Scandinavian Waterways & Way of Life

Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its monarchy dating back as far as the 8th century, and home to the impressive Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace and Christianborg Palace. The Danish crown jewels are housed at Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The diminutive Little Mermaid Statue, based on Hans Chrisitan Andersen’s 1836 story, sits on the shoreline looking for her prince; while the Nyhavn District reveals canals lined with historic wooden ships and brightly coloured townhouses.

Founded over 700 years ago and spread over 14 islands at the head of a vast archipelago, Stockholm’s location is incredibly unique. The Old Town district, Gamla Stan is home to historic buildings, including the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral and Riddarholm Church, which contrast sharply with the ABBA Museum, full of memorabilia about the Swedish super-group. The city also offers many traditional culinary experiences, such as fried herring, or meatballs with their delicious cream sauce.

Originally a Viking settlement called Aros, built at the mouth of the c, the city’s location was strategically chosen for being on trade routes for Denmark, the Baltic States and Germany; and also, for its importance as a naval base, where ships could be hidden away from the coastline and potential enemies. Aarhus is known nowadays as Denmark’s happiest city, according to world happiness surveys, due to its close proximity to the sea and dense forest areas, known to offer calmness and serenity.

Located on the southern coast of Norway, where the North Sea meets the Skagerrak strait, Kristiansand is a city of Renaissance beauty and is often referred to as the “capital of southern Norway”. Its Kvadraturen district is laid out in elegant grids of handsome buildings, and alongside its inviting beaches, you’ll also find idyllic offshore islands dotted with white houses and colourful gardens. On the waterfront, the perfectly preserved Christiansholm Fortress offers wonderful sea views from its thick stone walls, while the tower of Kristiansand Domkirke provides sweeping views across the town. For a glimpse further back in time, visit Oddernes Kirke, parts of which are nearly a thousand years old, and be sure not to miss Posebyen, the Old Town, where rows of traditional wooden houses from the 17th century create one of the most charming corners of southern Norway.