Norse Legends & Jewels Of The Baltic

Rotterdam, the Netherlands' dynamic second city, is a marvel of modern architecture and innovative design.

In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer. Numerous canyons, including the famous Måbødalen Valley, lead south from the Hardangervidda plateau to the fjords along the coast, and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Eidfjord, visitors can see the dramatic 182-meter-tall (597-foot-tall) Vøringfossen waterfall. In the center of Eidfjord stands the 14th-century stone Eidfjord Kirke, while outside town the famous Kjeåsen Mountain Farm sits on a ledge some 600 meters (1,968 feet) above the Simadalsfjord.

Norway’s enchanting port town of Ålesund offers a quintessentially Norwegian experience with its rugged mountains and captivating fjords.

Geirangerfjord is a fairy-tale tapestry of natural wonders. This dramatic fjord, located in the Sunnmøre region of Norway, is a masterpiece of deep blue waters, majestic cliffs and lush green mountains.

On the west coast of Norway, amidst rolling mountains and striking fjords, sits vibrant Bergen.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands' dynamic second city, is a marvel of modern architecture and innovative design.

Nestled at the head of the Oslofjord, Norway's capital, Oslo, melds contemporary vibrancy with rich heritage.

Denmark’s second city often seems to sit modestly in the shadow of its better-known big sister. But this picturesque town of winding canals and cobbled streets has many of the capital’s charms without its crowds of tourists. As well as dictating its waterside confines, Århus’s location on the east coast of the Jutland Peninsula yields a rich natural bounty that the city’s restaurateurs have exploited with aplomb. Dishes such as caviar and wood smoke at Frederikshøj, or rye and rabbit ravioli at Restaurant Substans, have helped win a clutch of Michelin stars for the region’s pioneering chefs and cement it as a frontrunner of the New Nordic food scene; its affordable street food offerings are no less exciting.The city also holds its own on the design and architecture front, boosted by its 2017 designation as a European Capital of Culture, which resulted in a collection of waterside developments that are architecturally innovative, but anchored by a simple and pleasing Danish aesthetic. In short, this is a city in which to relax, imbibe, and enjoy both the bracing Danish sea air and a touch of laid-back metropolitan class.

Berlin, a city where history and innovation intertwine, stands as a vibrant testament to resilience and transformation.

From fascinating Baroque architecture to awe-inspiring glass skyscrapers, Estonia is a charming Baltic gem that really gets under the skin of all who visit.

Helsinki, Finland's vibrant seaside capital, is a city of intriguing contrasts. Modern architectural elegance intermingles with historical richness, evident in its neoclassical buildings and contemporary designs.

Stockholm, the venerable Nordic jewel, unfolds across an archipelago of islands seamlessly interwoven by bridges and brimming with history.

Barely able to claim that it has emerged from the Middle Ages, Visby is a jumble of immaculate cobblestone streets winding this way and that—purposely confusing for any invaders who actually made it over the medieval walls. Right! Consider exploring by bike, then you'll have every excuse to refresh yourself with an icy aquavit or stop for Scandinavian treats at a killer bakery in town.

Medieval capital of Bornholm Island, rich in history. Marvel at Viking relics and 12th-century fortress churches.

Kiel, a vibrant city in northern Germany, holds a unique position as the gateway to the world-famous Kiel Canal.

Copenhagen, Denmark's charismatic capital, is a harmonious blend of contemporary design and historical charm.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands' dynamic second city, is a marvel of modern architecture and innovative design.