An increasingly popular travel alternative to the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea has benefitted from the gradual opening of former Soviet Republics as well as the Scandinavian destinations that have always been mainstays in the region. Enclosed by the shores of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia, this historically vital waterway has long held strategic importance and prominence in northern Europe. For tourists, it provides a maritime highway to discover the riches of this beautiful and diverse corner of the world.
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Aalborg
On the banks of the Limfjord, Aalborg was originally a center for Viking trade over one thousand years ago. Today, shades of that past are evident in the city center, a pedestrian-friendly area whose wide Obels Plads - or square - welcomes visitors. Here, marvel at Jens Bangs Stenhus, built in 1624 and one of the largest Renaissance period town houses in Europe. Also in the city center, Aalborghus Castle, built in 1550 - and Budolfi Church cathedral.
Aarhus
Gateway to Denmarks pastoral Jutland Peninsula. Not to be missed are the meticulously recreated half-timbered houses at Den Gamle By.
Alta
Alta, the Town of the Northern Lights, is continously growing and developing, and has become a centre of commerce and service for large parts of Western Finnmark and North Troms. Finnmark College, the regional educational centre, attracts around 2000 students from the Nordic countries and Russia. Alta's unique closeness to coast, inland, valleys, forests and plains, combined with a generous climate, makes it an excellent habitat for a great variety of plant and animal life.
Bornholm
The 587 square kilometre island of Bornholm lies about 150 kilometres east of peninsular Denmark. The most densely forested of the nation's counties, this idyllic island is among Denmark's best-loved holiday retreats. Its picturesque landscape, including dramatic coastal vistas and rich farmland as well as peaceful and serene woodland, is criss-crossed with bicycle routes--more than 200 kilometres of them in all. On the island's southern shore, long, white sandy beaches extend kilometre after kilometre.
Bremerhaven
Wherever you go in Bremerhaven, you can feel the maritime flair of this young city founded in 1827 as a port for Bremen.
Bronnoysund
Nestled on the picturesque Helgeland Coast of Norway, Bronnoysund is surrounded on all sides by natural beauty. Whether you explore the sandy plains and lovely fjords, or study cave paintings in the Skaren-Monsen caves, the landscape will invigorate your senses. Nearby, hear the legend of Torghatten Mountain, with its distinctive hole in the middle.
Bruges
Home to Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings, Bruges is Belgium's most visited town. Suspended in time 500 years ago by the silting of its river, this 13th-century city is blessed with two medieval cores, the Markt and the Burg, and some of the country's most compelling art collections.
Brunsbuettel
Brunsbuettel is a town in the district of Dithmarschen, in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany that lies on the mouth of the Elbe river, near the North Sea. It is also one of the entrances to the Kiel Canal, the other being located at Kiel-Holtenau.
Djupivogur
With a history of trading that dates back to 1589, this quiet fishing village on the eastern coast of Iceland lies on Bulandsnes peninsula near Bulandstindura-a pyramid-shaped mountain thought to be a source of spiritual energy. Visit Langabud, a log house built in 1790, which also houses the local folk museum-or journey to Papey Island, home to thousands of sea birds, including the colorful puffin.
Dover
The great chalky white cliffs of Dover stand majestically overlooking the sea. In the center of town is the concentrical Castle of Dover, offering a superb view of the cliffs and the English Channel below. Inside the castle is the secret underground "war room" used by Winston Churchill.
Gdansk
Gdynia lies on the smile-wide Gulf of Gdansk, an area Poles consider to be their Riviera, with gorgeous silky-sand beaches and sweeping dunes. Nearby is bustling Gdansk, a thriving city symbolizing modern Polands democratic and economic revival. In Gdansks gothic quarter, see medieval churches and 13-century Oliwa Cathedral.
Gdynia
Gdynia lies on the smile-wide Gulf of Gdansk, an area Poles consider to be their Riviera, with gorgeous silky-sand beaches and sweeping dunes. Nearby is bustling Gdansk, a thriving city symbolizing modern Polands democratic and economic revival. In Gdansks gothic quarter, see medieval churches and 13-century Oliwa Cathedral.
Gothenburg
Located at the mouth of the Göta River, Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, is the busiest port in Scandinavia. Arriving by ship, your first impression of this immense port and shipyard may be somewhat misleading, but beyond this development you will soon discover one of Sweden’s prettiest and friendliest cities. Its town center, crisscrossed by canals, allows pedestrians to enjoy the many traffic-free streets.
Harwich
Located in Eastern England, near Cambridge and Ely is Harwich, a shipping terminal and transportation hub where most tourists catch ferries from and to mainland Europe.
Helsingborg
Like a dazzling crown jewel Helsingborg, in popular speech called the Pearl of the Oresund stretches out by the waterfront with its beaches, yacht harbours and waterfront walks. The town is a major travel destination welcoming millions of business and leisure visitors each year. A scenic and picturesque pedestrian area with lots of quality shopping, good restaurants and historic attractions makes Helsingborg a must, not only in Sweden but in Scandinavia.
Helsingor
Helsingor is situated at the narrowest part of the Sound. The town's history can be traced back 70 A.D. King Vlademar first mentioned the name of Helsingor for the first time in 1231.
Helsinki
Despite a history that dates back 500 years, Finlands capital is a decidedly modern city. Shop for Finnish-made products at the Senaatti Center complex, visit the Arabia ceramic factory or delve into history at the national museum, Kansallismeuseo.
Hudiksvall
The town center of Hudiksvall, like its history, curls around the harbor and embraces a long heritage of seafaring and fishing. Founded in 1582, the past meets present in the typical fishermen's cottages that can be viewed along the Strommingssundet Sound. Lillfjarden is an oasis in the center of town - a protected lake that invites a leisurely stroll. From here, a canal weaves through the bright red storehouses and out to sea.
Kaliningrad
Kaliningrad is a unique and exciting part of Russia. Surrounded by EU countries and cut-off completely from the rest of the Russian State it is somewhat of a curiosity for visitors. Undoubtedly there is Western influence, but at its heart is an unshakable Russian culture that remains strong and dominant. Until 1945 known by its German name Konigsberg, but after Germany's defeat Russian troops took the city and gave it a Soviet name. The name comes from one of Stalin's henchmen 'Kalinin' and a statue of him still stands tall outside the main train station. It is a seaport and the administrative center of Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. Prussian scientists, poets and artists glorified Konigsberg all over the world: Kant, Bessel, Hoffmann, Agnes Miegel - all these names don't need to be presented.
Kalmar
Kalmar is located in one of Sweden's biggest tourist counties. Connected to Sweden's island paradise of Oland by one of Europe's longest bridges; lovely beaches, vacation houses, castle ruins, and a restored Viking village, are just a short drive away. The Kalmar Lans Museum, with its permanent exhibition of relics from the Royal warship Kronan, and display of work by Jenny Nystrom, creator of the Swedish Christmas elf, draws visitors from all parts of the world. The glassworks of Orrefors and Kosta Boda in Sweden's kingdom of Crystal are nearby; as is the emigrant region of Smaland.
Karlskrona
This UNESCO World Heritage Site city was founded in 1680, and most of its remarkable examples of baroque and Roman-influenced architecture remain. Karlskrona sits on an archipelago, and islands that were once previously restricted by the military are now ready for your exploration. Find your own private cove or fresh strawberry patch or visit one of the picturesque villages nearby.
Kiel
Liel is a city in northern Germany, capital of the Schleswig-Holstein Bundesland. Located at the Baltic Sea, the city was the countries long time main naval base until the installations were dismantled after the Second World War. Kiel is famous for sailing events. Every year the "Kieler Woche" is held (the first time in 1882), a series of sailing regattas with a cultural framework. In 1936 and 1972, when the Olympic Games were held in Berlin and Munich, respectively, the Olympic yachting competitions were held in Kiel.
Kiel Canal
Linking the North Sea to the Baltic, the Kiel Canal is a vital trade route that carries more traffic than any canal in the world.
Klaipeda
The Baltic Republic of Lithuania is home to the lively medieval town and resort of Klaipeda. This is the place to wander through the old streets and feel the spirit of new independence.
Kokkola
Kokkola is the administrative, economic, cultural and provincial center of Central Ostrobothnia. The city of Kokkola was founded by King Gustavll in 1620. The municipality of Kokkola was united with the town of Kokkola in 1977.
Korsor
The port of Korsor lies on the west coast of Zealand overlooking the Great Belt. To the east stretches the Korsor Nor, a coastal lake. Korsor is a passenger traffic port with ferry services to Funen, Langeland and Kiel, and a fishing port; it also has shipyards.
Lubeck
The Hanseatic City of Lubeck was founded more than 850 years ago. Trade in the Middle Ages with other members of the Hanseatic League and the resulting prosperity have left the city rich in monuments. Well preserved and restored churches and guild halls account for one of Germany's great medieval cities that is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The historic center is a pedestrian zone and closed to vehicular traffic. If you are fond of sweets, don't miss stepping into the Niederegger Cafe known worldwide for its delicious marzipan. Beer drinkers will be delighted to know that Lubeck is equally known for its locally brewed beer. The port for Lubeck is Travemunde, located nine miles from the city. In addition to being a busy ferry terminal with connections to Denmark, Finland and Sweden, Travemunde is also a fashionable resort. A gambling casino and resort atmosphere stands in marked contrast to Lubeck's unique historic and architectural features.
Lulea
Lulea's archipelago has a wealth of cultural history. Nowhere else are ancient stone labyrinths so numerous. Superb beaches and bright nights. Shallow-water beaches with perfect bathing spots. Bright summer nights, sauna bathing and fishing. Just part of what a fabulous summer in Lulea's archipelago has to offer.
Lysekil
Lysekil borders to the municipalities of: Sotenas (in north-west), Munkedal (north) and Uddevalla (east). The town Lysekil is located on the southern tip of the municipality. It lays by the Kattegatt strait. Due to its geographical location, the industry has always been dominated by fishing, which also shows on its coat of arms. Lysekil was mainly known as a bathing location in Sweden in the 19th century, due to its popular bathing house dating from 1847.
Malmo
Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. The city was founded at the end of the 13th century. The city contains many historic buildings and parks, and is also a commercial center for the western part of Scania provence.
Mariehamn
Mariehamn (Maarianhamina in Finnish) is the capital of Aland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. Mariehamn is the seat of the Government and Parliament of Aland, and more than half of the population of Aland live in the city. Like all of Aland, Mariehamn is unilingually Swedish-speaking and around 91% of the inhabitants speak it as their native language.
Ornskoldsvik
Ornskoldsvik is situated in the heart of the High Coast Area, with attractions like Skuleskogens National Park, Ulvon and Trysunda islands and fishing villages nearby.
Oslo
Oslo promotes itself as an outdoors city where the people are friendly and the air and water are clean. It also unashamedly bills itself as Scandinavia's top destination and proudly boasts that its summer climate 'outwarms' all its rivals from home and abroad. In fact its 'niceness' is perhaps the most lasting impression that most visitors take home with them. It's not spectacular and there are other places in Norway that are more exciting, but Oslo is free from the very things that makes staying in most capital cities tedious. It's compact but not too small, it's old but not in decay, it's expensive but there are ways around it and it's welcoming without being in your face. So if you've saved your pennies and want to see a slice of Scandinavian beauty, pack your bags, head to Oslo and enjoy... everyone does.
Riga
Established in the early 13th century along the banks of the Daugava River, medieval Riga is the capital of the newly established nation of Latvia. The city's strong German flavor, dating back to the days of the Hanseatic League, is evident in its architectural styles, fashions and cuisine as well as in the sheer numbers of Germans who visit each year. Highlights of the city include the Dome Cathedral and the House of Three Brothers.
Ronne
At the main port of Ronne on the Danish fishing island of Bornhollm, you will be treated to spectacular coastline scenery of craggy hills and narrow winding roads. Here you can also find intriguing old, round churches and historic stone castles.
Rostock
Rostock, situated on the banks of the River Warnow and the Baltic shore, is a turntable for travelers and goods to and from Scandinavia and the Baltic countries. In fact, it is Germany's largest port in the Baltic. The city presents an intriguing architectural mix: medieval and 1950's architecture in the center, modern housing blocks and 19th-century villas in some of the suburbs. Call in this port provides the opportunity for an excursion to Germany’s dynamic capital city, Berlin.
Saaremaa
Saaremaa, the largest island in the Estonian Achipelego, presents a welcome break from the buzz of mainland life. Dispite the flood of tourists that come here every summer, Saaremaa and Muhu, the sister island connected to Saaremaa by land bridge, are synonymous with peace and natural beauty. Estonia lies along the Baltic Sea, just below Finland.
Seydisfiordur
Seydisfiordur is a small village in the Eastfjords of Iceland at the end of the fjord of the same name. Seydisfiordur is surrounded by mountains on three sides and there are many waterfalls around the town. Seydisfiordur is also well-known for its old wooden buildings.
St. Petersburg
What makes it Russian at heart is the overwhelming scale and opulence of its palaces. With 3 million items on exhibit you couldnt get through the Hermitage in a year! You may also explore more dazzling palaces like Petrovorets, Pushkin and Pavlovsk, shop in the newly opened designer stores along busy Nevsky Prospekt, shiver at the looming fortress of Peter and Paul and wonder at immense quantities of gold, polished marbles and precious gems lavished on St. Isaacs Cathedral.
Stockholm
Swedens capital is built on 14 islands. Clean and bright, Stockholm has many museums that depict its Viking heritage and artistic soul. Shop for glassware and textiles displaying distinctive Swedish design. Spend some time at Skansen, the worlds first open air museum.
Sylt
Sylt is an island in northern Germany. It belongs to the North Frisian Islands. The island was once part of the mainland, and is still shrinking owing to erosion by the North Sea.
Tallin
The capital of Estonia, Tallin was once an important town in the Hanseatic League. The Danes, Germans and Russians have all put their stamp on Estonia. The famous Toopea Castle today houses the Estonia Parliament, but once was the site of a 12th century Danish castle. The upper town of Tallin includes an intricate system of medieval streets and picturesque houses. From the lower town, visit Kadriorg Palace, built in 1718 at the request of Peter the Great for his beloved wife Catherine.
Torshavn
The capital of a remote archipelago. Fishing boats come and go in the harbor, guarded by an anti-pirate fort built in 1580.
Turku
Modern Turku and the lush countryside and fabulous archipelago surrounding it are sights to behold in terms of landscape. In addition, there are plenty of prominent monuments and other treasurers pleasing to the eye and the mind alike.
Vaasa
Claiming to be the the sunniest city in Finland, Vaasa boasts leafy avenues, large parks that surround the public buildings and a green shoreline based on a layout drawn up by the architect Carl Axel Setterberg in 1855.
Visby
Once upon a time Visby was one of the great cities of medieval Europe, famed for its wealth and strategic power. The Vikings were here as early as the sixth century and opened lucrative trade routes to Byzantium and western Asia. A walk along Strandgatan is the best place to view the impressive merchants houses. Nearby are the lush Botanical Gardens and the "Maidens Tower" where a local goldsmiths daughter is said to have been walled up alive for betraying the city to the Danes.
Warnemunde
Berlin makes an exciting days journey from Warnemunde. Freely walk through the Bandenburg Gate and wtand where "The Wall" once stood. Explore the best of both worlds: two major opera houses, two zoos and scores of world-class museums. Berlin also boasts more trees than Paris and more bridges than Venice.
Ystad
A half-timbered medieval town so perfectly preserved you could find your way to the city center using the old town map from 1753 (copies available). There find museums, boutiques, art studios, ancient monasteries.
