From Gröna Lund to Skeppsholmen

Next stop the Stadsgårdskajen, no one boarded and no one got off. Onboard I am accompanied by a Spanish family, three Swedish pensioners, the seaman and the captain. The rain whips against the window and waves rock the boat back and forth while the guide tries to make himself heard in the speakers.

The next stop is Gamla Stan and no one gets off here either, everyone onboard remains. The seaman tells me there is a big difference depending on if it’s raining or the sun is shining. I find it hard to understand why, but he says that sightseeing buses are more popular when conditions are as they are today - rain and nasty weather. I personally feel that it is much cozier being at sea with rain rattling against the window.

We stop at Stockholm's castle and now it’s time for some rotation among the guests onboard. The Spanish family who drowned the guide out with their own conversation leaves the boat and is replaced by a Danish couple who quickly take out their "smörrebröd" (sandwiches) and a Pilsner beer each. Between chews they take in the beauty of Stockholm with wide eyes. I feel a little jealous and think what a fantastic way to eat your lunch!

One of my newly-boarded passengers takes out a leaflet on Stockholm and I sneak a look. I see that the leaflet comes from one of the large cruise ships we just passed at Stadsgårdshamnen, Mein Shiff – a German giant with all the comforts onboard and an enormous contrast to the little Sjöfröken, built in 1875. The lady looks happy despite the rain and I suspect she is on her way to the Vasa Museum.

We begin to chat a little and she is completely lyrical about Stockholm's beauty. In Germany they are not spoiled with water, the sea or lakes and the rain doesn't bother her. She has already taken three guided tours at the castle and the morning was spent wandering around the alleys of Gamla Stan. She says with great feeling that she loves Sweden and would love to move here if it wasn't for the heavy taxes. She talks the entire way from Nybroplan to the Vasa Museum about the royal family and the upcoming wedding - this is clearly a big event in Germany as well. At the Vasa Museum she hurries off the boat and disappears into the rain.

The next stop is Skeppsholmen where I get off and feel happy to live in the world's most beautiful city; I go ashore in the rain with a smile on my lips. A sightseeing trip through your own city turned out to be a very pleasant experience which I warmly recommend.

By: Lisa, editor