Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Icons of the Viking Age (Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Åland Islands, Norway) 22 Days From Copenhagen to Bergen

Copenhagen, Denmark
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Copenhagen charms visitors like a Danish fairy tale. Among the Baltic’s most beautiful cities, it began as a fishing village and boasts more than 850 years of history. It has been an important Scandinavian port since the Viking Age and remains one of Europe’s most enchanting places, thanks to Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, and The Little Mermaid statue sitting in the harbor at Langelinie. Grand palaces also grace the cityscape, including Amalienborg Palace, the royal winter residence, and Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels.

Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s skyline lies distinctly low to the ground, but some architectural elements soar above all else: the city’s church spires and palace towers. For this reason, the Danish capital is often called the “City of Spires.” Perhaps the most unique, the baroque Church of Our Savior features a spiral stairway that hugs the outside of the steeple. Christian IV’s former stock exchange building boasts a “dragon spire” resembling the entwined tails of four beasts, and the City Hall and Christiansborg Palace strike their own dramatic pose.

Shore Excursions – Copenhagen by Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore the landmarks of Copenhagen and learn about the city’s history during a walking excursion. With a local guide, you will stop to see the Little Mermaid statue sitting serenely in the harbor at Langelinie and visit the courtyard at the 18th-century Amalienborg Palace. Continue to Copenhagen’s largest monument, the Gefion Fountain, followed by Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Queen of Denmark, the sovereign of one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Here, admire the royal rococo buildings and square, plus the stunning Marble Church, New Opera House and flourishing Amaliehaven (Amalie Garden) with its geometrical layout, colorful plants and centerpiece fountain. En route back to your ship, walk through the 17th-century Citadel—one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses surrounded by eight moats, tall ramparts and cannon bastions.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Stroll Around Copenhagen
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy Copenhagen at a leisurely pace as you explore the city’s sights on foot. Set out on foot to the Little Mermaid statue sitting serenely in the harbor at Langelinie. Dedicated to the city’s most famous resident, fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen, it is considered a Copenhagen icon. Walk past the Citadel, one of the best-preserved fortifications in Copenhagen and constructed in the form of a pentagon with bastioned ramparts. Then, continue to the Amalienborg Palace, the Royal family’s winter residence consisting of four identical palaces. After time for photos, continue to the city’s largest monument, the Gefion Fountain, donated to the city by the Carlsberg Foundation to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 1908. After your walk, return to your ship by motor coach.

Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk is widely known as the city of glowing amber and Gothic cathedrals. Its luster harkens back to medieval times when it was one of the most prosperous cities in the Hanseatic League, the mercantile powerhouse of the Baltic. The city’s rich history is on display in the remarkably restored old town, a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles—from the royal residence of Green Gate to the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace. Traditional Polish pierogies or a glass of Goldwasser, a liqueur created here during the 16th century, round out any visit.

Shore Excursions – City of Gdańsk On Foot
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Explore this remarkably restored Polish city and learn about its rich history on this enlightening excursion. One of the wealthiest cities in the Hanseatic League, Gdańsk was extensively damaged during World War II, but its restoration has been phoenix-like. You will visit Long Market, one of the city’s most attractive streets, and pass beneath Green Gate, a former royal residence. View the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace, and the fascinating Gdańsk treadwheel crane, a 14th-century human-powered device that helped the medieval port load and unload cargo. En route back to your ship, pass Solidarity Square and see the famous Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Lenin Shipyard, where protesting shipyard workers were shot by the Communist regime in 1970. A monument here commemorates their sacrifice.

Klaipėda, Lithuania
Lithuania’s third-largest city is a historic port on the Curonian coast. Part of the Prussian Kingdom until 1923, when it won its autonomy, Klaipėda is divided by the Danė River, which flows through the city into the Baltic Sea. Along its left bank, the historic old town features cobblestone streets with historic German-style half-timbered houses, street art and a tree-lined promenade filled with cafés. The new town stretches along the Danė’s right bank, past industrial sites and shipyards, amid venues that showcase the city’s art and cultural heritage.

Shore Excursions – Klaipėda on Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
See the highlights of Klaipėda during a walking tour of its old town and visit the Klaipėda Castle Museum. Meet your guide and set out on foot toward the old town. Once the northernmost port of the Prussian empire, its cobblestoned streets are steeped in history and maritime heritage. In Theatre Square, pass the Taravos Anike sculpture, dedicated to the memory of poet Simon Dach. You will view other icons of folklore, including the Golden Mouse and Cat Klaipedis—the cat with a gentleman’s face. Stop for refreshments and sample a piece of tinginys, a speciality known as “lazy cake,” then head to the Klaipėda Castle Museum. Originally built by the Teutonic Knights during the 13th century, its buildings were eventually demolished after falling into disrepair. You will visit the archeological museum, housed beneath one of its remaining bastions, which showcases the castle’s history.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Klaipėda
Duration: 2 hours
View the sights of Klaipėda’s old town district and contrasting modern areas during a panoramic excursion. Embark on a scenic drive through the new districts of the city and past local residences. Admire the tree-lined streets and view some of the city’s architectural gems. At the Botanical Garden, take a short stroll before heading to the Sculpture Park to see its collection of contemporary art. Continue your drive to the old town for a guided walk and view some of the city’s icons of folklore, including the Golden Mouse, The Dragon emerging from its wall and the unusual Cat Klaipedis—the cat with a gentleman’s face. You will also learn more about Klaipėda’s maritime history by the Meridianas, a restored sailing ship. Afterward, head to Theatre Square, passing the Taravos Anike sculpture, dedicated to the memory of poet Simon Dach, before walking back to your ship.

Riga, Latvia
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga has a fascinating history. The heart of its UNESCO-listed Old Town acts as a living museum with its labyrinth of narrow streets and historic squares. The city is home to a diverse population, including sizeable Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking communities, bringing a peaceful blend of customs and languages. Europe’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture is found in Riga. The expansion of the city and explosion of the movement during the late 19th century has left a tapestry of magnificent buildings featuring elaborate facades.

Shore Excursions – Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Explore Riga during a panoramic drive and on foot as you discover the highlights of the Latvian capital. Embark on a scenic drive to the center of Riga along its picturesque boulevards to the Jugendstil district. See the orthodox cathedral, the Freedom Monument and the Fine Art Museum, before alighting from your motor coach in the old town to begin your walk. Head to Livu Square, past St. John’s church and view the surrounding defense wall. See the towering spire of St. Peter’s Church and walk to Town Hall Square, pausing to gaze at the House of the Blackheads, before enjoying free time to browse the local shops or explore more of the city’s sights. Continue to Dome Square and see the Houses of Parliament and Riga Castle; your guide will provide insight to their history and as well as modern life in Latvia. After your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Riga, the capital of Latvia, and see its highlights during a leisurely panoramic drive. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set out on a scenic journey to view Riga’s main sights. From the comfort of your seat, view the stunning medieval architecture and admire the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. Pass by the old town and view the 14th-century Powder Tower, part of the former defensive city wall, and pause at the Town Hall Square for photos. Your guide will explain the history of the city, including Latvia’s journey to independence; the Freedom Monument, erected here in 1935, commemorates this and was the focus of a similar movement during the late-1980s. Pause for photos at the Riga Opera House to capture its stunning facade and picturesque gardens. Cross the Daugava River for a final glimpse of the old town, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Riga, Latvia
Riga is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Baltic capitals. Here, medieval meets contemporary in a history and architecture lover’s dream. Vaulting gothic spires and domes of ancient churches dot the narrow cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, while wide boulevards host striking and ornate examples of stunning Jugendstil Art Nouveau buildings in the new town. Upscale shops mingle with modern art galleries and hip bars, amid innovative, candlelit restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere, day or night.

Shore Excursions – Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Explore Riga during a panoramic drive and on foot as you discover the highlights of the Latvian capital. Embark on a scenic drive to the center of Riga along its picturesque boulevards to the Jugendstil district. See the orthodox cathedral, the Freedom Monument and the Fine Art Museum, before alighting from your motor coach in the old town to begin your walk. Head to Livu Square, past St. John’s church and view the surrounding defense wall. See the towering spire of St. Peter’s Church and walk to Town Hall Square, pausing to gaze at the House of the Blackheads, before enjoying free time to browse the local shops or explore more of the city’s sights. Continue to Dome Square and see the Houses of Parliament and Riga Castle; your guide will provide insight to their history and as well as modern life in Latvia. After your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Introduction to Riga
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Riga, the capital of Latvia, and see its highlights during a leisurely panoramic drive. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and set out on a scenic journey to view Riga’s main sights. From the comfort of your seat, view the stunning medieval architecture and admire the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. Pass by the old town and view the 14th-century Powder Tower, part of the former defensive city wall, and pause at the Town Hall Square for photos. Your guide will explain the history of the city, including Latvia’s journey to independence; the Freedom Monument, erected here in 1935, commemorates this and was the focus of a similar movement during the late-1980s. Pause for photos at the Riga Opera House to capture its stunning facade and picturesque gardens. Cross the Daugava River for a final glimpse of the old town, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is located along the coast of the Baltic Sea. Its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a ring of 17th-century historic fortifications that were built to protect the city from invaders. Inside its walls are the upper town, where the regal castle and the cathedral are located, and the lower town, a maze of merchants’ houses, guilds, churches and public buildings. Some of the most notable landmarks include the Town Hall Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf’s Church and the Kumu Art Museum.

Shore Excursions – Tallinn Old Town Walk
Duration: 3 hours
Get to know one of the finest medieval Old Towns of Northern Europe on a two-mile walking tour with a local guide. A scenic drive leads past the medieval town wall, the National Opera and Freedom Square. At Toompea, or Dome Hill, enjoy a stroll along cobblestone lanes past the Estonian Parliament, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Along the way, pause at lovely vantage points that overlook a magnificent canvas of red rooftops, slender steeples and the sea. Your walk descends into Lower Town, where you will explore a web of narrow 13th-century streets. Pass the Great Guild House, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, Church of the Holy Spirit and two 15th-century gems: the Town Council’s Apothecary and the Town Hall. Along Katariina Passage and Muurivahe Lane, you can browse handicraft workshops and a street market lined with wool and linen products.

Shore Excursions – Leisurely Tallinn Old Town Walk
Duration: 3 hours
Get to know one of the finest medieval Old Towns of Northern Europe on a leisurely walking tour with a local guide. Meet your guide and drive to Tallinn’s Lower Town to explore a web of buildings and narrow streets that were constructed between the 13th- and 16th-centuries. Craftspeople and merchants were the residents of this former Hanseatic League city, and their influence is still evident in its guild houses, homes and warehouses. Stroll through historic streets to marvel at St. Olaf’s Church, once one of the tallest buildings in the world. Pass the Great Guild Hall, White Bread Passage, the Town Council’s Apothecary and the Town Hall before reaching the Katariina Passage, a time capsule of medieval charm. Wander down this cobblestone street to admire its stone homes and archways and catch a glimpse of Estonian artisans hard at work, making leather crafts, ceramics and jewelry.

Stockholm, Sweden
Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Mälaren’s cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world’s cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The well-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to the art nouveau Royal Dramatic Theater. Strandvägen is one of Europe’s loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.

Shore Excursions – Old Town by Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore the history and streets of Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm, on this engaging walking excursion. Concentrated primarily on the island of Stadsholmen, Gamla Stan was founded in 1252 and is the oldest section of the Swedish capital. Your guided walking tour will take you along the narrow, cobblestone streets to Stortorget, a historic square surrounded by old merchant homes built in the North German style and the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building. Walk down the narrowest alleyway in Stockholm—Mårten Trotzigs Gränd—which decreases to less than three feet wide. See the baroque-style Royal Palace, built in the 18th century and consisting of more than 600 rooms; and neighboring Storkyrkan Church, Gamla Stan’s oldest church and the former coronation site for Swedish kings before returning to your ship.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Stockholm & Old Town by Foot
Duration: 3 hours
Take in the sights of Stockholm, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stunningly set on Sweden’s east coast. Also known as the “Venice of Scandinavia,” this vibrant city is made up of 14 islands, connected to the mainland by 57 bridges. Begin your journey with a guided drive by motor coach. Hear stories about Swedish life and culture as you travel through the city streets, passing by famous sights including the City Hall, Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera. Continue your journey on foot through the old town, calling at a local café to enjoy a Swedish fika, a traditional coffee break accompanied by a cinnamon bun. Cap your day with more time to explore the cobblestone streets of the old town on your own, returning to your ship either independently or with the complimentary shuttle. Alternatively, re-board your coach and take a scenic drive back to your ship.

Mariehamn, Åland Islands
The Swedish-speaking city of Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. The archipelago spans approximately 6,700 islands and lies halfway between Finland and Sweden. The compact city center sits between two harbors and offers a number of restaurants, cafes and shops. A haven for outdoor activities, it is an ideal location to explore the region by land or by sea. The city’s Viking heritage is a celebrated treasure; each year, Mariehamn hosts the annual Viking Market, one of the largest of its kind in Scandinavia.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Mariehamn
Duration: 2 hours
Explore charming Mariehamn, a coastal town and port founded in 1861. Meet your guide and board your motor coach for a panoramic drive along Mariehamn’s streets. The first settlers in the town used their wealth to build grand houses; today, these residences have been converted into homes on a more modest scale. Marvel at the views over Åland’s archipelago from Badhusberget, a picturesque hillside more than 130 feet above sea level and home to the Mariehamn water tower. Drive along Järsö Road as your guide explains the island’s maritime history and how the town is known as the “port of the last windjammers.” Enjoy a photo stop to admire the medieval stone facade of St. Olaf’s Church in Jomala, then return to Mariehamn. You may choose to return to your ship, or take advantage of free entrance to the Åland Maritime Museum to explore its exhibits.

Shore Excursions – Mariehamn on Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the coastal town of Mariehamn during a walking tour. Meet your guide and set off on foot, passing the Åland Maritime Museum, home to the world’s largest fleet of wooden sailing ships, including the Pommern, which is anchored behind. Stroll through the English Park and admire the pretty wooden houses that line the town’s streets. Browse the shop windows along the pedestrianized Torggatan and head to the Sittkoff Galleria, where you will find a collection of shops and boutiques. The center is one of the town’s most popular meeting spots and inspired by Mariehamn’s maritime heritage. Enjoy free time to shop for local handicrafts before heading along the Western Esplanade. See the striking red-brick St. Göran’s Church, designed by architect Lars Sonck, and head to Market Square before walking back to your awaiting ship.

Gotland (Visby), Sweden
Much of Gotland’s landscape dates to the 6th century, when Vikings dominated the island. More Viking relics have been uncovered here than anywhere else in Sweden, making it a treasure trove of the era. Its strategic location bolstered the local economy when merchant ships of the Hanseatic League docked here for provisions or for trading. Visby grew into the most important city of the League, surpassing even Bergen in significance. Its two miles of defensive walls and 44 watchtowers are among the most remarkably preserved in Europe.

Shore Excursions – Visby On Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Visit Visby, the capital of Gotland, and enjoy a walking tour of the medieval stone city. Its history tells the story of the Viking Age, a flourishing medieval period, and the growth of the powerful Hanseatic League. Begin your tour from the old harbor, now a park named Almedalen, where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Walk along the preserved town walls and view the 44 towers that once guarded the medieval stone city. See the gabled warehouses and pass the Gunpowder Tower, which is the oldest preserved building. Stroll through the narrow streets, pass the Society of DBW’s beautifully cultivated Botanical Garden (known locally as “Botan”) and visit Visby Cathedral, once a church for German merchants, before returning to your ship.

Karlskrona, Sweden
Founded by Charles XI in 1860, Karlskrona is a fine example of Sweden’s Renaissance-style architecture. The Admiralty Church, built in 1685, is one of the town’s prominent buildings, and the town’s wooden church is the largest in Sweden. Karlskrona’s maritime history can be seen throughout; it is a base for the Swedish Navy and its port was awarded UNESCO world Heritage status in 1998. The Naval Museum showcases the port’s history and its exhibits include a submarine. The nearby Kungsholm Fortress is the world’s oldest fort still in operation today.

Shore Excursions – Karlskrona by Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Discover Karlskrona’s rich maritime tradition and unique landmarks during a walk through this charming port town. Sweden’s chief naval base since its founding in 1680, Karlskrona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its baroque-style buildings. Follow your guide past notable sights such as the King’s Bridge, the Regional Governor’s Residence and the 18th-century Bastion Aurora. See the impressive Admiralty Church, the town’s oldest building and the largest wooden church in the country, and its famous statue of “Old Man Rosenbom.” Continue your stroll to the Stortorget, a cobblestone square, and pass by the neoclassical Town Hall, the old Norman-style water tower, and the baroque Church of Fredrik and the Holy Trinity Church. You will also view the quaint 18th-century wooden houses in Björkholmen and the old main entrance to the Naval Shipyard en route to your ship.

Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg is a thriving university town of picturesque canals, parks and gardens. Founded under a royal charter of Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus II in 1621, it grew into a major port. In the 18th century, the city prospered from the trade of the Swedish East India Company. That successful period is reflected in the stunning neoclassical stone houses that remain around the city’s canals. Today, a maritime and mercantile past is visible in Gothenburg’s cultural institutions, from the Gothenburg Museum of Art’s paintings to the several museums of navigation and seafaring.

Shore Excursions – Gothenburg Panorama
Duration: 3 hours
Experience a civil engineering marvel as you cross the country’s longest suspension bridge on a panoramic drive. Venture over the 3,060-foot-long Älvsborg Bridge as you enjoy stunning views of Gothenburg. Stop at Ramberget for photos, a popular viewpoint that offers one of Gothenburg’s finest views. Continue on your scenic drive to Götaplasten, the cultural hub of the city. Witness the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the Gothenburg City Theater and the city’s concert hall and library. See the commanding sculpture of the Greek god Poseidon, created by Carl Milles in 1923. Catch a glimpse of Avenyn, Gothenburg’s place to see and be seen, with its cheerful sidewalk cafés and boutique shops. Next, you will continue to the city center. From here, you can choose to continue to explore the city on your own and return to your ship independently, or resume your panoramic tour and return to your ship by motor coach.

Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s skyline is an eclectic blend of old and new. The city’s waterfront Barcode Project features numerous examples of contemporary design, while the old town, or Gamle Oslo, preserves its historic architecture. Dating back to the 13th century, the medieval Akerhus Fortress has played a significant role in Oslo’s development and is one of Gamle Oslo’s most notable landmarks. The Nobel Peace Center, a thoughtfully redesigned space housed in a former railway station, celebrates Alfred Nobel, who bequeathed his fortune to establish the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

Shore Excursions – Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Park
Duration: 3 hours 
Take in Oslo’s eclectic blend of contemporary flair, rich history and scenic views. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and drive past the medieval Akershus Fortress, built during the 1290s by Norse king Håkon V. Pass by some of Oslo’s notable sites, including the Oslo Opera House, Nobel Peace Center, the Royal Palace and the Parliament building. Arrive at Holmenkollen, home to the world-famous ski jump set atop the city’s most prominent hill. This historic structure dates back to 1892. After time for photos, return to the city and set out to explore Vigeland Park, named after the sculptor whose work adorns this expansive green space. Your guide will accompany you on a stroll along its pathways to view some of the 200-plus stone and bronze sculptures depicting the human life cycle. After, return to your ship.

Oslo, Norway
Oslo is one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant cities. Situated along the stunning Oslofjord and famed for its rich Viking heritage and maritime industries, it was founded by Norse King Harald III in 1040. The city is centered around the lively waterfront district, featuring a backdrop of forested hills and architectural gems, including the Oslo Opera House and the Munch Museum. Several other notable museums celebrate Oslo’s cultural treasures; perhaps the most renowned, the National Museum, is home to the largest collection of public paintings in Scandinavia.

Shore Excursions – Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Park
Duration: 3 hours 
Take in Oslo’s eclectic blend of contemporary flair, rich history and scenic views. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and drive past the medieval Akershus Fortress, built during the 1290s by Norse king Håkon V. Pass by some of Oslo’s notable sites, including the Oslo Opera House, Nobel Peace Center, the Royal Palace and the Parliament building. Arrive at Holmenkollen, home to the world-famous ski jump set atop the city’s most prominent hill. This historic structure dates back to 1892. After time for photos, return to the city and set out to explore Vigeland Park, named after the sculptor whose work adorns this expansive green space. Your guide will accompany you on a stroll along its pathways to view some of the 200-plus stone and bronze sculptures depicting the human life cycle. After, return to your ship.

Skagen, Denmark
Skagen is a charming old seaside village nestled amid pristine dunes, picturesque moors and long sand beaches. During the Middle Ages, Skagen was known for its herring catch, and remains a major fishing center today. With the introduction of the railway, a group of impressionist painters discovered the area’s seascapes and soft evening light and journeyed here to found the Skagen Painters; their work is showcased at the small Skagens Museum. The lure of Skagen inspired royalty to visit: King Christian X was so taken with the setting that he built a summer residence here.

Shore Excursions – Skagen On Foot & the Museum of Local History
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Visit the small, picturesque fishing village of Skagen, Denmark’s northernmost town. Its origins can be traced back to the 13th century and for hundreds of years, the fishing trade has sustained this small community. Set out on foot from the cruise terminal to discover its treasures, journeying along the waterfront and past traditional fishing boats as your guide shares stories of Skagen’s maritime heritage. At Kystmuseet, the Museum of Local History, uncover more of the village’s past as you explore its exhibits—they offer insight into life in Skagen from the 18th century to the present. See replicas of traditional houses and a historic Hansa cutter boat, built in 1924. After, continue on foot through Skt. Laurentivej and Kappelborgvej, two of Skagen’s main thoroughfares. Return to your ship via shuttle, or spend time exploring more on your own.

Århus, Denmark
Århus, located on Jutland’s eastern coast along its eponymous bay, is Denmark’s second-largest city. One of the country’s oldest cities, with roots dating back to an 8th-century Viking settlement, Århus became a center for trade and prospered during the Middle Ages. Today, it is an eclectic mix of past and present. A bustling port and center for commerce and industry with a modern skyline, it still retains its old-world charms in Den Gamle By, or Old Town, a repository of medieval landmarks, including centuries-old timbered houses and the 13th-century Århus Cathedral.

Shore Excursions – Århus on Foot
Duration: 3 hours
Discover the iconic sights of Århus during a walk through one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Meet your guide at the pier, then set out on a journey past some of the newest and most modern buildings of Århus, as well as some of its older landmarks. See the Gothic-style medieval Cathedral, the longest and tallest church in Denmark, and stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the lively Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, en route to the Vor Frue Kloster, a neoclassical monastery that is home to the oldest bells in Denmark. Admire the massive Dokk1 complex that dominates the waterfront of the inner harbor and walk along the historic street of Møllestien to the ARoS, the country’s newest art museum. Stop to gaze at City Hall, its asymmetrical design a fine example of modern functionalistic architecture, before returning to the pier and your ship.

Kristiansand, Norway
Kristiansand boasts tidy streets, cozy harbors and small-town charm. The town’s Viking past can be traced in the runestones at the Oddernes Church, built in 1040 and dedicated to St. Olaf, patron saint of Norway. In the 17th century, King Christian IV ordered the Christiansholm Fortress to be built to defend the newly founded city. Today, the edifice is adjacent to an inviting harborside boardwalk. The city’s rich traditions are embodied in the old wooden houses of the Old Town and the stunning neo-Gothic cathedral.

Shore Excursions – Kristiansand by Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore the major sights and landmarks of charming Kristiansand during a leisurely walking excursion. Meet your guide and stroll through the historic streets as you learn about the town’s past. See interesting sights, such as the modernist Kilden Performing Arts Centre and Kunstilo Art Museum. Continue to Fiskebrygga, a former fish landing that now hosts colorful wooden buildings, restaurants, shops and a fish market. View Christiansholm Fortress, a fortification built in 1672 to defend the harbor; it still displays eight of its bronze cannons from the 17th and 18th centuries. Next, walk through a charming residential area where some of its white-painted houses date back to the 18th century. Pass by Kristiansand Cathedral; completed in 1885, this pale brick and concrete neo-Gothic style building is one of Norway’s largest churches. After, you will walk back to your ship.

Haugesund, Norway
The coastal town of Haugesund is considered the birthplace of Norway. The Haraldshaugen Monument marks its unification into one kingdom in 872 and is said to be where the first king of Norway was buried. All the typical characteristics of a seaside Norwegian town are here: rustic timber houses, stunning sea views from the quays and magnificent vistas of fjords from the Steinsfjellet viewpoint. The region’s cultural heritage is inextricably linked to the sea; built on the herring industry, surrounding charming towns have thrived on its success and continue to do so today.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Haugesund
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the rich history of Norway’s scenic coastal town that lays claim as the birthplace of Norway. Haugesund dates to 1217, when it was mentioned in the Norse sagas. Inextricably linked to the sea, it was built on the herring industry. You will meet your guide for a panoramic tour that begins with the outside of City Hall. This neoclassical vision in pink was built in 1931 as a gift to the city from a ship owner and his wife. Continue to the Haraldshaugen Monument, an obelisk celebrating the unification of Norway into one kingdom in 872. Its location is meant to mark the spot where the first king of Norway was buried. Next, you’ll visit the Steinsfjellet viewpoint, 748 feet above sea level. The views here take in all of Haugesund and the stunning fjords in the distance. After time to admire the view, return to your ship.

Eidfjord, Norway
The quaint village of Eidfjord is nestled in the heart of one of Norway’s most scenic regions. From the Norwegian Sea, the waters of the expansive Hardangerfjord lead to the smaller Eidfjorden and to this charming mountain hamlet. Eidfjord embodies the Norway of every traveler’s dream, the gateway to Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau of soaring beauty. Wild reindeer roam here, among stunning, treeless moorlands dotted with pools, rivers, streams and the Vøringfossen Waterfall, a 550-foot cascade that plummets into the cavernous Måbødalen Canyon.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Norwegian Nature Center
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a sweeping view of one of Norway’s most beautiful regions and explore nature. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach up the valley to Øvre Eidfjord and the Norwegian Nature Center. Here, learn about the nature and wildlife on Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. In this lively center of exhibitions, aquariums and an inspiring “Super Videography” display, you will gain insight into the staggering beauty of this pristine slice of Norway. You will enjoy more than an hour to explore the exhibits independently. Don’t miss the center’s highlight: a five-screen panoramic movie where you can immerse yourself on a journey past fjords, mountains and waterfalls, with drops over steep gorges and gentle sequences over mountain lakes and glaciers. After your visit, your bus will drive you back to Eidfjord.

Bergen, Norway
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.