Stockholm - Hamburg Baltic Sea with Kotka archipelago: Hanseatic cities and the magic of the skerry landscape in autumn

Untouched, mysterious, wild – Gotska Sandon welcomes you with a magic that only a few are privileged to experience. Belonging to Gotland, this small island offers endless dunes, dense pine forests and white sandy beaches. A panorama full of vastness and tranquillity awaits you. Explore the fascinating flora and fauna on Zodiac trips or hikes along secluded paths: seabirds such as bald eagles glide over the coast, seals doze in hidden coves and the sound of the sea accompanies every step. Archaeological finds, including Roman coins and medieval shipwrecks, bear witness to the island’s historical significance. Gotska Sandon is a haven for anyone who wants to experience Sweden’s tranquil beauty and scientific discoveries.

Arriving in the port of Helsinki is an experience in itself: Finland’s capital lies in a picturesque location on a peninsula, surrounded by the idyllic little islands of the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki is a melting pot of lively city life and lush green nature. The Kauppatori market square is an attractive place with its fruit and souvenir stalls, while the historic Vanha Kauppahalli indoor market offers local delicacies. Uspenski Cathedral is captivating with its grand architecture and wonderful views over the city. Helsinki Cathedral, the city’s snow-white landmark with green domes, is no less impressive. Explore this city full of contrasts on a discovery tour and enjoy the interplay between culture, nature and Nordic charm.

Several hundred small islands and rocks from a labyrinth of bays, channels and sheltered waterways. The expedition day in the Kotka archipelago takes you deep into the fascinating skerry world of the eastern Gulf of Finland. Your small and manoeuvrable expedition ship glides calmly through a sea of the most stunning natural scenery. The Zodiacs take you to hidden shores where, with a bit of luck, you can observe seals and see sea eagles circling above you. Time and again, spectacular new views of rocky coasts, windswept pine forests and long sandy beaches surprise visitors. A hidden region whose dramatic beauty is revealed exclusively to you.

Discover the coastal city of Kotka on the Gulf of Finland: stroll along the idyllic waterfront promenade, visit the Maritime Centre Vellano or explore the beautiful parks such as Sapokka Water Garden. Kotka combines maritime flair with nature experiences and offers an authentic coastal atmosphere away from the big cities – ideal for relaxing hours until the early evening.

Picturesque Tallinn lies right on the Baltic coast and is enchanting with its medieval old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Surrounded by a city wall with 26 defence towers, Estonia’s capital has charming little streets, historic buildings and a fascinating mix of architectural styles. Toompea Hill, Tall Hermann tower and the impressive St. Mary’s Cathedral offer a wonderful insight into the city’s history, while the Town Hall Square in the centre of the old town is a lively place to explore.

Once known as Memel, Klaipeda is an inviting place for a relaxing stroll through its restored old town and past charming half-timbered houses along medieval cobbled streets. The former City Hall, where the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II and his wife Queen Luise took up residence in 1807/08 to escape from Napoleon, is particularly worth a visit. The theatre, which Richard Wagner visited in 1836, is also captivating thanks to its historic charm. In front of the theatre is the Simon Dach fountain with a statue of Annchen von Tharau, which was faithfully restored in 1989. In the surrounding area, you can see the Curonian Spit with its shifting sand dunes which inspired Thomas Mann – an impressive example of the unspoilt beauty of Lithuania.

Once a leading Prussian and Hanseatic city, today Gdansk is like an open-air museum dedicated to the historic Hanseatic League. Amber and shipbuilding once brought glory to Poland’s most famous port. The city’s old town, with its architecture dating from the 13th to 18th centuries, is one of the most beautiful in the country. The Long Lane with its magnificent houses and Neptune fountain stands as testament to the city’s golden age. But the spirit of the flourishing Hanseatic League era in Gdansk mainly lives on in the merchant houses and the world-famous Crane – a splendid panoramic view to be captured on camera.

As you wander around the picturesque fishing village of Gudhjem on Bornholm’s north-east coast, you will find out why it’s known as the most beautiful place on the island: the narrow streets wind their way between half-timbered houses with red roof tiles. In the port, fishing boats bob up and down on the water, and the scent of freshly smoked herring wafts out of the typical smoke houses. In Gudhjem, the Scandinavian feeling of hygge blends in with the wildly romantic charm of the Baltic Sea.

Look forward to an impressive daytime passage through the Kiel Canal, which leads you for just under 100 km (62 mi.) through the typical scenery of Schleswig-Holstein: marshland and geest, Eider-Treene Depression and hilly countryside. Experience the picturesque passage intensively from the deck of your little ship – sit back and enjoy. Particular highlights are the passages through the locks and the views of the Rendsburg High Bridge, an impressive steel construction and one of the most important monuments to engineering in Germany.