Nine Nations of Northern Europe

Norway’s capital city, Oslo has been an important maritime destination for centuries, and is home to many maritime-related companies, including ship-owners and brokers. Surrounded by mountains and the impressive Oslofjord, where Fred. Olsen originated in 1848 in the small town of Hvitsen, located on its shores. The city has many cultural and historical structures; including the impressive Vigeland Park, and is also home to the National Gallery, where Edvard Munch’s The Scream is hung.

The Olsen family home in Hvitsten is located on the shores of Oslofjord, with the impressive Lysedal Mansion overlooking the waters. The inner part of the fjord is lined with dense forests, and is well known for the small group of islands that lie close to Oslo, whose beaches are hugely popular with locals. Oslofjord is also a haven for birdwatchers, and various species can be seen resting on the shores or flying high above the fjord.

Originally a Viking settlement called Aros, built at the mouth of the c, the city’s location was strategically chosen for being on trade routes for Denmark, the Baltic States and Germany; and also, for its importance as a naval base, where ships could be hidden away from the coastline and potential enemies. Aarhus is known nowadays as Denmark’s happiest city, according to world happiness surveys, due to its close proximity to the sea and dense forest areas, known to offer calmness and serenity.

Malmö is a charming city where historic streets meet modern flair. Wander through Gamla Staden’s cobbled lanes and elegant squares, then explore Västra Hamnen, a stylish, carbon-neutral district dominated by the soaring Turning Torso. From the harbour, the world’s longest cable-tied road and rail bridge, Öresund Bridge, directly links Malmö to Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital. Everywhere you turn, Malmö offers something to delight the senses: bsutling markets, Italian-style coffee culture, superb international dining and a lively arts and music scene. It’s a city that balances Nordic charm with modern sophistication, inviting you to explore, relax and enjoy at your own pace.

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.

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.

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.

Situated at the eastern end of the Kiel Canal, the busiest man-made waterway in the world, Kiel is a long-established maritime city with a busy seaport and a rich history of ship and submarine building. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, Kiel has been extensively rebuilt since the 1950’s and now features broad boulevards and wide squares; and holds the international regatta and festival, Kieler Woche, each year in summer.