Top Riddarholmen Sightseeing Tours: Reviews & Recommendations
So, Riddarholmen – it’s that small, kind of peaceful island in the heart of Stockholm, and too it’s actually packed with history. It’s just a short hop from Gamla Stan, Old Town, yet it feels like stepping back in time. Riddarholmen is almost like a living museum, you know? With its charming cobblestone streets and really old buildings. When you visit, it’s important to find just the right sightseeing tour that will totally connect you to its story. We’ve gone through a number of options, and we want to share our recommendations with you. So, are you ready to explore? Let’s check out five top tours, with details that should help you pick the perfect fit.
1. Riddarholmen Guided Walking Tour
So, a guided walking tour is usually the most immersive way to see Riddarholmen. You can actually experience it. What’s great is that most tours will lead you through the island’s historical spots. You get up close with really knowledgeable guides. A local expert tends to have a deep well of anecdotes. Many tours focus quite a bit on Riddarholmen Church. It serves as the final resting place for many Swedish monarchs and other significant people. That makes the place somewhat important to Sweden.
Also, the Birger Jarl Tower comes into play. So, this is supposedly Stockholm’s oldest building. Your guide could really highlight its role in the city’s defense back in the day, just so you know. The Old Government Building is also worth mentioning. Most tours that we looked at pointed to it. It can help give a sense of Sweden’s administration. Some of these walking tours provide insight into the architecture. It’s an eclectic mix from many different periods.
We took one of these walking tours. And the thing we like is the relaxed pace. Yet, they really helped us soak it all in. Plus, tour groups tends to be a bit small. This makes things more intimate. Small groups make things feel a bit personal and are less likely to get lost. That is to say, consider booking a walking tour if you are really curious about the finer details of Riddarholmen. That’s our honest assessment, anyway. Read our full review: Riddarholmen Guided Walking Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Walking Tour)
2. Historical Segway Tour of Riddarholmen
For a somewhat unique twist, think about exploring Riddarholmen on a Segway. Tours using Segways gives you both an easy way to get around. Plus you get historical insight. You know, these tours usually cover a larger part of the island more quickly than you would on foot, right? Usually, they hit all the must-see sites. And often you get some fun facts that really liven things up.
Most historical Segway tours give a quick training session before they start. So, even if you haven’t ridden one of these before, no problem! It’s usually pretty quick to pick up. You get to zoom around, getting up close to the Riddarholmen Church and the Birger Jarl Tower. Segway tours seem to provide unique views and photo spots as well. That said, do confirm what is covered, and if you can make stops. It really comes down to who you choose.
A Segway tour is something you probably want to think about, very if you love a bit of adventure along with your history. That’s something we should consider when we book any tours! Very This is the way to go to cover more ground. In doing so you get lots of cool stories from a very well trained local guide. These stories add color to what you see! Read our full review: Historical Segway Tour of Riddarholmen Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Segway Tour)
3. Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan Combined Tours
Now, if you like the idea of ticking off a couple of landmarks in a single outing, well then, tours that combine Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan will do the trick! You often get to see how the history of these places intertwines, so. Some of these tours might actually start in Gamla Stan. They showcase spots like Stortorget, with its buildings and interesting stories. That should set things up. Then, you move to Riddarholmen for a deeper look into its specific landmarks. We find that interesting! Maybe you too?
Often, these combo tours aim to paint a really complete picture of Stockholm’s early years. This will likely make sense if it’s something you think you need to know. They show you how the city has changed, grew, and maybe how it evolved over the centuries. So, you will probably explore things like the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. Yet, the highlight of the trip would be Riddarholmen Church. It seems as though Riddarholmen Church seems to hold real significance!
Keep in mind these tours can be a bit longer. Be sure that you take time into account. Yet, it will really be worth it if you’re up for a lot of walking. Also, they provide some broader insights and stories, right? Consider one of these combined tours if you would enjoy really rich content, and if you’re very curious about Stockholm’s complete past! Read our full review: Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan Combined Tours Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Combined Tour)
4. Private Riddarholmen History Tour
So, here’s something else to think about: a private history tour. The really nice part here? It’s completely molded to you! You and your guide get to focus exactly on what excites you, so, it can be something you may very well think of getting! Do you find Sweden’s royalty super amazing? Or would you very rather learn all about the architecture from many years ago? You decide! Many guides are really happy to go off the main path, showing the quieter and just-as-interesting areas.
In our humble opinion, these tours make really great options if you are someone who wants to dive way into every last detail. These private tours seem to foster discussions along the way! You tend to get really customized insights. Do you have any burning questions? Your guide tends to be totally there for you! One consideration for these, keep in mind that prices tend to be slightly more expensive. Read our full review: Private Riddarholmen History Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Private Tour)
5. Self-Guided Audio Tour of Riddarholmen
Want something flexible? The best way, consider doing a self-guided audio tour, very! They’re pretty cheap, right? With these types of experiences, you use an app on your phone. So, as you are walking around Riddarholmen, you learn the key points. Audio tours can really be amazing because you go at your own speed. Then, spend longer where you’re curious!
What we found to be something that needs a lot of improvement is this, many audio tours have different routes you can pick from. What about you, are you into hearing a lot about Sweden’s big historical figures? Or what about the big important buildings? The better tours include maps and very helpful visuals to steer you to where you are going. In fact, most of the companies that seem good seem to have put lots of effort into the audio tracks. It is good as most stories can be really enjoyable and are well researched. A few sound as though the companies cared. With what other ways are you able to show you care?
So, consider this if you are quite interested in seeing Riddarholmen your way, very, that is something great. But, you are on a budget, right? An audio tour gets you independence at a quite reasonable price. Read our full review: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Riddarholmen Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Audio Tour)