FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

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.

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.

The spirit of adventure will hang in the clear air as you press on into the icy northern extension of the Baltic Sea. Experiences that are only possible with a small expedition ship like Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ships, which are suitable for polar regions, await you on the flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, 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 and it's a good time of year to see the Northern Lights: when the sky is clear, you might be able to observe the dancing lights of the aurora borealis from the deck. Your sightings will be enhanced by the interesting knowledge provided by your experts on board.

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. You will have plenty of time, since the ship will stay in Lulea for two nights. 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.

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.

Oulu in Finland is the largest urban centre in the north and the most northerly city in the European Union. Its name, which was originally spelled Owla or Oula, is derived from the Sami language and means “high water” or “flowing water”. While Oulu used to be famous for wood tar and salmon, the city is now known mainly as a centre of the Finnish IT sector and for its wellness culture. Named 2026 European Capital of Culture, you can expect a colourful city life with plenty of museums, many of which are open air. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element in the surrounding wintry countryside. Which activities will you try?

The spirit of adventure will hang in the clear air as you press on into the icy northern extension of the Baltic Sea. Experiences that are only possible with a small expedition ship like Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ships, which are suitable for polar regions, await you on the flexible expedition day in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, 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 and it's a good time of year to see the Northern Lights: when the sky is clear, you might be able to observe the dancing lights of the aurora borealis from the deck. Your sightings will be enhanced by the interesting knowledge provided by your experts on board.

With its wooden houses and Finnish crafts, Rauma is a deeply traditional town in Finland. The old town – a complex of 600 wooden houses, some of which have richly decorated facades – was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. On an independent stroll through the town, you will find little cafes and shops where you can while away some time. The art of bobbin lace has a long tradition here and you can also find out more about it in the Rauma museum: in the 18th century, up to skilful 300 lace makers made the most intricate lace bonnets by hand, and later also bed linen and tablecloths. Your experts will take up the thread and provide you with deeper insights into a variety of Scandinavian topics.

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. 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.

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.