Scandinavia
and the Baltic Sea There are few places on earth
where you can surround yourself so completely in history
and mythical folklore. In Northern Europe you'll follow
the wake of the Vikings through deep glistening waters
framed by steep cliffs and rolling green hills. Travel
back 10,000 years to Norwegian lands first settled at
the end of the Ice Age. Home
to some of Europe's most intense scenery, Bergen, Norway
boasts steep, snow-capped mountains, deep fjords, roaring
waterfalls and soothing rivers sure to amaze any visitor.
The fjords formed a million years ago during the ice
age. A fjord is an inlet of the sea between cliffs or
steep slopes, which results from marine inundation of
a glaciated valley. Settlers to the region, Vikings
and whalers among them, valued Bergen for its accessible
ports and central location for trading. Today,
much of the history of this city still stands to beckon
visitors. Geiranger
offers dramatic vistas not to be missed. And Geirgangerfjord
is said to be Norway's most beautiful fjord. Geiranger
a quaint village nestled among stunning mountains, brings
visitors back to a time of relaxed community living.
2 of the 3 longest fjords in the world are in Norway
- #2 Sognefjord at 203 km (126 mi) and #3 Hardangerfjord
at 179 km (111 mi). Towns on the Sognefjord fjord and
its branches include Balestrand, Gudvangen and Flåm.
On the innermost arm of the Sognerfjord is Lusterfjord.
A marvelous scenic extension of the second largest fjord
in the world - it is surrounded by the Jotunheimen Mountains.
In earlier times this fjord was the easiest way to head
from Skolden at the opening of the Sognefjord all the
way to Bergen. Located at
the crossroads of the great fjords and the magnificent
valley, Olden offers multiple views. A brilliant juxtaposition
of crisp, white snow and rolling green meadows, this
city invites visitors to relax and enjoy the diversity
of nature. The oldest of the Scandinavian capitals and
Norway's largest city, Oslo is bordered by forests and
water. Winter sports are quite popular here, as is lounging
in the city's many statue-studded gardens. Oslo is also
home to the first ski jump, built in 1892, and the Viking
Ship Museum. Look into the past
in Sweden's prehistoric fortresses and Iron Age graveyards.
Walk winding medieval streets in Stockholm and see the
statue of St. George and the Dragon come to firebreathing
life in stone at the Royal Cathedral.
The Baltic is the gateway to Scandinavia,
Land of the Midnight Sun, and the spectacular fjords
of Nordic legends. Take a side trip to Sweden, Norway,
Finland or just enjoy the sights from your ship and
hope for the natural light show known as the Northern
Lights. These unique Scandinavian countries offers a
wonderful blend of Alaskan-style scenery and Old World
grace. You'll discover charming ports that fierce Vikings
once called home. You'll come face-to-face with timeless
glaciers, sheer cliffs and delicate silver waterfalls.
And you'll experience the midnight sun as you sail north
of the Arctic Circle.
Denmark
- Port City - Copenhagen Copenhagen is built on
two islands connected by bridges. Take a walk along
Strøget, one of Europes longest walking streets,
lined with cafés and stores with an unending show of
street entertainers. Denmark
- Port City - Torshavn, Faroe Island These isolated
islands are between Scotland and Iceland and the first
settlers were the ancient Norsemen. In many ways, life
has not changed here, for the land is still as beautiful
and natural as it was many years ago. Finland
- Port City - Helsinki Much of Helsinki burned in
a huge fire in the last century, and has been magnificently
rebuilt. Much of the city is curved streets, bridges
and ferries because it was built on many little peninsulas
in the Baltic Sea. You can explore much of this fascinating
city on foot. Be sure to visit the Temppeliaukio Kirkko,
an impressive church carved into the rock cliffs and
topped by a copper dome. Stroll along tree-lined boulevards
while taking in Helsinkis innovative architecture,
with a blend of Byzantine and Slavic influences. Iceland
- Port City - Reykjavik This is truly the Land of
the Midnight Sun, for in June and July, the land is
bathed in near constant sunlight. The sun only goes
down for about 3 hours! None the less, this port city
is busy and has become somewhat of a hub for travelers
to Europe who stop off here before completing the rest
of their journey. Norway
- Port City - Alesand These coastal islands with
abundant wildlife were once the starting off place for
the many voyages of the Vikings as they set off to discover
the world and to conquer their enemies. Norway
- Port City - Bergen This town between seven
mountains looks like an amphitheater nestled on
the mountainside as you arrive. At the colorful and
lively fish market, fish are kept in large tanks to
ensure their freshness, and fishermen and farmers alike
gather here to sell their wares.Wander at your own pace
through the old wooden warehouses of Bryggen, which
were built after the great fire of 1702 and overlook
the harbor. Norway
- Port City - Flam This city is famous for its railway
which climbs 2838 feet through dramatic scenery to Myrdal.
Stops along the way will allow for some breathtaking
views. Norway -
Port City - Geiranger One of Norways most
beautiful fjords, Geirangerfjord is enclosed by walls
of rock. Ascend Mt. Dalsnibba and take in the breathtaking
view of mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Visit the small
octagonal church and on your stroll through the village
watch for the farms perched high on the hills above.
Norway - Port City
- Hellesylt The magnificent Hellesylt waterfall
rushes and rages down the mountain and the fjords
cliff walls fall sheer to Europes deepest lake.
The deceptively clear waters reflect the mountains like
a mirror. Norway
- Port City - Honningsvag The Nordkapp (North Cape),
Europes northernmost point, is a sheer cliff that
plunges 1,007 feet into the Arctic Ocean; it served
as a landmark for sailors in ancient times. A cave in
the mountain, with a panorama window facing the ocean,
offers incredible views. Immerse yourself in the Norwegian
culture by visiting the various museums and exhibits
depicting life in Norway. Norway
- Port City - Kristiansand Just outside this coastal
city is one of Norways most popular amusement
and zoological parks the Dyrepark. A recreation
of a Bronze Age village and a mineral park can also
be found nearby. The view towards the archipelago and
seashores from the popular Fantholmen and Bertesbukta
beach and recreation area is beautiful.
Norway - Port
City - Lofoten In the magnificent and scenic environment
of Lofoten, youll find the Norwegian Fishing Village
Museum. Part of a complete village including the harbor
and surrounding waters, it illustrates life in a North
Norwegian fishing village over the past 200 years. Norway
- Port City - Narvik Narvik, a small town in the
heart of the mountains and fjords that make up most
of Scandinavia. Discover the majesty of the natural
beauty of Norway while at port here. Norway
- Port City - North Cape This port city is Europes
most northern point. It is known as the gateway to the
Arctic Zone. For a fascinating view of the tundra, there
is a tunnel in the visitors center leads to a
cave from which you can see the Arctic Ocean. Norway
- Port City - Stavanger This city conserves its
small-town charm with narrow cobblestone streets and
alleys lined by wooden houses, a flower and vegetable
market, and a fishing pier and harbor where small boats
offer their daily catch. Norway
- Port City - Svartisen Glacier One of Norways
largest glaciers, the enormity and strength of this
glacial formation will awe you. Norway
- Port City - Trondheim On the banks of the North
Sea lies the historic city of Trondheim. The Nidaros
Cathedral, whose oldest remains date back to the 12th
century, was built on St. Olafs burial ground.
At Veitene, you can stroll the narrow streets and alleys
that were typical of the old Trondheim. Poland
- Port City - Gdynia Located close Gdansk, Gdynia
is also near the resort town of Sopot and is the busiest
port city in Poland. Ships come in frequently during
the high season bound for Sopot as many weary Poles
come here to rest and recuperate. Sweden
- Port City - Helsinborg This city has retained
its small town charm with flowers, bushes and trees
in every corner. Be sure to visit the Old City quarters
with its cobblestone streets and the 600-year old fortress
tower, Kärnan. Take a stroll down pedestrian streets,
alleys and squares or linger at one of the quaint cafés.
Sweden
- Port City - Kalmar Just beside Kalmar Castle,
which dates back 800 years, discover the medieval Old
Town untouched by time, with its winding alleys and
little old houses. Make sure to visit the Nordstjernan
Brewery and the old houses on Kvarnholmen, which won
the Europa Nostra award. Sweden
- Port City - Stockholm Famous for shopping, museums
and great food, this is the place to spend a lot of
time. Always wanted a beautiful fur? Check out the shops
in Stockholm to pick out that coat you always wanted.
There are also many Swedish souvenirs that can make
your trip, such as a pair of wooden clogs. Take a day
to explore some of the museums in the city as well,
and then visit the Royal Palace and see the royal jewels,
some of which were used for coronations dating back
to 1561. Stockholm,
Sweden is surely one of Europe's most attractive and
civilized capitals. Fifty bridges connect this city
situated on fourteen islands. A mixture of medieval,
renaissance and modern architecture, Stockholm casts
a stately skyline. Much of the city has a pastoral,
wide-open feel. That is not surprising,
considering urban parks comprise one third of Stockholm.
The home of the Nobel Prize is a city with an enormous
royal palace, fashionable neighborhoods and more than
80 museums and galleries.Gaze upon Kronberg castle,
the formidable Danish castle immortalized in Shakespeare's
Hamlet. Experience the overwhelming beauty of the Baltic
landscape.
Europe
|| Scandinavia || Mediterranean
|| British
Isles Touring Europe
this year? Save HUNDREDS of dollars when you choose
a cruise vacation instead of a hotel-based vacation!
You'll pay one low price for your trip, including all
accommodations, all meals, and plenty of entertainment
onboard plus transportation between ports - and that's
all in U.S. dollars, not expensive Euros.
|