Kiel - Kiel Highlights of the Baltic Sea

Surrounded by wild natural landscapes and rugged cliffs lies Gdansk – a city full of history, culture and unique scenery. The city looks back over more than 1,000 years of history, including rule by the Teutonic Order, its heyday as a wealthy Hanseatic city, and the partitions of Poland in the 18th century. Today, Gdansk is a cosmopolitan city with an interesting past. A walk through the old city gates, through the Long Market or along the Motlawa provides a variety of views and leads you to many shops, restaurants and cafes, where you can take a relaxing break. Gdansk combines historic grandeur with modern charm and is a real highlight on the Polish Baltic coast.

A Latvian coastal city with a surprising amount of charm, Ventspils is located where the Baltic Sea gently laps the shore and fresh winds sweep through the dunes and forests. Historic brick buildings and modern art characterise the cityscape, whose particularly delightful detail is the colourfully painted cow sculptures that can be seen everywhere. The long sandy beach invites you to relax for hours while the ships bob gently in the harbour. Stroll through well-kept parks, past the medieval castle and on to the “Lighthouse of Love” – it’s not just newly-weds who enjoy the unforgettable view here.

At the estuary of the River Daugava lies a pearl of the Baltic: Riga offers an incomparable mix of history and modernity. While magnificent art nouveau facades adorn the outer districts of Latvia’s capital city, the enchanting old town with is well-preserved medieval buildings was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. At its centre near the House of the Blackheads, the tall tower of St. Peter’s Church rises high above the rooftops and is a magnificent sight. Riga is particularly lively thanks to its varied music and art scene – western influences combine with traditional Latvian elements and ensure its unique charm.

Stockholm is an enchanting capital thanks to its unique location on 14 islands, which are connected to each other by a multitude of bridges. Set between Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea, the city is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. In the old town, Gamla Stan, with its winding streets and historic buildings, you will find stylish bistros offering New Nordic Cuisine. On the neighbouring island is the impressive baroque Royal Palace, while the Vasa Museum with its restored war ship brings the city's fascinating maritime history to life. You can gather exciting impressions until the evening, because your ship has an overnight lay time here.

A charming blend of history and vibrant culture awaits visitors to Kalmar on the east coast of Sweden. The cobbled streets of the old town, the city’s traditional buildings and impressive Kalmar Castle provide the beautiful backdrop to bring the rich heritage of the city to life. The harbour provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation at its cafes and restaurants with views over the water. With its lively cultural scene, art galleries and theatres, Kalmar has plenty of variety to keep visitors entertained.

With its mix of world-famous landmarks and modern charm, Copenhagen appeals to every visitor. The Little Mermaid at Langelinie is the city’s most famous attraction. The colourful waterfront at Nyhavn with its lively cafes is a great place to while away some time, while Amalienborg Palace and the Tivoli amusement park will take you on a journey through the past and present of the Danish capital. In its majestic setting amidst well-kept rose gardens, Rosenborg Castle is home to the Danish Crown Jewels. As well as its historic sites, Copenhagen is a paradise for design fans: the cubist Royal Library and the Royal Opera House are outstanding examples of modern Scandinavian architecture.