FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

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.

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.

Kemi lies on the Gulf of Bothnia, some 30 km (19 miles) from the Swedish border. The port plays a major role in Finnish trade, especially the export of raw materials and products from the paper and forestry industries. In winter, temperatures plunge below freezing and the town is covered in a thick layer of snow. Situated close to the Arctic Circle, you can really feel the chill here: Kemi is one of the only places on earth where the sea freezes over completely in winter. To keep shipping routes open during the coldest months, several icebreakers are in use. Enjoy an intensive experience of the natural beauty of the winter landscapes around Kemi: explore the snowy forests and frozen lakes and rivers on a variety of winter adventures*. If the nights are clear, there’s a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights around Kemi.

In Lulea, history and the present day come together seamlessly in a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting. The city is famous for its innovation, especially in IT and metalworking, and is home to one of Facebook’s biggest data centres. The city’s university makes it a leading centre of research and development. Despite its modern outlook, Lulea’s location close to unspoilt forests and the archipelago of over 1,300 islands also means the city has a rich natural diversity. It’s the ideal starting point for lovers of the great outdoors, who are looking for original and adventurous experiences off the beaten track in Europe’s last wilderness. Would you like even more Nordic highlights? With a little luck, in clear weather you will be able to see the Northern Lights, observing this show of nature from the deck of your expedition ship.

Umea has been designated the capital of northern Sweden, since its 130,000 inhabitants make it the largest urban community in an otherwise underpopulated part of the country. The European Capital of Culture 2014, Umea has a good cultural offering, with various museums and a university. One of the city’s landmarks is the cultural centre on the Umealven River. The building’s architecture stands out with its 13-storey tower and blue and white wavy facade. In the city centre, around 2,300 birch trees line the streets, giving Umea the nickname “City of birches”. The trees were planted after a major fire in 1888, since their hard wood contains 50 % water. The forests surrounding the city make it the ideal starting point for winter adventures* in the glittering, snow-covered scenery.

Sundsvall is one of Sweden’s gems. Destroyed four times by fire, it was completely rebuilt in stone at the end of the 19th century, hence its nickname “Stone City”. This is where Sweden’s architectural history began: the harmonious centre is the symbol of an architectural turning point – from wooden settlements to streets with multi-storey residences built from stone and bricks. On a walk through the snowy city, you can admire a collection of architectural styles, mostly Renaissance Revival and Art Nouveau. Discover the most beautiful parts for yourself or let your experts give you some interesting information about Sweden’s architects and the iconic architectural elements.

Stockholm is a true pearl 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 the most of the long lay time to explore Stockholm lit up by night on a leisurely winter stroll.

New Year’s Eve in Stockholm is an unforgettable experience. The Swedish capital sparkles with winter charm and the festively lit streets create a magical atmosphere. People traditionally gather on the hills of Skansen or Fjallgatan to watch the spectacular firework display over the city and the islands. For the final act of the year, you will have exclusive front-row seats on board with a view of the old town. What a way to end the year!

It's all about “New year, new impressions” as you cruise through nature’s open-air museum among the islands off Stockholm. 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.

The Karlskrona archipelago is a unique natural paradise off the south-eastern coast of Sweden. The archipelago is an impressive sight made up of over 1,500 islands and rocks. Perfect for a small, manoeuvrable ship that can navigate easily through the watery labyrinth and take you on to your next adventure. Karlskrona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the heart of the archipelago and is famous for its maritime history and well-preserved fortress. On an independent stroll around the old town, you will see picturesque and colourful wooden houses, which were once home to dockyard workers, as well as baroque architecture. It’s also worth seeing the Admiralty Church, which is Sweden’s largest wooden church. On your way, you might encounter the statue of a world-famous figure from Swedish children’s books: Nils Holgersson.

A visit to Copenhagen is on every culture lover’s wish list. Outside of peak season without all the crowds, your eyes will light up in this major Scandinavian city. With the Little Mermaid, the city’s tiny landmark at 125 cm (50 inches) tall, and Amalienborg Palace, your individual discoveries will be like something out of a fairy tale. The illuminated Tivoli Gardens and the picturesque harbour district of Nyhavn will ensure that typical feeling of hygge as you experience the Scandinavian way of life with its cosiness and hospitality. Perhaps you will round off your stay with some traditional glogg and smorrebrod. Make the most of the long lay time to take an evening stroll through the atmospheric streets lit up with Christmas lights. They say that the Danes are the happiest people in the world – in any case, this fun-loving city with its intoxicating atmosphere is sure to draw you under its spell.