Kiel - Hamburg Advent cruise Baltic Sea: winter magic in the Mare Balticum

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 in winter with a special kind of magic. Make sure you try the Lussekatter saffron buns or go skating in the middle of the city.

The wind in your face, salt on your lips – the Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea is also enchanting in winter. Its coastlines and fields, forests and meadows are cloaked in a wintry hue, while the island’s capital will awaken your pioneering spirit: without the summer crowds, Visby is like something out of a magical fairy tale. Its cobbled streets and medieval city walls and turrets are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they exude a special kind of charm in the glow of the lights. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the Hanseatic city as you get the beautifully illuminated little streets almost to yourself. As you explore the old town and admire its classic beauty, you will be following the trail of Hanseatic traditions that still live on today.

Experience Klaipeda when the port city transforms into a quiet, almost fairy-tale setting in winter. Lithuanian, German and Scandinavian influences are very much present here. The history of the former Prussian town of Memel comes to life in the old town with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses and theatre square. The former City Hall tells of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm II and his wife Queen Luise, who took up residence here to escape from Napoleon here. Not far from the city, a unique natural wonder captivates visitors: the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land between the sea and the lagoon, formed by shifting dunes. Thomas Mann was inspired by this place – let yourself by enchanted by new facets of the Baltic Sea.

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. Don’t miss the Christmas market with its festive lights and traditional wooden huts: here you are sure to find one or two Christmas gifts for your loved ones at home.

Ystad in winter exudes a special tranquillity. The cobbled streets and historic houses invite you to explore with all your senses. Small shops and cafes exude warmth while the harbour retains its maritime atmosphere: boats rock gently on the water and fishermen’s huts appear quiet and remote. The old town of Ystad was also the setting for the popular crime novels featuring Inspector Kurt Wallander, based on the books by Henning Mankell – Wallander’s house is a magnet for fans of the series. The coastline is quiet, mysterious and inviting at the same time. Ystad in winter is a place where history, coastal charm and quiet moments flow together.

Kiel Canal is an impressive waterway connecting the North Sea to the Baltic. Opened in 1895, the canal stretches over a length of almost 100 km (62 mi.). By passing through it, large cargo and passenger ships avoid the dangerous journey around Scandinavia, thus 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 Kiel Canal a truly fascinating experience.