Scandinavian Discovery

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Oslo is one of Scandinavia's most vibrant cities, set on a splendid bay amid stunning fjords and hills. It was founded by a Norseman, King Harald III, and has grown over the centuries around the cherished Akershus Fortress. The city not only has a rich Viking past with its close ties to the sea, it also boasts an impressive artistic heritage. Perhaps its most famous painter is Edvard Munch, whose work The Scream is known the world over. But Gustav Vigeland's 200 or so sculptures are the most prominent works in the city, on full display throughout Vigeland Park.

Gothenburg is a thriving university town of picturesque canals, parks and gardens. Founded under a royal charter of Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus II in 1621, it grew into a major port. In the 18th century, the city prospered from the trade of the Swedish East India Company. That successful period is reflected in the stunning neoclassical stone houses that remain around the city's canals. Today, a maritime and mercantile past is visible in Gothenburg's cultural institutions, from the Gothenburg Museum of Art's paintings to the several museums of navigation and seafaring.

Copenhagen charms visitors like a Danish fairy tale. Among the Baltic's most beautiful cities, it began as a fishing village and boasts more than 850 years of history. It has been an important Scandinavian port since the Viking Age and remains one of Europe's most enchanting places, thanks to Tivoli Gardens, the world's second-oldest amusement park, and The Little Mermaid statue sitting in the harbor at Langelinie. Grand palaces also grace the cityscape, including Amalienborg Palace, the royal winter residence, and Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels.

Founded by Charles XI in 1860, Karlskrona is a fine example of Sweden's Renaissance-style architecture. The Admiralty Church, built in 1685, is one of the town's prominent buildings, and the town's wooden church is the largest in Sweden. Karlskrona's maritime history can be seen throughout; it is a base for the Swedish Navy and its port was awarded UNESCO world Heritage status in 1998. The Naval Museum showcases the port's history and its exhibits include a submarine. The nearby Kungsholm Fortress is the world's oldest fort still in operation today.

Much of Gotland's landscape dates to the 6th century, when Vikings dominated the island. More Viking relics have been uncovered here than anywhere else in Sweden, making it a treasure trove of the era. Its strategic location bolstered the local economy when merchant ships of the Hanseatic League docked here for provisions or for trading. Visby grew into the most important city of the League, surpassing even Bergen in significance. Its two miles of defensive walls and 44 watchtowers are among the most remarkably preserved in Europe.

The Swedish-speaking city of Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. The archipelago spans approximately 6,700 islands and lies halfway between Finland and Sweden. The compact city center sits between two harbors and offers a number of restaurants, cafes and shops. A haven for outdoor activities, it is an ideal location to explore the region by land or by sea. The city's Viking heritage is a celebrated treasure; each year, Mariehamn hosts the annual Viking Market, one of the largest of its kind in Scandinavia.

Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Mälaren's cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world's cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The well-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to the art nouveau Royal Dramatic Theater. Strandvägen is one of Europe's loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.