Throughout its history, Stockholm has always been a major port. Easy access to the sea and the waterways of the Stockholm Archipelago, as well as inland waterways, such as the Göta Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg, makes the city an ideal destination for boat travellers. The port authority, Ports of Stockholm Group (tel: (08) 670 2600; website: www.portsofstockholm.com), has approximately 200 cruise ships calling every year and comprises the ports in Stockholm, Nynäshamn and Kapellskär. Its quays can accommodate ships of up to 295m (967ft) and ferries can tie up within sight of the Old Town. In Stockholm ferries dock at Frihamnen, Stadsgarden and Vartahamnen, depending on the size of the vessel. The port has immigration facilities for ferry passengers and Stockholm Information Service booths offering information, hotel booking and car hire.

Ferry services: There are frequent ferry services to other Baltic ports. Tallink Silja (tel: (08) 222 140; website: www.tallinksilja.com) has regular ferry services to Riga, Helsinki, Åbo, Mariehamn and Tallinn. Viking Line (tel: (08) 452 4000; website: www.vikingline.fi) travels to Mariehamn, Långnäs, Turku and Helsinki, as well as to Tallinn via Helsinki. Polferries (tel: (08) 5206 8660; website: www.polferries.com) runs a Gdansk- Nynäshamn service.

Transport to the city: The city centre is within easy walking distance from the Stockholm port. Taxis are readily available. Nynäshamn, situated 60km (37 miles) south of Stockholm, is linked to the city by the 73 road, as well as by rail, while the E18 road links the city with Kapellskär, 90km (56 miles) north to Stockholm.