FROM HAMBURG TO HAMBURG

Look forward to an impressive daytime passage through the Kiel Canal, which leads you for just under 100 km (62 miles) 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.

Bornholm welcomes you with its restful tranquillity and picturesque landscapes. With your experts on board and on exciting excursions* ashore, you will discover that the island is more than just an idyll of sand dunes and rocky coasts.

Driven by the spirit of discovery, in fine weather the Zodiacs will take you to the Ertholmene Islands. These jewels of the Baltic Sea north-east of Bornholm are like stone time capsules, with their weather-beaten forts, colourful fishermen’s houses and breeding sea birds. The two main islands are connected by a suspension bridge, surrounded by steep cliffs and still blue waters. The main landmarks are the big tower on Christianso and the small tower on Frederikso – once defensive fortresses, now a museum. Your experienced experts on board will tell you about the history of the well-preserved sea fortress built in 1684 – as well as about the diverse species in the Graesholmen bird reserve, a breeding ground for about 10,000 pairs of herring gulls and the only breeding ground in Denmark for the common murre.

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, often lined with hollyhocks. 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.

A visit to Copenhagen will put a small on the face of culture lovers – this relaxed city also has plenty of surprises in store when you see it from the Zodiacs (subject to authorisation). 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 Tivoli Gardens and the picturesque harbour district of Nyhavn will ensure that typical summery feeling of hygge: experience the Scandinavian way of life with its cosiness and hospitality. Perhaps you will round off your stay with a typical smorrebrod. 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.

A flexible course, a great feeling: In the Zodiac and during landings, you will experience the true spirit of expedition in the idyllic Swedish archipelago. Many of the picturesque places are hidden secrets. Extra time is planned for your experiences in this Nordic idyll.

Marstrand enjoys a special location: the west side of the island looks directly out onto the endless Skagerrak, while the east side is protected by the archipelago. At the top of the island sits Carlsten’s Fortress – an ancient guardian that stands as a reminder that the island was once fiercely fought over. Experience the relaxed pace of life of the locals, who live according to the moods of the sea.

A magical archipelago landscape, which few visitors venture to find, Gullmarsfjord is a nature reserve with red granite cliffs and grey gneiss – worn smooth by the wind and the waves. The little town of Lysekil lies nestled in this coastal landscape: its landmark is the church, designed by the Gothenburg architect Adrian Crispin Peterson and built almost entirely from granite in 1901. It stands up above the red-roofed houses of the town and its narrow streets. Or perhaps you are more tempted to explore the rocks and cliffs? If so, hike along the coast with your experts, who will provide you with the relevant geological background knowledge.

In picturesque Fjallbacka, you will feel a particularly close connection to Swedish nature. Imposing cliffs rise up into the sky behind some of the buildings, with wooden houses nestled against the rocks as if seeking protection from the wind. The dramatic setting for the crime novels by Camilla Läckberg is matched by the cinematic scenery of the surrounding nature, coupled with the charm of the small fishing village.

Oslo, the oldest capital city in Scandinavia, lies in a green natural setting. The landscape and city life provided subject matter for the famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, who spent his youth and the last years of his life here. See the quality of life here for yourself when you explore the city centre on foot from the ship – perhaps with a visit to the Munch museum. Trace the footsteps of Norwegian explorers and see fascinating items from seafaring history, such as Roald Amundsen’s polar ship, on the Bygdoy museum island. Oslo’s sense of style is expressed in the Vigeland Sculpture Park, in the Akershus Fortress and in the magnificent buildings on Karl Johans Gate. As the dignified setting for the Nobel Peace Prize, which is presented here every year, Oslo combines modern architecture, nature and culture with sustainability. On a subsequent cruise through the Oslofjord, watch the beautiful panorama of bays, fishing villages and islands pass you by to round off your cruise.