Exploring Baltic Capitals

A delightful seaside town with excellent links to many of Germany’s gems, such as historic Rostock and vibrant Berlin, Warnemünde (Warnemunde) is a wonderfully rewarding destination.

With its wide, sandy beaches, traditional pubs and fantastic restaurants serving delicious, locally caught seafood, it is no wonder that pretty Warnemünde – situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea – is one of Germany’s most popular holiday resorts and busiest cruise ports.

While many visitors to Warnemünde choose not to stray away from the coast here, especially in summer when the beach becomes a haven for sun-worshippers, there are plenty of highlights to uncover elsewhere in the town. Those who opt to explore are rewarded with interesting attractions such as Warnemünde Church, the 19th century Lighthouse, and the quaint cottages and marina of the idyllic Alter Strom old river district, all of which are within easy reach of your ship’s docking location closer to the town centre.

And, thanks to its close proximity to a number of attraction-packed towns and cities, Warnemünde is also a gateway to some of Germany’s most famous sites. Berlin’s iconic monuments, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the remains of the Berlin Wall; the gabled houses and Brick-Gothic structures of UNESCO-listed Wismar; and the Hanseatic-era treasures of Rostock can all be uncover on tours.

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, is unquestionably one of Europe's most magical capitals. This ancient Hanseatic city is justifiably proud of its beautiful churches, solid limestone houses and well-preserved cobbled streets.

Toompea Hill, with its medieval houses and alleyways, is the oldest part, and at its foot substantial remains of the city wall can still be seen, surrounded by well-maintained parks. The medieval town hall is one of the best preserved in northern Europe, and the weathercock, Gamle Toomas, is an enduring symbol of Tallinn.

The astonishing, ornate, 19th century Alexander Nevskij Cathedral was built when Estonia was part of Tsarist Russia. Kadriorg’s Castle was built by an earlier Tsar, Peter the Great, and now houses part of the Estonian Museum of Art. The “Peek into the Kitchen” tower has an exhibition of Tallinn’s military history.

Finland's capital since 1812, built on a peninsula amid a cluster of islands, stately Helsinki is The Daughter of the Baltic.This striking seaside port is surrounded by uplifting natural landscapes that are easily accessible from each area of the city. The opportunities to get out and about includes boating around the archipelago islands, hiking Helsinki’s forests or strolling its beaches, smart parks and gardens.

The port also boasts a UNESCO-listed sea fortress just a short distance from the shore, which is worth the short ferry journey to explore its historic walls and gates. 

Senate Square, one of Finland’s most photographed places, is home to fine examples of neoclassical architecture, including unique designs from renowned architect, Carl Ludvig Engel. Other architectural delights include the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the imposing concert hall, Musiikkitalo, and the Temppeliaukio, an astonishing rock-carved church. Helsinki's stunning train station built in 1919, also demands discovery.

Finnish cuisine can be found across the city, from the historic kauppahalli (covered market) to popular, creative bistros. Locally-sourced reindeer, elk, bear, Arctic char and snow grouse, often find their way onto the menu.

A cruise through the mesmerising Stockholm Archipelago is always a memorable experience. En route to Stockholm you'll pass by and between some 30,000 beautiful islands and islets, taking in unforgettable views from the decks of your smaller cruise ship. Each rocky isle is unique; some are inhabited and feature ancient villages and colourful wooden houses, others are untouched and boast rugged woodland, craggy cliffs and sandy beaches. This ensures that there's always something new to see, whichever way you look.

Sweden’s beautiful capital owes much of its appeal to its unique location. Spread across 14 islands at the head of a vast archipelago that stretches out into the Baltic, Stockholm’s swathe of parks, gardens and canals are a joy to discover via the city’s large network of bridges.

Founded over 700 years ago, the city’s harbour is the epitome of elegance and Stockholm’s history is writ large across its wide boulevards. Gamla Stan, Stockholm's charming Old Town district, is home to historic, ochre-coloured buildings and monuments. Dating back to the 13th century, the island is surrounded by water and offers beautiful waterfront views. Along its divine cobbled streets, the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the gorgeous Riddarholm Church and the Nobel Prize Museum can all be found and appreciated.

The choice of museums is extensive and includes the Vasa Maritime Museum, the unique Skansen Open Air Museum and of course, the ABBA Museum. The stunning Royal Palace and the Drottningholm Palace are also well worth seeing.

The vibrant Norrmalm and Östermalm districts in the city centre are ideal for those looking for a more modern cultural experience. Here, an array of upmarket shops sell goods from globally-known brands, and there are trendy cafes next to the Science and Technology Museum. Stockholm’s beauty and fashion sense are legendary, and its no-fuss functional, minimalistic approach to style provides the city with an unmistakable look.

Given its bountiful seas and farmland, Stockholm is a city of foodies and food trends. From açai breakfast bowls to truffle cheeseburgers, trying the cuisine is an exploration all of its own. Traditional Swedish cooking still holds its own, though: fried herring, meatballs and toast skagen remain menu classics.

A cruise through the mesmerising Stockholm Archipelago is always a memorable experience. En route to Stockholm you'll pass by and between some 30,000 beautiful islands and islets, taking in unforgettable views from the decks of your smaller cruise ship. Each rocky isle is unique; some are inhabited and feature ancient villages and colourful wooden houses, others are untouched and boast rugged woodland, craggy cliffs and sandy beaches. This ensures that there's always something new to see, whichever way you look.

With its vibrant atmosphere, modern culture and beautiful architecture, Copenhagen is the essence of Scandinavian cool. One of Europe's oldest and most popular cities, Copenhagen is also one of the cleanest and most cosmopolitan. Its narrow streets are always busy with welcoming locals and are lined with colourful cafes, bars, shops and places to eat. Its bridges ring with cycling commuters and the pristine waterways make visiting this city a wonderful experience.  

The historic centre of Denmark’s capital, an 18th-century rococo district, is home to the Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens and is the home of the Danish crown jewels. The Little Mermaid sculpture at Langelinje Pier is a must-visit attraction too. 

Take a wander through pretty Nyhavn – Copenhagen’s 17th century waterfront and canal district – and you'll revel postcard-perfect scenes of historic wooden ships set to a backdrop of brightly coloured 17th and 18th century townhouses, many of which have been converted into bars and restaurants.