Baltic Sea Discovery – Oslo to Helsinki

Oslo is Norway’s capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo’s 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo’s attractions can be explored on foot.

Skagen has a wonderfully rich art history and an even greater collection of modern art galleries throughout the city. Often referred to as the Land of Light, the sun beautifully reflects off of the abundance of sand and water for longer hours than anywhere else in Denmark. Skagen’s beacon is its bustling harbor, which brings in fresh seafood from the northern tip of Jutland, which surrounded by the sea. Experience its magnificent countryside with large white sandy beaches and Denmark’s largest moving sand dune, Råbjerg Mile.

The seaside town of Lysekil is filled with incredible sights. Among them is Lysekil Church, whose granite was carved by hand and winched into place. The tower alone is 206 feet high and the spire rises more than 300 feet above sea level. Embark on a seal safari and see the rare Bohuslän in its true habitat or visit the Havets Hus, a saltwater aquarium where you can see and get the chance to touch some of the around 100 different species that live in the Gullmar Fjord.

Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe’s oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today’s modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.

Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe’s oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today’s modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.

Warnemünde is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, situated at the Baltic Sea in the Northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow. Being a center of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemünde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. Warnemunde is also our gateway to nearby Berlin.

Step into colorful and masterfully restored Old Town Gdansk and experience the grandeur of this once powerful member of the Hanseatic League. Marvel at the exquisite architecture. Stroll the entire length of Ulica Diuga (Long St.) stopping to visit St. Mary’s Church, which took 150 years to build, and its Astronomical Clock, from1460. Browse through the museums, shops and galleries. Seek out quality amber, embroidered linens, modern silver jewelry, and fine woolen sweaters. Admire the grand houses , the Green and the Golden Gates on the Royal Road. Try a sip of vodka distilled and served with real flecks of gold.

Klaipeda, or Memel, in Lithuania is situated at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon where it flows into the Baltic Sea. During World War II, the city was captured by the Soviet Red Army. Unlike the rest of East Prussia, the Memel Territory was not considered part of the Soviet occupation zone, and was incorporated into the Lithuanian SSR. The city began to develop cultural activities in the 1970s and 1980s, such as the introduction of the Sea Festival cultural tradition.

The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.

The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it’s known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum

On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Though the city has been bombed and pillaged many times throughout the ages, much of the town as it was in medieval times remains. Atmospheric streets serve as home to the palaces of Castle Hill. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kotka is a city in the southern part of the Kymenlaakso province on the Gulf of Finland. Kotka is a major port and industrial city and also a diverse school and cultural city, which was formerly part of the old Kymi parish. The neighboring municipalities of Kotka are Hamina, Kouvola and Pyhtää.

The capital of Finland, Helsinki is also the cultural, commercial and political center of Finland. Helsinki is an easily-navigated city and an architectural delight. Helsinki is laid out with spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks. Wide streets and nearby islands add to Helsinki’s visual appeal. Beautiful neo classical buildings surround town squares and the cathedral is probably the most recognized of all Helsinki landmarks.