Vasa Museum and Icebar Stockholm

A Balanced Look at the Vasa Museum and Icebar Stockholm Tour

If you’re visiting Stockholm and want a snapshot of its maritime history combined with a cool, modern twist, this tour offers just that. It combines a visit to the famous Vasa Museum—home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship—with a stroll through the charming, cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic Old Town. To cap it off, there’s the chance to experience the Icebar Stockholm, a surreal bar made entirely of ice where you can sip a drink from a glass carved from frozen water.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances the educational with the playful. Seeing the Vasa ship is a must for history buffs, while wandering through Gamla Stan feels like stepping back in time. The Icebar, with its icy interiors and chilly temperatures, adds a fun, quirky element that makes for memorable photos. One point to consider, however, is that the overall experience might feel rushed—especially if you’re pressed for time or if the Icebar is unexpectedly closed, as some reviews have noted.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded glimpse of Stockholm’s past and present in a single day. It suits those with a curiosity for history, a sense of adventure, and an appreciation for unique experiences. Just beware of tight schedules or potential closures that could impact your enjoyment.

Key Points

• Historical and modern combo: Enjoy the iconic Vasa ship and a quirky Icebar experience.
• Cultural immersion: Walk through Stockholm’s oldest streets, absorbing the city’s distinctive atmosphere.
• Quick, organized tour: Ideal for those with limited time, thanks to skip-the-line access and a guided experience.
• Potential timing issues: Some reviews mention a hectic schedule, so plan accordingly.
• Weather considerations: Dress warmly for the Icebar and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Limited access for children: Not suitable for kids under 14, so plan accordingly if traveling with family.
• Cost and value: The tour offers a compelling mix of attractions but does not include tickets, meals, or drinks—additional costs to consider.
• Mixed reviews: While many appreciate the guided approach, some reviewers found the experience rushed or noted closures.

The Experience: An In-Depth Look

Starting at the Vasa Museum

The tour begins at the Vasa Museum, located on Djurgården Island. This is where the real magic happens—standing face-to-face with the Vasa, a nearly intact 17th-century warship that sank on her maiden voyage and was salvaged in remarkably good condition. We loved the way the museum showcases the ship in a specially designed hall, allowing you to walk around and view it from different angles. It’s not just about the vessel itself but also the stories told through exhibits about its construction, sinking, and recovery.

The guided aspect really enhances the experience. Your guide, from Stockholm Tour by Kino, is knowledgeable and eager to share insights—though, as one reviewer pointed out, it’s best to clarify if tickets are included since the tour does not cover entrance fees. Still, the skip-the-line entry means you won’t waste precious time waiting in queues, which is a real plus if you’re on a tight schedule.

Exploring Gamla Stan

Next, the tour takes you through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, a place that’s like a living, breathing history book. You’ll pass through narrow alleys, admire centuries-old houses, and soak in the bohemian vibe that’s still alive in this area. The streets are generally cobblestoned, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. The architecture ranges from the 16th to the 19th centuries, offering a visual timeline of Stockholm’s development.

Here, your guide points out key sights and shares stories, but some visitors noted that the tour can feel somewhat hurried—highlighting the importance of pacing if you want to really absorb the atmosphere. The charm of Gamla Stan lies in its details: quaint cafes, historic churches, and cozy shops, making it an ideal spot for some spontaneous photos and quiet exploration.

The Icebar Stockholm

The final stop is at the Icebar, located at Hotel C Stockholm. This bar is a definite highlight for many, especially for those wanting an unusual experience. Before entering, guests are provided with warm fur ponchos and mittens—a wonderful touch to keep the chill at bay. Inside, the temperature is a brisk -5°C, creating a surreal environment entirely made of ice from the Torne River.

You’ll be served a drink in an ice glass, with bartenders explaining how the bar is constructed and maintained. The immersive decor, with sculptures and furniture carved from ice, makes for fantastic photos. However, some guests have mentioned that the Icebar might be closed unexpectedly or that the timing feels rushed so that you only get a brief experience.

The Icebar is accessible year-round, making it a perfect indoor activity even during Stockholm’s colder months. It’s a fun, memorable finish, especially for those who enjoy a bit of novelty and a chill out of the ordinary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour includes a live guide who speaks English and Arabic, providing context and answering questions along the way. The tour does not include tickets or entrance fees, so be prepared to purchase those separately at the venues. Meals or drinks are also not included, although you’ll be served at the Icebar.

Meeting points are straightforward—at the entrance of the Vasa Museum with a sign reading “Tour By Kino”, and the tour concludes back at the same spot. The experience is wheelchair accessible, and cancellation is flexible, allowing for full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes suitable for cobblestones and walking.
• Dress warmly, especially for the Icebar, where temperatures are around -5°C.
• Confirm if tickets are included before booking, as some reviews indicate confusion or additional purchases.
• Consider your pace—if you’re keen on taking photos or exploring more deeply, communicate with your guide or plan extra time.

The Reviews: Insights from Real Travelers

While many enjoyed the overall experience, reviews highlight some common issues. One traveler was frustrated that the tour was sold without included tickets, noting, “I’ve got screenshots showing it only states no tickets included,” implying potential confusion about what was covered. Others found the schedule hectic; for example, a reviewer mentioned, “You are very hectic in terms of time,” especially when the Icebar was unexpectedly closed.

Despite these hiccups, the guide’s knowledge and the convenience of skip-the-line access add significant value. The Icebar experience is often praised for its originality, though some find the time inside feels limited.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a compact, guided overview of Stockholm’s highlights in a single day. It’s great for history lovers eager to see the Vasa ship up close and enjoy a stroll through Stockholm’s most picturesque streets. The Icebar provides a quirky, fun addition for those looking to try something different.

However, if you’re a detail-oriented traveler or seeking a leisurely exploration, you might find the brisk pace and lack of ticket inclusion frustrating. It’s not ideal for very young children under 14 or for those who prefer flexible, unstructured sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

The Vasa Museum and Icebar Stockholm Tour offers a snapshot of the city’s maritime legacy paired with a playful modern twist. While some find the schedule tight and the experience rushed, the combination of seeing the preserved warship, wandering through the historic Old Town, and chilling out in an ice bar makes for a memorable day.

If you value efficiency, guided insights, and a mix of history and entertainment, this tour delivers good value—just double-check ticket inclusions and be prepared for some quick transitions. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to tick off major sights with minimal fuss, and who enjoy quirky, Instagram-worthy experiences.

For those seeking a deeper, more relaxed exploration, consider supplementing this tour with additional visits or extra time in Gamla Stan. But overall, it is a solid choice for a well-rounded, engaging day in Stockholm.

FAQ

Are tickets included in this tour?
No, the tour price does not include tickets, so you’ll need to purchase entrance fees separately at the Vasa Museum and Icebar.

Is the Icebar accessible year-round?
Yes, the Icebar is open year-round and maintains a temperature of around -5°C, so you can enjoy it regardless of the season.

How long does the Icebar experience last?
Guests are served drinks in ice glasses and can enjoy the decor, but some reviews suggest the time inside may be limited, and some visitors have found the experience feels rushed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really; the tour is not recommended for children under 14 years old, mainly due to the cold environment and the nature of attractions.

What should I wear? for the Icebar?
Warm clothing isn’t necessary, as the bar provides fur ponchos and mittens, but wearing layers and comfortable shoes are advised for the walking parts.

How long is the total tour?
The exact duration depends on availability and pacing but generally lasts for a day, with the itinerary including the Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, and the Icebar.

Is the tour guided in multiple languages?
Yes, the guide speaks both English and Arabic, making it accessible for diverse travelers.

Are there any accessibility features?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always best to confirm specific needs with the provider beforehand.

What happens if the Icebar or other sites are closed?
Some reviews mention unexpected closures, so it’s wise to check ahead or be prepared for adjustments—some parts of the experience may be shortened or substituted.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical and engaging way to see some of Stockholm’s most iconic sights in a compact package. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a guided, informative day with a dash of fun—just be sure to clarify ticket details and manage expectations about timing.