Hamburg - Kiel Expedition Indian summer in Lapland: Scandinavian symphony of colour

Kiel Canal is an impressive waterway connecting the North Sea to the Baltic. It was opened in 1895 and is around 98 km (61 mi.) long. The canal allows large cargo and passenger ships to avoid the dangerous journey around Scandinavia, saving time and money. Every year, more than 30,000 ships pass through the canal, making it the one of the busiest waterways in the world. The impressive locks and beautiful countryside on its banks make a journey along the canal a truly fascinating experience.

A natural open-air museum awaits as you cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago. The archipelago of around 24,000 islands is magical in the low sun. The many open deck areas offer perfect 360-degree views and your experts will provide a knowledgeable commentary. Small and manoeuvrable, your ship will take you on a flexible voyage of discovery past little islands, smoothly polished granite rocks and red wooden houses.

Lagom is the Swedish equivalent of the Danish hygge, and it’s all about finding the right balance in life. There are plenty of opportunities to find it in Stockholm. A true peal of the Baltic Sea, built on 14 islands, which are connected to each other by more than 50 bridges. The city is as old and distinguished as it is youthful and modern. As you explore, which is also easily done on your own, this “Venice of the North” will show you the best sides of a history going back almost 700 years – with a rich variety of architecture you won’t find anywhere else. In contrast to the historic Gamla Stan with its Gothic churches and Royal Palace, the Moderna Museet houses some important art works of the 20th and 21st centuries. The old town – a maze of narrow alleys with little cafes and boutiques – comes to life with a special kind of magic. Make sure you try the Lussekatter saffron buns or make yourself comfortable with a drink.

The spirit of adventure will hang in the clear air as you press on into the northern extension of the Baltic Sea. Experiences that are only possible with a small expedition ship like Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ships await you on the flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay. The deck tour at the bow, the glass balconies and the many open deck areas will become your front-row seats. Nature will provide you with constantly changing views. Your sightings will be enhanced by the interesting knowledge provided by your experts on board.

Set course for Sweden’s special magic on an expedition day in the High Coast. The High Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with diverse scenery, which you can enjoy from the many open deck areas on board. A harmonious watercolour of dramatic coastlines, dense forests and unique rock formations. This area has had the highest land uplift in the world since the end of the Ice Age. When cruising and with the Zodiacs, you will be able to discover this geologically interesting region in a flexible way, while your experts tell you some interesting facts about how it was formed and how it has changed over time. A perfect destination for nature lovers and inquisitive minds.

Around 440 years old and still full of life: the charming coastal town is not only the gateway to the High Coast, it also reveals the charm of northern Sweden. Surrounded by water and blessed with creativity, it is one of the most popular Swedish towns in summer. The experts by your side will tell you about the delightful architecture on a walk around Harnosand – mainly built in the neoclassical style. Examples include the county governor’s residence, completed in 1790, on the Stora Torget main square and the cathedral with its 17 m (56 ft) long “rainbow rug”. The town hall designed by the architect Olof Tempelman is one of the most beautiful in Sweden. Discover the history of the area in the provincial museum or visit the car museum, the largest collection of its kind in Sweden with around 200 cars. There is even a museum dedicated to the Swedish love of summer boat trips, exhibiting many different leisure and recreational craft.

On an expedition day in the Kvarken Archipelago, you will cruise through a paradise of more than 5,000 islands – the Zodiacs might also be used, depending on the local conditions. Here you can enjoy a unique view of the exceptional land uplift from the ship: during the Ice Age, the area was pushed down about 1 km (0.6 mi.) by the weight of a massive sheet of ice and it now rises by about 9 mm (0.3 in.) every year. Since the lagoons are not very deep, this noticeably changes the landscape and boat houses that were once on the water are now on dry land. This phenomenon takes place in both Sweden and Finland, which own the archipelago. A fascinating, constantly changing region – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lulea, a charming city in the north of Sweden, has a fairy-tale atmosphere. Ideal for expedition lovers looking for adventure and unspoilt nature off the beaten track. Make the most of the opportunity to get to know the culture and traditions of the Sami. A definite highlight is Gammelstad Church town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque settlement of over 400 historic wooden houses provides a picture of traditional Swedish rural life. Would you like even more Nordic highlights? If so, experience nature on a number of outdoor activities*.

On the following expedition day in the northern Bothnian Bay, the spirit of adventure will hang in the air as your small ship cruises through the clear waters. Let yourself be surprised at which island the Zodiacs will be lowered into the water so you can set off ashore.

The Finnish city of Oulu is the largest urban centre in the north. Named 2026 European Capital of Culture, you can expect a colourful city life with plenty of museums, many of which are open air, and buildings such as the cathedral and the city hall in the neo-Renaissance style. The natural scenery around Oulu is like something out of a Nordic fairy tale: “the best of Finnish nature” as the town likes to describe itself. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element in the autumn scenery here.

Where sea and land merge into one, Vaasa is one of the most beautiful cities on the coast of Finland. Here you will find a combination of historical depth and Nordic charm. The city, whose roots go back to the 14th century, radiates a special kind of charm and invites culture lovers on a journey through time: the ruins of Old Vaasa in the Rauniopuisto Park tell of life in the Middle Ages and are a picturesque place for a walk. The nearby Korsholm Church, dating from 1786, adds a majestic touch to the surroundings, while the town centre enchants with its cobbled market square and Gothic market hall, where local products have been sold for over a century. Vaasa brings together history, architecture and culinary delights to delivery a unique cultural experience.

The more than 6,700 Aland Islands are an autonomous, Swedish-speaking archipelago of Finland. Characterised by unspoilt nature, rich history and maritime culture, you can expect to find idyllic Scandinavian postcard scenes here. The unique archipelago landscape offers quiet coves and picturesque fishing villages with red wooden houses nestled on the shores. Only 60 of these islands are inhabited, with Mariehamn as the main city. Immerse yourself in the maritime lifestyle of the “city of a thousand lime trees” on your shore visit. The backdrop is formed by pretty wooden houses and the idyllic harbour promenade. Mariehamn’s cultural heritage comes alive in the modern Maritime Museum and aboard the fully preserved museum ship “Pommern”, a steel four-masted barque built in 1903.

The virtually untouched Gotska Sandon in the middle of the Baltic Sea is a true natural paradise – perfect for your experience away from classic cruise routes. The island impresses with endless sandy beaches, dense pine forests and a diverse bird life, including white-tailed eagles, cormorants, gulls and rare migratory birds. As a national park, Gotska Sandon protects unique flora and fauna such as rare plants and seals that rest of the coast. The island has been uninhabited for more than 100 years, allowing it to retain its original character. Accompanied by your experts, enjoy the quiet, secluded landscape on guided hikes as an intense nature experience. A real insider tip for explorers.

An image that would have inspired even Caspar David Friedrich presents itself to you when cruising off the chalk cliffs of the island of Mon. In good weather, the famous cliffs glow majestically in the sunshine, in dramatic contrast to the turquoise sea. The chalk layer of the Mons Klint cliff is like an illustration of evolution: it was created millions of years ago from the shells of microscopic creations – just like a large part of Denmark. As you stand on deck, the clean Baltic Sea air will refresh your senses, and your experts will be happy to provide scientific knowledge to hone your view of the geological aspects of this coastal beauty.