calls the guide “the heart and soul” of the experience, emphasizing how their interactions elevate the hour-long trip from simple sightseeing to a lively event.

It’s clear that the entertaining guides and music contribute significantly to the overall experience. From humorous anecdotes to engaging commentary, guides seem to turn what could be a generic tour into a memorable, personable experience.

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The Value for Money

Considering the duration (about 1 hour) and the variety of sights covered, this tour offers excellent value. You get the thrill of a splash, photo opportunities, and a guided narrative, all in a compact package. Many reviews mention how it’s perfect as a starter activity or a family-friendly introduction, especially for those who want a blend of education and entertainment.

Practical Considerations

• The tour runs in English, and guides are praised for speaking crystal-clear English.
• Dress according to the weather; Stockholm’s climate can be unpredictable, and the water splash is inevitable.
• The one-hour duration makes it easy to fit into a busy itinerary, but travelers looking for more in-depth touring might want to supplement with other visits.
• It’s not suitable for children under 3 or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
• Cancelation is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This amphibious bus tour is a smart choice for anyone wanting a lively, engaging introduction to Stockholm. The stunning views, friendly guides, and fun splash into the waterways combine to make it a memorable experience. It’s particularly good for first-timers, families, or anyone looking for a lighthearted way to see the city without spending hours on multiple tours.

While it’s brief, the combination of scenic vistas and humorous commentary delivers excellent value. It’s not a deep dive into Stockholm’s history, but it’s a delightful way to orient yourself and capture the city’s essence in a short time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy interactive, entertaining experiences and want a memorable photo opportunity, this tour is perfect. It suits families with kids, couples on a quick city overview, or solo travelers who appreciate a lively guide sharing stories. If you’re in Stockholm for a short visit or want a fun activity to kick off your trip, this is a solid choice.

However, if you prefer longer, more focused explorations of individual sites or are sensitive to cold or water splashes, you might want to look at other options. Still, for a unique, family-friendly introduction to Stockholm, this tour hits the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 3 years old. For older kids, the fun splash into the water and lively guides make it an enjoyable activity.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 1 hour, making it a quick and convenient way to see key sights.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users; check other options for accessible sightseeing.

What should I wear?
Dress according to the weather, as part of the tour involves being outdoors and on the water. Prepare for possible splashes and wind.

Can I eat or drink onboard?
No, eating onboard is not permitted. You might want to have snacks beforehand.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meet-up point is between the Royal Opera and Grand Hotel. The tour ends back at the same location.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect to see the Royal Palace, Old Town, Gröna Lund, Djurgården, Södermalm, and enjoy views of Stockholm City Hall and Skeppsholmen.

To sum it up, the Stockholm amphibious bus tour offers a lively, well-reviewed, and visually stunning way to see the city in a short amount of time. With engaging guides and a splash into Stockholm’s waterways, it’s a playful, memorable experience perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a fun, lighthearted introduction to one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.

You can check availability for your dates here: