Cultural Renaissance

Magnificently old and boldly new architecture set upon the romantic backdrop of endless waterways and bridges makes the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, a photographer’s dream. Follow the city’s cobbled and brilliantly hued streets throughout Old Town and venture into a charming maze of twisting alleys dotted with houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries and feature Baroque doorways. The Skogskyrkogården, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displays an architectural design that incorporates the natural surroundings, making it an intriguing cemetery for the curious mind. From modern art mecca Moderna Museet to ABBA: The Museum, you and your fellow explorers have a treasure trove of institutions to discover Sweden’s art history. Combine cultural pursuits with nature at Skansen, the open-air museum and zoo, on the verdant island of Djurgården, once the exclusive hunting grounds of Swedish sovereigns. Keeping with the regal theme, head to the gourmet market of Östermalms Saluhall, an iconic food hall open since 1888, with your new friends to give your tastebuds the royal treatment.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, contains a treasure of ancient convents, churches and handsome guild houses — the reason why its remarkable Old Town was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has gained a reputation as Europe’s hidden gem. Follow the same cobbled streets the locals have walked since the 13th century, passing flower vendors and the smell of roasting nuts along the way. Climb the stairs to the top of St. Olaf’s Church, an unmistakable medieval construct built in the 1200s that makes its presence known with a striking green spire, and take a picture with new friends with extraordinary views as your backdrop. Discover the story behind the stunning architecture of black onion domes with a visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Tallinn’s Gothic town hall, standing since 1404, invites you to learn more about the history of the city’s rich culture and connect with the people who call it home.

The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is also the cultural, commercial, and political center of the country. With its spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks, it’s hard to imagine that Helsinki’s true beauty lies within the delightful maze of nearby islands in the harbor. It’s here you find entrancing historical sites, including Suomenlinna, an 18th-century fortress so impressive that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in the city, Helsinki offers even more hidden treasures, such as the Church in the Rock, an underground house of worship blasted out of native granite and capped with a ceiling made of copper wire and 180 windows. Enjoy cultural pursuits at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, home to displays of famous artists and newly commissioned artwork alike.

A day at sea offers unhurried time to unwind while the yacht glides between storied ports along the Baltic coast. Imagine taking the same routes as the Vikings and pioneers of the past as you make your way to the next adventure. Expert storytellers may unveil the mysteries of your destinations with immersive engagements or a resident astronomer may reveal the secrets of the cosmos with an endless sea and sky as your backdrop.

On the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Riga is full of architectural treasures, its compact center a designated UNESCO World Heritage. With narrow cobblestone streets, colorful squares and medieval-era buildings, this city offers plenty to explore. Discover the diversity of art and architectural styles in Riga with a visit to the Riga Bourse Museum, where you find an exposition that takes you through the history of Latvian fine art from the mid-18th century to 1945. Over at the Central Market, a space occupying a series of five WWI Zeppelin hangars - and officially Europe’s largest market - immerse yourself in an impressive range of fresh, local produce. Or sample a traditional bowl of hand-rolled, meaty dumplings served in a delicious broth with a dollop of sour cream.

From the Baltic Sea, on the mouth of the Dane River, the Teutonic Knights built the imposing castle of Memelburg, giving birth to the city of Klaipeda in 1252. Divided into two distinct parts, New Town contains boutique hotels, trains and bus stations, and Klaipeda University, while the picturesque Old Town offers narrow streets with old, half-timbered (fachwerk) architecture, the city’s signature. It’s here you find the old methods of timber framing and "post-and-beam" construction present in the houses where shoemakers, blacksmiths, bakers and other craftsmen once lived. The richness of Lithuania’s history invites you and your fellow explorers to connect with the past to better understand the people that reside there in the present. Strife with several countries, including Germany during World War II, today showcases a vibrant, multicultural community. Raise a toast to Klaipeda with a traditional Bavarian-style lager shared with new friends at the Svyturys Brewery, founded in 1784.

From a humble fishing village until the 20th century to one of Poland’s most cosmopolitan ports, Gdynia takes the beauty of its rich history and propels it into the modern day. Stroll the medieval quarter past the Golden Gate and make your way to the 15th-century Artus Court, St. Mary’s Church and Oliwa Cathedral, all wondrous examples of fine architecture. Together with Gdansk and Sopot, this city comprises what is known as Poland’s fairytale coast, filled with scenes not to be missed. Make your way to Gdansk to explore the exquisite Hanseatic old town, Long Market Square and charming riverfront.

Home to immense beauty and historic wealth, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, offers a plethora of treasures. Raise a toast to your adventure with new friends and a refreshing Carlsberg beer, brewed in Denmark since 1847. Sample the local favorite, Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches, to connect with the local community over a bite and a brew. The best way to explore the city and blend with the locals is by bike. Designed for easy navigation, Copenhagen invites you and your fellow explorers to discover its hidden gems. Admire the pastel colors of the Nyhavn waterfront and contrasting architectural structures around the city along the way. Of course, the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, is a must-see for those with an appreciation for classic literature. Head a few miles out of the city to marvel over the stunning landscapes of the UNESCO-listed par force hunting landscape in North Zealand.

The charms of this historic city go beyond its famed UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle, also known as Hamlet’s Castle. Helsingør (or Elsinore) beckons you to discover its vibrant history with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. A trip to the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark showcases a centuries-old seafaring history with intriguing exhibits. St. Olaf’s Church and the Church of St. Mary are impressive Gothic and Renaissance styles that display some of Denmark’s fine architecture to tantalize the history lover. Take your time walking through the old town and soaking in the beauty of this longstanding town.

From music and museums to quiet forest explorations to charming neighborhoods, Norway’s capital Oslo contains a dynamic array of experiences for every traveler. The city is filled with cutting-edge architecture, among them the iconic Oslo Public Library. As part of its status as a green city, Oslo has become easy to navigate by foot or bike, perfect for intimate explorations. The Historical Museum holds a vast array of artifacts from the Middle Ages and pre-historic times. Among the cities with the most concerts per capita in Europe, Oslo always has an event to immerse into local culture.