Steamships started to frequently visit Stockholms archipelago already in the 1800′s and every year since 1964 The Archipelago Boat Day has been celebrated with a ship parade out from Strömkajen in Stockholm to Vaxholm.
The steamships that had passengers the 7th of June 2007 were Storskär, Norrskär, Mariefred, Blidösund plus the motorboats Västan, Enköping, Sandhamn and Sjögull. They were followed by the steamships Ejdern and Sjöfröken.
We were worried that we wouldn’t get any tickets, but we were lucky to get tickets on one of the steamships: S/S Norrskär. A beautiful old and genuine steam ship.
Norrskär was built in 1910 at Eriksbergs Mekaniska Verkstads AB (Shipbuilding) in Gothenburg and still has all the original interior intact, so it’s like being thrown back in time – a wonderful feeling, I hardly could stop smiling all the time 
Facts about S/S Norrskär:
The ship was built to go on the route Stockholm-Sandhamn and was from the beginning called Sandhamns Express. When the ship was sold to Waxholmsbolaget in 1947 it changed name. Since the end of the 1970′s S/S Norrskär once again is going on this route in the summer.
* Passagengers: 265
* Speed: 10 knots
* Engine power: 320 horse power
* Length: 34,84 meter
* Width: 6,88 meterSource: Wikipedia
All the old steam ships left Stockholm at the same time in a steam ship parade! There were a lot of steam whistles that echoed over the city! It was so cool – or I should call it hot! *lol*
Vaxholm is one of the small towns out in the archipelago with quaint, narrow little streets and some shops. The town grew up around the fort there, Waxholms Fästning – or Castle, which was constructed by King Gustav Vasa around the year of 1549 to defend the inlet of Stockholm.
This day there were an Orchestra, Södertörn Symphonic Band waiting us at the quay in Marine uniforms and a market going on, but mostly with the ordinary stuff we’ve already seen too much of, so we didn’t buy anything. We went for a walk and then to a restaurant to get some lighter meal.
Stockholm has a wonderful archipelago, no more than a few sea miles from the city. There is a lot of boats to take in the summer and we plan to go on some more later on if the weather let us, to visit some of the beautiful islands.
We’ve been out there before of course, butt mainly with own private boats, so next time it will be nice to just ENJOY
View Lifecruisers steamship slideshow at Flickr
Captain Hottie Lifecruiser
beautiful tour in the archipelago! The Norrskär must be very spendid with its intact interior! I’d like to have a look! Hope you will go in the isles of the archipelago! I’d like to visit them!
[...] Stockholm Archipelago Boat Day hosted by Mrs. Lifecruiser! [...]
Very interesting ! Last time I have taken a ship was now in Istambul along the Bosphorus it was very nice ! It was not a steam ship of course but a modern little cruise ship. BTW when I stayed four days in Kudasasi I saw everyday another big Cruise ship boarding there, I took pictures thinking of our Cyber Cruise !
I would love to be able to cruise on a steamship…sounds like it was wonderful! I have cruised to the Bahamas but that was on a big honkin’ boat…fun but I think these steamships would be neat too! I love the photos…thanks for sharing!
I saw this event in 1996 and my wife was luck enough to be in Stockholm and see it in 2004.
the water ways are just fantastic.
thanks for reviving some good memories.
Stockholms archipelago is Beautiful. Even a Norwegian has to admit that. I have spent lot’s of time at Lidingö (Elfviksudde) and even gone from there into town by a Steamship – during the Waterfestival.
PS. Who will clean up after this tagger who has been all over?LoL.
I put the globe on the dinner table; we just got back from eating, and I was looking at Stockholm to see where you were. That is so neat being in a steamship parade!!! And then to have an orchestra greeting you!!!
Oh WOW!!! Does this happen on the same day every year? I am COMING for this event! I LOVE ships! LOVE ‘em LOVE ‘em LOVE THEM!!!! This would just be the BEST day for me!!! I am so jealous! And I even had the perfect hat for the occasion….
I love the way you put your logo on the photos! Seems like you’re having a great time! I wish you enjoy more future events. =)
Yes, it’s funny how every ship or boat makes us think about the cyber cruise now
I really hope that you get to go there some day!!!
GReat that you enjoyed it – you may like to see the rest of the photos too then
You’re welcome, I’m just glad to share this with you all
I can only nodd at this
Oh, yes, it was truly like being sent back in time, just marvelous
Not exactly the same day, but some of the nearest days around that date. So it looks like you have to plan for this event next year then? *lol*
Steamships!! Woohaa! It definitely feels like the 19th century. The aura of old times when time didn’t pass so quickly. I’d love to take a ride.
Nice photos. Ha! And you’re having really nice weather there in sweden, don’t ya?
Thanks Racquel. I’m very pleased with the fact that they’re copyrighted safe now after noticing some theft of them
Thanks Kasia! Yes, we’ve had wonderful summer weather until yesterday actually, when some shilly weather reached us – temporarily I hope
Thank you so much for taking us on this fantastic steamboat cyber cruise! Vaxholm was a nice trip down memory lane =)
*puss*
Sanni – deeply honored by the 33 Steamships whistles
P.S.: My wiki homework is done!
Hi Captain – Sorry I’m late! I just love this post as it really shows the fascinating history of SteamShips in an excellent way! Also a great example of history Norway and Sweden have in common.
Your Flickr slide show is breath taking!
Okay, now I’m jealous! =P That is so cool that you managed to ride in an authentic steamship around the archipelago. =D The islands are very well-developed and look very nice. Wow!
And hey, I love where you placed the copyright logos. Hahaha! They look “appropriate”! =P
I love this castle shot. I have a few from Wales…I love castles. Maybe because I’m the Queen of England!
OK Captain I went to Photography tips.com. My computer crashed so I lost your email. What do photography tips.com offer you?
I haven’t explored photographytips.com that much myself yet – I’m been on a vacation
, butt I do know that there is a lot of useful tips about improving your photography. I’m still learning myself… It takes time though, much more time than I imagined!!!
…and do we have time???? Nooooooooo…. *giggles*
Now, I’m going back to sort my London pics – I really should learn how to sort photos faster!!! *giggles*
Had a chance to visit Stockholm last year and experience a river cruise. Normally I’m bored with that sort of thing but it was terrific. Thanks for the photos.