Blidösundsbolaget

Blidösundsbolaget has been part of the Stockholm archipelago for more than a century, and it is best known for the steamship Blidösund, which still carries passengers out among the islands. The company, now part of Transdev, has its office on Svensksundsvägen on Skeppsholmen and runs summer excursions, dinner cruises and food and music cruises from the centre of Stockholm. Visit Stockholm lists it among the operators offering summer trips and cruises to the archipelago.

The archipelago is one of the great attractions of a summer visit to Stockholm, with thousands of islands stretching out towards the Baltic. Blidösundsbolaget's excursions take you to destinations such as Arholma, Sandhamn, Utö and Vaxholm, so you can choose between a short trip to a nearby island town and a full day further out. Departures leave from central quays: trips to Sandhamn go from Strömkajen, and summer Friday trips to Norrtälje leave from Skeppsbron.

Food and music are a large part of the programme. Dinner cruises let you eat on board while the islands pass by, and the Blidösund Live series combines music with an evening on the water. In late November and December the company runs julbord cruises, serving the traditional Swedish Christmas buffet on board, which is a festive way to experience the city at a time of year when there is little daylight but plenty of atmosphere.

Blidösundsbolaget suits couples, families, groups of friends and anyone interested in historic ships or the archipelago. A trip on an old steamship is slower than a modern fast boat, but that is the point: the journey becomes the experience. Schedules are seasonal, with most excursions running in summer, so check the timetable and book in advance for popular dates such as Midsummer and the Christmas cruises.

Book through the company's website, or contact the office by phone on weekdays between Monday and Thursday, when customer service is open in the morning and early afternoon, or by email at [email protected]. Bring warm clothing even in summer, as it can be cool on deck, and allow time to reach the departure quay at Strömkajen or Skeppsbron, both a short walk from Gamla Stan and Kungsträdgården metro stations.