Viking Oceans Cruises – Viking Homelands (Sweden, Estonia, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Norway) 15 Days

Stockholm, Sweden
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. 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.

Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is an open book for those interested in Swedish culture and history; the city has one of the highest concentrations of museums in the world. The most prominent is the maritime Vasa Museum, which houses the restored 17th-century ship Vasa. Other homestead reconstructions are spread across the Skansen open air museum on the isle of Djurgården, providing a glimpse of life before the Industrial Age. Art lovers may also linger among the thousands of paintings and handicraft pieces at the National Museum or admire works by Picasso and Dalí at the Moderna Museet.

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.

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.

Sail the Baltic Sea
Sail one of the world’s most historic waterways, where maritme battles unfolded in a bid to control Northern Europe. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

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.

Bornholm (Rønne), Denmark
Founded as a fishing community on the Danish island of Bornholm around the year 1000, the picturesque village of Rønne has played an important role in the maritime trade of the Baltics. Germans, Swedes and Soviets variously overtook the island throughout its history. Today, Rønne is famed for its half-timbered houses and renowned for its celebrated and talented artisans who uphold a long tradition of glassblowing. Along Laksegade and Storegade streets, historic cobblestone lanes and the low-timbered, red-roofed houses of merchants exude the Rønne of yesterday.

Shore Excursions – Scenic Bornholm
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the natural beauty and charming villages of the idyllic island of Bornholm. This picturesque Danish island is nicknamed solskinsøen (Sunshine Island) and klippeøen (Rock Island) for its weather and geology, respectively. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the lush green fields of the island’s western coast en route to the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe, Hammershus. Continue along the island’s rugged northern side and glimpse Gudhjem, a small village situated on the steep cliffs. Leave the coastal road and visit one of the four round churches that can be found on Bornholm; these peculiar buildings were not just churches but served as fortresses during times of conflict. From the small village of Østerlars, travel through the island’s interior and return to your ship.

Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany
After a long postwar rift both between Berlin and the world and within the city itself, Germany’s capital has been reunified and undergone a remarkable rebirth as a center of art, culture and architecture. Still riding a wave of newfound energy, exploring its streets feels akin to browsing a newly opened museum. Risen from the ashes of war, many of its buildings that once stood for division now embrace unity. Among them, the Reichstag parliament building embodies a new transparency with its glass dome, and the city’s Museum Island celebrates self-expression and creativity.

Shore Excursions – Berlin Your Way
Duration: 12 hours
Follow your own interests in Berlin, from its historic sites to its lesser-known gems. Transfer to the city by train early in the morning along with your escort, who will provide you with a map and some tips during an orientation tour. Set off on your own in the city center, with 3½ to 4 hours to explore. Call on Checkpoint Charlie and see remnants of the Berlin Wall or explore Alexanderplatz. Admire the remarkable glass cupola of the Reichstag or visit a museum on the renowned Museum Island. For lunch, perhaps stop at a sidewalk café and enjoy a fine German wine while you observe modern Berliners strolling by. At the allotted time, meet your escort at a prearranged location and return to your ship via train in time for dinner.

Shore Excursions – Rostock Highlights
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meet your local guide at the pier and board a motor coach for a scenic ride to Rostock. Upon arrival, begin your walking tour, passing the iconic sights of the city. See the 13th-century Town Hall, which was originally built in the Gothic style but transformed during the 18th century with the addition of a baroque facade and banquet hall. View the Gothic St. Mary’s Church and its cross-shaped basilica and learn about its astronomical clock, built in 1472 by Hans Düringer. Visit University Square and see the handsome terra-cotta Hauptgebäude, the university’s main building. Admire its centerpiece, the Brunnen der Lebensfreude, also known as the Fountain of Happiness. Enjoy free time to explore the pedestrian district of Kröpeliner Strasse, which runs east from the Neuer Markt to the 14th-century Kröpeliner Tor, a former town gate, before returning to your ship.

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.

Ålborg, Denmark
Historic Ålborg enjoys a picturesque setting. The best-preserved Renaissance architecture in all of Denmark is here, most famously at the Jens Bang’s House, built in 1624. Its clean symmetry helped lay the foundation for today’s Scandinavian design. Ålborg, the nation’s fourth-largest city, was founded as a trading post by the Vikings during the late 900s. The wealth that poured into merchants’ accounts helped build many half-timbered mansions that still stand today. Ålborghus Castle, the seat of the modern-day governors of Northern Jutland, is perhaps the finest example.

Shore Excursions – Ålborg Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Walk through the medieval buildings of Ålborg’s old town to discover its trade roots and Viking heritage. Leaving your ship’s berth in the city center, walk along the renovated waterfront district, home to the Utzon Center. Take a stroll by one of Ålborg’s real treasures, Jens Bang’s stone house. Bang was famously snubbed by the town’s government and his statuesque renaissance home was never approved by the local gentry. See the Ålborghus Castle, a 14th-century fortress built using the traditional half-timber technique. Experience a local Viking market, where you can delight in a selection of delicacies that would have been enjoyed by the early Danish explorers while being entertained by some true Danish Vikings. After your meeting with the lovely ancient Danes, walk back to your awaiting ship.

Shore Excursions – A Leisurely Walk Around Ålborg
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Set out to explore Ålborg’s highlights and visit our own Viking market during a walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and enjoy a gentle stroll to Aalborghus Castle, passing the centuries-old dungeons. Here, you will explore its grounds and visit our very own Viking market where you may sample local snacks and delicacies as you admire your surroundings. Next, walk to the Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady), which to this day still houses one of the original church bells dating back to the 12th century. Visit the charming old town and see the 14th-century Gothic Budolfi Church, where you will pause for photos. Finally, stroll by one of Ålborg’s real treasures, Jens Bang’s Stonehouse. Bang was famously snubbed by the town’s government, and his statuesque Renaissance-style home was never approved by the local gentry.

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.

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. Enjoy scenic sailing as we head toward our next destination.

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.

Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger, set on Norway’s southwest coast, boasts a rich history dating to the end of the last ice age. Known as one of Europe’s most interesting old towns, Gamle Stavanger’s cobblestone streets are adorned with a collection of wooden buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway’s fourth largest city, it flourished early on, thanks to its strategic location and bountiful fjords. More recently, it has experienced an economic boom from offshore drilling, transforming from a tranquil town into a vibrant city, culminating in the European Capital of Culture honor in 2008.

Shore Excursions – Stavanger Walking Tour & Oil Museum
Duration: 2 hours
Get well acquainted with Stavanger and its beautifully preserved old town on this included tour. From our berth right in the heart of town, you can walk with ease to Gamle Stavanger, or Old Stavanger. In this attractive pedestrian district, stroll cobblestone streets among close to 250 buildings protected by a conservancy. They range in date from the 18th to the early 20th centuries and are considered the best kept wooden houses in Northern Europe. Destined for demolition during the 1950s, they were saved largely by the city’s architect, Einar Hedén. You will also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Browse its fascinating exhibits about geology, technology and harnessing the power of oil. You will learn about life on board oilrigs and the drama of everyday life at sea. After, linger in Stavanger at your leisure and return the short distance to your ship on your own.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Stavanger
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover historic landmarks around Stavanger during a scenic drive, then learn about Norway’s petroleum industry. Your panoramic journey will take you past Ledaal Manor, the king’s residence when he visits the city, and into Hafrsfjord. Here, King Harald Fairhair defeated the regional princes to found the Kingdom of Norway in 872 AD; view the Swords in Rock monument, which commemorates this battle. See the 12th-century Sola Church and the famous Jåttåvågen Leaning Tower before stopping to admire Stavanger Cathedral’s impressive mix of Romanesque and Gothic flourishes. Cap your tour with a visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Browse its exhibits on geology, technology and harnessing the power of oil. Learn what it is like to live on an oil rig and the drama of everyday life at sea. Afterward, pass the charming Old Town and glimpse its picturesque wooden houses en route 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
Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bergen
Duration: 2 hours
Discover the main sights of Bergen during a panoramic drive and a leisurely walk. Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses. During a scenic drive, see these and more, pausing to take a photo stop at Nordnes to admire the views over Bergen Harbor. At the National Stage, disembark your motor coach and walk downhill to Festplassen, passing the statue of Ole Bull before arriving in Bryggen. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you admire the picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you may return to your ship via motor coach, or explore the district and return independently on your own.

Shore Excursions – Bergen on Foot
Duration: 2 hours
Explore Bergen’s historic sights during an invigorating walking excursion. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s best-preserved fortifications. Pass the Rosenkrantz Tower and arrive at Bryygen to admire its picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you get acquainted with this Hanseatic town. Formerly the capital of Norway, Norwegian kings once resided here. Bergen owed its wealth and prominence to the fish export trade, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Head to Festplassen to its music pavilion, and continue your walk, pausing to see the old telegraph, the historic post office and to admire the quaint residences. Afterward, walk back to your ship.

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