Nordic Majesty

With a history that dates back to 1043, this small city is full of historic landmarks, significant buildings and interesting sights and museums. It is of course also a history that sits alongside the height of modern Danish design. It is great to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water. Be sure to visit Amalienborg Palace and to walk down the famed shopping street (Strøget). The pretty harbour of Nyhavn is a great location to stop for coffee or lunch and watch the world go by. And of course highlights include the Tivoli Gardens, and the (surprisingly) tiny statue of The Little Mermaid.

The old Hanseatic port of Rostock was heavily damaged in the Second World War, though attractive enclaves of historic architecture remain. The little village of Warnemünde, a suburb of Rostock, is home to one of the most appealing beaches on the Baltic coast.

The ruggedly handsome island of Bornholm lies way out in the Baltic, closer to Sweden and Poland than the Danish mainland. It’s the sunniest place in Denmark, known for its intriguing rundekirke (round churches), sleepy fishing villages, traditional smokehouses and fantastic foodie scene.

The Baltic port of Gdansk occupies an important place in 20th century history; the first shots of World War II were fired at the Westerplatte naval base, and it was amongst the shipyards of Gdansk that the Solidarity movement was born in the 1980s.

Riga, Latvia’s charming capital, is a highlight of any Baltic itinerary. The compact Old Town delights with its winding lanes and elegant spires, and the city is also home to one of Europe’s most impressive ensembles of Art Nouveau architecture.

The buzzing city of Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. Many sights will delight; the busy waterfront, the cobbled streets in the Old Town, and the museums, palaces, gardens and galleries. And of course, just 20 minutes away, its archipelago of 30,000 islands offers a totally different experience.