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.

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.

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.

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.

Denmark's second-largest city offers top cultural attractions, striking architecture, a lively food scene and a rising-city vibe. Visit ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, home to the country's largest art collection outside Copenhagen, and Den Gamle By, where relocated houses recreate 19th-century, 1920s and 1970s neighborhoods. See the waterfront Iceberg and Dokk1, and Musikhuset's glass facades. Try smørrebrød or New Nordic cuisine at Aarhus's cafes and restaurants.

Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, sits on the 11-mile Kiel Fjord near Scandinavia and has a proud maritime history. It marks the eastern lock of the Kiel Canal, the world's busiest artificial waterway, and hosts Kiel Week, the world's largest sailing event. Stroll the Kiellinie waterfront, watch ships pass, try Rote Grütze, and visit the Schiffahrtsmuseum in a Gothic Revival fish auction house.

Sweden's third largest city, Malmö is home to the Øresund Bridge, which connects Sweden to Denmark over the Øresund Strait. The city contains many historic buildings and parks, and is also considered one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. At the heart of Malmö is Gamla Stan (Old Town), a pedestrian-friendly city center that is full of sights, restaurants and places to shop.

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.

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.