Viking Oceans Cruises – NEW! Scandinavian Discovery (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Åland Islands) 8 Days

Oslo, Norway
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. 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.

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.

Copenhagen, Denmark
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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