The capital of Finland, Helsinki is also the cultural, commercial and political center of Finland. Helsinki is an easily-navigated city and an architectural delight. Helsinki is laid out with spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks. Wide streets and nearby islands add to Helsinki's visual appeal. Beautiful neo classical buildings surround town squares and the cathedral is probably the most recognized of all Helsinki landmarks.

Riga, Latvia's capital, lies on the Baltic Sea coast at the mouth of the Daugava River. After more than 700 years of German, Swedish, and Russian rule, Latvia declared independence on November 18, 1918. It was occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, then regained de facto independence in 1991. Riga's Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is known for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture.

Liepaja, Latvia's third-largest city, is called "the city where the wind is born." A popular Baltic resort since the 1860s, it offers WWII and Tsarist relics, white-sand Blue Flag beaches, and a music walk of fame. Explore Karosta's bunkers, cannons, and ruined military buildings, then visit Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Latvian Musicians' Walk of Fame. Don't miss the local specialty: cod fish.

Explore colorful, restored Old Town Gdansk, once a powerful Hanseatic League city, and admire its grand architecture. Walk the full length of Ulica Długa (Long St.), visiting St. Mary's Church, built over 150 years, and its 1460 Astronomical Clock. Browse museums, shops, and galleries for amber, embroidered linens, silver jewelry, and wool sweaters. See the grand houses, Green Gate, and Golden Gate on the Royal Road, and try vodka served with gold flecks.

When you dock in Rønne on Bornholm, you join a long line of historic visitors. Only about 40,000 people live here, but its mid-Baltic location has made it a stop for sailors since the 1100s. Today it draws more tourists than Vikings, with craggy cliffs, white-sand beaches, sunny weather, quaint churches, artists' workshops, fresh local food, and a friendly welcome center for local tips.

Explore enchanting Karlskrona, a seaside city of storybook cottages, hundreds of islands, and sparkling waters. Its vast main square-the second largest in Europe-is framed by historic buildings, three notable churches, shops, cafés, and restaurants. Visit Trefaldighetskyrkan and Fredrikskyrkan, plus the Car, Porcelain, and Marine Museums. Browse boutiques and galleries, and enjoy hand-blown glass, porcelain, jewelry, designer clothing, and fresh seafood.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund, set on a sparkling fjord, with a calm cultural vibe, a mix of old and modern architecture, and natural beauty throughout. Visit the old town, Posebyen, for its small white wooden houses. Walk the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga for maritime history and fresh seafood. See the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens, then shop Markens gate and Skippergada for boutiques, galleries, cafés, hand-knit sweaters, Norwegian glassware, and local crafts.

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.

Located on the shores of the Sognefjord, Vik is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the beauty of Norway's natural surroundings, from lush valleys to dramatic fjords. Don't miss your chance to explore scenic hiking trails, visit the historic Hopperstad Stave Church and see the famous Fridtjov Statue overlooking the fjord. The village is a peaceful retreat where you can experience traditional farming culture, taste locally made cheese, and indulge in raspberries while taking in the views.

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.

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off northern mainland Scotland. It is one of Scotland's most attractive, well-preserved small towns, with many 17th-18th century vernacular houses and buildings. It also has the English-speaking world's most northerly Carnegie library, opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early 20th century.

Shaped from shimmering granite and kissed by the North Sea, Aberdeen blends elegance, energy, and old-world charm. Stroll streets of silvery stone that glow under Scotland's changing skies, then head to golden beaches or the bustling harbor steeped in maritime tradition. Its cultural scene offers art galleries, museums, and music venues, while cozy pubs and stylish restaurants serve fresh seafood and local whiskies.

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.