Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today's modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.

The seaside town of Lysekil is filled with incredible sights. Among them is Lysekil Church, whose granite was carved by hand and winched into place. The tower alone is 206 feet high and the spire rises more than 300 feet above sea level. Embark on a seal safari and see the rare Bohuslän in its true habitat or visit the Havets Hus, a saltwater aquarium where you can see and get the chance to touch some of the around 100 different species that live in the Gullmar Fjord.

Oslo is Norway's capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo's 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo's attractions can be explored on foot.

Skagen is rich in art history and modern art galleries. Known as the Land of Light, its sun reflects off abundant sand and water for longer hours than anywhere else in Denmark. Its bustling harbor brings in fresh seafood from Jutland's northern tip, surrounded by sea. Explore its countryside, large white sandy beaches, and Denmark's largest moving sand dune, Råbjerg Mile.

Mandal, on Norway's southern coast, offers pristine North Sea beaches, quaint streets with colorful wooden houses, a vibrant arts scene, lush forests and hiking trails with fjord views, and seaside eateries serving fresh seafood.

Rosendal, nestled by Hardangerfjorden in Norway, is known for Barony Rosendal, a unique 1665 castle and the only one of its kind in Norway. Take a guided tour of its period interiors, small museum, and Renaissance gardens, and stop at the Tea Room in the Rosendal Greenhouse. Also visit 1255 Kvinnherad Church and the Furebergfossen waterfall near town.

Olden, at the end of Western Norway's 66-mile Nordfjord, is a charming village known for Norwegian hospitality and stunning scenery. Peaceful valleys, colossal glaciers, crashing waterfalls, towering mountains, and dramatic fjords create a breathtaking setting. Kayak on glassy waters, hike in the mountain countryside, or enjoy views from the Loen Skylift.

Beautifully situated on four main islands, Kristiansund is an inviting city surrounded by astonishing natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Atlantic Road, reputed to offer the world's best road trip. The route winds its way across islands and over bridges with magnificent views of the ocean and coastline. Kristiansund also houses the oldest opera in Norway, and the city boasts a diverse and colorful array of architectural styles both classic and modern

Norway's history is written in the buildings and monuments of Norway's first capital and third largest city, Trondheim. The Sagas tell us how King Olav Tryggvason of Viking fame founded the city on this ice-free fjord in 997, mesmerized by the winding Nidelva River and lovely forested hills. The timbered architecture of the beautiful 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral is actually built over the tomb of St. Olav, and even today, Norwegian kings are crowned within its massive nave.

In northern Norway on Kvaløya, Hammerfest is a modern outpost reborn after WWII. Visit the Museum of Reconstruction to learn about evacuations and the town's rebuilding after German destruction; see Hammerfest Kirke, built in 1961 in the shape of traditional fish-drying racks; get a souvenir pin from the Royal & Ancient Polar Bear Society; and hike Mount Salen for fjord views and reindeer.

The world's northernmost village, Honningsvag is the gateway to the North Cape. It is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls. The Cape is 20 miles from Honningsvag across a stark and rocky tundra landscape, where large herds of reindeer graze on sparse grasses in the summer. This desolate terrain dotted with small lakes is the only area in Norway where landscape and vegetation are genuinely arctic in character.

Welcome to the top of the world. Tromsø is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and is a jumping-off point for Arctic explorations. Enjoy outdoor activities like dog sledding, whale watching and hiking. Visit the museum for insights into Lapp culture and see the city's strikingly modern Arctic Cathedral. If the time of year and weather permit, you can witness the Northern Lights above the stunning Arctic landscape.

In 1904, much of Ålesund was destroyed by fire, then rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. Its turrets, spires, and ornamentation give the town a distinctive look and strong architectural reputation. Visit the Art Nouveau Centre, Town Park, Atlantic Sea Park, and Gallery Cylindra. Squares feature sculptures on fishing history and WWII. Shop for Norwegian fashions, jewelry, leather goods, tapestries, and glassware, and enjoy seafood to international cuisine.

Set in Norway's fjord country, Måløy charms with rugged coastal scenery and a fishing-village feel. Climb Kannesteinen Rock for views of the Norwegian Sea, visit the Måløy Raid Center for WWII history, and wander streets lined with murals. Nature lovers can explore Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff, or take a boat tour through beautiful Nordfjord.

Explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors, and rugged Scottish highlands in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands. With dramatic cliffs, Victorian houses, Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage, it offers plenty to see. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront for local history, then browse galleries and shops for unique art, hand-knitted sweaters, and lace. Try local beer and whisky in a pub.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or "the mouth of the Breakie." The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, capital of Belgium's West Flanders. Bruges was wealthy in medieval times through trade with Baltic ports. As the Zwin River, which linked Bruges to the North Sea, slowly narrowed, the city's great trade era ended. Today, visitors come for its charming, well-preserved medieval architecture along narrow streets and canals, and for some of Western Europe's finest artistic masterpieces.

Just a short distance from Amsterdam, IJmuiden offers beaches, sand dunes, scenic views, and the country's biggest fish market. It's North Holland's gateway to the North Sea and sits at the head of a canal leading directly to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is known for its liberal spirit, rich culture, 140+ art galleries, 40 museums, baroque architecture, canals, cobblestone streets, and bicycle transport.