The Baltic Sea in winter: the snowy setting for great historical moments with icy coastlines of picturesque beauty and exciting regions for the HANSEATIC nature to explore. The route heads to archipelagos as well as marshes and hilly countryside, such as on the daytime passage through the Kiel Canal.

Welcome to Sweden, and what a way to start a day: 24,000 islands with you right in the middle of them as you cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago on your small expedition ship. As is normal for this time of the year, experience cities such as Stockholm without the masses of visitors who arrive in the peak season. As life is now calm and relaxed, the atmosphere in winter is extraordinarily leisurely – whether you choose to walk through the fabulous old town or visit the open-air museum Skansen*.

You will not meet many people on the Aland Islands – only 60 of the 6,500 islands are inhabited. The HANSEATIC nature makes full use of the advantages of a small expedition ship as you cruise through the Turku Archipelago (subject to ice conditions). Some of the thousands of islands are connected by official ice crossings in cold winters.

Open to new things – typical for this cruise and for Helsinki. The city is a free-standing architectural textbook: the classical cathedral stands in contrast to fascinating modern buildings such as the egg-shaped Kamppi Chapel and the new central library that is designed to let in as much natural light as possible. The surrounding natural scenery is a winter masterpiece. Clean air, fresh impressions and exercise await you – ride a hovercraft* through the islands, go ice fishing and snowshoe hiking* in the southern lake district or ride a fat bike* through ice and snow.

What would a visit to Finland be without the sauna, an integral part of its culture? Things get very hot and very cold in Kotka at a traditional Finnish sauna experience featuring cold water swimming* in the sea. Alternatively, enjoy regional specialities around the campfire* or a winter hike* in Valkmusa National Park.

St Petersburg is in a class of its own. The HANSEATIC nature reserves two days for this pearl of the Baltic and you will have a lot of options to choose from. In February, you will have the museums and the Hermitage* almost all to yourself. Alternatively, take an excursion to Peterhof and St Isaac’s Cathedral*. Marvel at the feudal architecture of Catherine Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress*. With the famous piece of music “Petersburger Schlittenfahrt” in your ear and the scenery from Doctor Zhivago in your mind’s eye, traverse the winter landscape on a sledge ride*. You can also set out on exhilarating excursions on a snowmobile* or on a hike with a dog sled tour*.

After Russia’s fairy-tale world, the HANSEATIC nature sets course for an expedition day in the Gulf of Finland, which the experienced crew will organise depending on the ice and weather conditions. You can marvel at the spectacle from the nature Walk and from the glass balconies. How about taking a few trips in the Zodiacs?

Discover the natural beauty of Estonia in Tallinn as you go cross-country skiing* or ice fishing*. Afterwards, take a winter stroll through the medieval old town, perhaps even into the evening as the HANSEATIC nature will spend the night here.

Even Riga will be pleasantly quiet enough for you to enjoy the Hanseatic flair. The region known as the Switzerland of Latvia* promises vastness and tranquillity with primeval forests and fairy-tale castles all covered in snow. Riga itself is known as the “capital of art nouveau”, where you can marvel at the extravagant architecture on a winter walk through the old town*.