Exploring Scandinavia

Eight hundred years have shaped the unique appearance and rich traditions of Latvia’s capital, Riga. The Gothic spires that dominate its skyline imply a sombre heart, but the rich Art Nouveau spirit of this diverse city, the largest of all three Baltic capitals, is a delight to discover.

Set at the mouth of the River Daugava, the cultural centre of Riga has been an important centre for trade and finance over the centuries, and boasts fine examples of architecture, museums and concert halls. The city’s modern urban structures blend seamlessly with medieval castles, churches and the wooden buildings of its medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town – now a UNESCO World Heritage – has many shops and restaurants and is home to the bustling Livu Square.

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.

Cruise to Visby on a Baltic Cruise

Located on the Swedish island of Gotland, the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Visby is one of the most remarkable in Scandinavia. Known for its incredible scenic beauty and stunning historic sites, this former Hanseatic City has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

The “City of Roses and Ruins” is like a living museum, and is renowned for its well-preserved medieval wall and defensive towers. Uncovering the 12th century Gunpowder Tower, Love Gate and Långa Lisa – the wall’s tallest tower, is highly recommended. Visby’s wonderful Old Town is home to 15 of Visby’s 17 medieval churches, and the Burmeister House – the town’s oldest merchant house – St. Mary’s Cathedral, and a beautiful botanical garden can also be found within its ancient walls. The main square, Stora Torget, has cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés and restaurants.

As you sail the glassy waters of Oslofjord on board your smaller-sized ship, you can catch a glimpse of Lysedal Mansion – the historic home of the Olsen family – situated amongst the picturesque scenery of Hvitsten, a charming village synonymous with our company’s founders.

Be on the lookout for Hvitsten’s old wooden church, gifted to the village by Bolette Olsen in 1903, through your binoculars too.

Sailing the length of the 100 Kilometre-long Oslofjord, your smaller ship's route to Oslo, offers you a chance to admire the waterway's wonderful scenery on a cruise taking in Norway's fantastic capital city. 

While Oslofjord doesn't boast landscapes quite as dramatic as other Norwegian fjords which may feature on your itinerary, there's still plenty to see as you glide along the glassy waters, including a number of pretty islands, fishing villages and bays. The Oslofjord is also a haven for birdwatchers too and various species can be seen resting on the shores or flying high above the fjord.

Oslo, the capital and largest city of Norway, is one of Scandinavia’s most historic, interesting and welcoming destinations. Surrounded by mountains and its own fjord, this compact and cultured city is both easy and fun to explore on foot.

Oslo’s two most famous sons, Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen, are celebrated across the city – all part of the contemporary cultural experience. The National Gallery is home to Edvard Munch’s iconic ‘The Scream’, along with works by other European artists from Manet to Picasso, and the Munchmuseet contains over 5,000 works that Munch left to the city of Oslo.

Exploring one of Oslo’s many museums, uncovering its booming art scene at any number of its commercial galleries or simply marvelling at the extraordinary architecture that fills the skyline are all highlights of this fine city. The fabulous Viking Ship Museum has three ships recovered from royal burial mounds in the Oslofjord, while the medieval Akershus Castle that dominates the harbour front is well worth visiting. Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park – one of Oslo’s must-visit attractions, is a Norwegian institution and home to more than 200 bronze, granite and wrought iron sculptures from Gustav Vigeland.

Oslo is an overwhelmingly green city. It was awarded European Green Capital for 2019, and boasts one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. The city has excellent public transport, and the city planning has put pedestrians first. Most noticeable in the city, is Oslo’s commitment to sustainable food production and green space. From hotdogs to Michelin-starred restaurants, the dining is always of a high-quality, as is the city nightlife.

Outside of the city centre, the stunning natural landscapes of the Oslomarka and Oslofjord await discovery. The Oslomarka – the vast forests around Oslo, has lush green valleys and diverse fauna such as lynx, beaver, Eurasian elk and deer, while the impressive, photogenic Oslofjord stretches over 120 kilometres.