North Sea to the Baltics

Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

You will sail into the heart of one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjords, its marvellous décor dominated by pristine nature, between vertiginous granite cliffs, crystal-clear waters and luxuriant vegetation. Very close to Stavanger, the quiet waters of Lysefjorden stretch out over around forty kilometres, beneath impressive rocks. Admire the world-famous site of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a majestic cliff in the shape of a pulpit that rises to more than 600 metres above the waters. A bit further on, Flørli, from the top of its 4,444 steps, is the world’s longest wooden stairway, whereas the Kjerag, with its mythical boulder wedged between two rock faces, provides an unusual and unforgettable spectacle.

Located in the region of Sørlandet, the town of Kristiansand has prospered for a long time from its building industry and shipbuilding installations. Today, the town offers its timeless charm and mild climate the whole year round. You’ll be amazed by its vibrant pastel colours, and its streets laid out in right angles. Among the districts worth exploring is Posebyen with its wooden houses inhabited in the olden days by workers and craftsmen. Here you can really get to grips with the town’s energy.

Visby is a town on the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its well-preserved town wall, a medieval fortification incorporating defensive towers. The town’s many churches include the grand, centuries-old St. Mary’s Cathedral and the medieval ruins of St. Nicolai and St. Karin. The main square, Stora Torget, has cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants.

The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don’t hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi – a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.