Nine Nations of Northern Europe

Boasting one of the largest ports in the Baltic with over 1,000 years of seafaring traditions, Gdańsk is considered Poland’s maritime capital and is one of the country’s most important and dynamic cities. The city features an abundance of attractions, discovered in and around scenes of historic streets, riverside walkways and impressive boulevards begging to showcase their highlights. Gdańsk's Latin-penned moto is ‘nec temere, nec timide’ - meaning ‘neither rashly, nor timidly' - and visitors are encouraged to bear this in mind during their time in the city. The 'main town' is at the top of the list of the must-visit areas to discover; here you'll find streets and squares displaying fine examples of various architectural styles, as well as many museums and monuments.

Lithuania’s only port city, Klaipeda, has maritime connections at its heart, with an abundance of museums dedicated to seafaring tales, as well as hosting a biennial tall ships regatta. The city changed significantly after the Second World War, but still has a collection of monuments and half-timbered houses from before this time, which contrast with the Curonian Spit National Park, established in 1991 to protect its unique ecosystems.

Set on Latvia’s scenic west coast, Ventspils combines golden Baltic beaches with a proud Hanseatic history. As you stroll its cobbled streets dotted with colourful cow sculptures designed by local and international artists, you will also be able to enjoy the many flowers and fountains Ventspils is renowned for, before exploring the striking 17th-century castle that stands at the heart of the old town. Further afield, the town’s sandy beach, dunes and clear water are a magnet for locals and visitors alike.

Capital city of Finland from 1812, Helsinki was built on a peninsula amid a cluster of islands and is known as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’ due to being surrounded by calming seas, the soothing nature of which is also reflected in the soothing nature of the city. The white Lutheran Cathedral, located close to the Tsar Alexander II monument, has a stark whiteness that reflects against the blue skies. Helsinki is also home to nature trails, unique architecture and must-experience Finnish saunas.

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, 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 weatherclock, Gamle Toomas, is an enduring symbol of Tallinn. Other notable architecture includes the ornate, 19^th-century St. Alexander Nevskij Cathedral and The Kadriorg’s Castle, built by Peter the Great.

The largest archipelago in Sweden, and the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm Archipelago is made up of some 24,000 wild forested islands and rocky outcrops peppered with red wooden cottages and fields of wildflowers, some of which are inhabited - and begins just a stone’s throw away from the city of Stockholm, fanning out 80 kilometres east in to the Baltic sea.

Founded over 700 years ago and spread over 14 islands at the head of a vast archipelago, Stockholm’s location is incredibly unique. The Old Town district, Gamla Stan is home to historic buildings, including the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral and Riddarholm Church, which contrast sharply with the ABBA Museum, full of memorabilia about the Swedish super-group. The city also offers many traditional culinary experiences, such as fried herring, or meatballs with their delicious cream sauce.

Founded in the 13th century, the former fishing village of Warnemünde is located along the Baltic Sea. With a wide promenade that runs parallel to the sea, it leads to the well-known lighthouse where a laser and light show is celebrated on each New Year’s Day. The Alter Strom canal is full of colourful boats and surrounded with lively restaurants, and close by is Alexandrinenstraße, a quaint street lined with small houses and tall trees.

Denmark’s northernmost town, Skagen has the largest fishing harbour in the country, framed by fishmongers and restaurants. The town itself has charming streets filled with traditional architecture, dating back many centuries and the Natural History Museum which offers information on the town’s culture and history, and home to masterpieces by the Skagen painters 19th century artists’ colony. Close to the town is the fascinating Skagen’s Vippefyr, a navigation light system constructed in the 16th century to guide passing ships.

The Lysefjord is a spectacular example of the Norwegian fjords' natural beauty. Carved into the landscape by glacier movement in the Ice Age, Lysefjord is lined by tall mountains and dramatic cliff faces – some soaring over 1,000 metres high. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Preikestolen – a huge 604 metre-high flat mountain plateau – and Kjeragbolten, a large rock wedged in one of Mount Kjerag’s crevices.