The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, one can stroll at leisure in picturesque medieval streets until reaching the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, several very different kinds of cultural centers can be visited: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, a ride in SkyView can be taken, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes visitors to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.

 

Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. The historical center showcases the soft hues of neoclassical buildings juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where local specialties like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish - can be tasted. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the center, is a good place to sit and unwind.

Opening onto the Baltic Sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win over visitors with the picturesque charm of its architecture. Visitors can meander through the little streets in the heart of the medieval center where the Gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök Tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea Castle gives a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This old Hanseatic city lies on the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea. Visitors can pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The grand Visby homes of rich merchants can be discovered, as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples and Powder tower along the fortifications shouldn't be missed. Stopping over in one of the rose-adorned cafés is recommended; indeed, roses abound in this town where visitors can taste one of the island’s specialties, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.

Klaipeda was founded in the 13th century by Christian crusaders from the German Order of Teutonic Knights. The strategic location on the edge of the Baltic Sea has made it a source of conflict between Germans, Poles, Lithuanians, and even the French since its creation. Today, the legacy of Klaipeda’s rich history is great multiculturalism. It is the main port of Lithuania and the country’s third-largest city. The beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Baltic coast make it a popular tourist destination. The city center is very pleasant to visit due to its architecture blending German and Scandinavian influences.

This ravishing city on the Baltic Sea is nicknamed "the golden door of Poland," and the beautiful Hanseatic architecture will make it clear why. The moldings and gables that enhance the colorful facades of the houses are truly charming. Along the Vistula Quays, pleasant strolls among the craft shops can be enjoyed. In elegant Mariacka Street, the amber jewelers will most certainly tempt visitors into their boutiques. The church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock are worth a visit. Not far away, the majestic Long Market Square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.

Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Strolling along its picturesque streets, visitors will fall under the spell of the varied landscapes, the easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is in this place, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region's fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests, and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem provides an unforgettable interlude where time seems to stand still.

Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometers away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers the high color of Scandinavian capitals. The city's riches can be discovered through the canal networks in the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, trying out the smorrebrod, traditional Danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese, or smoked fish, is recommended.