Kiel is a city in north central Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein, a port on an arm of the Baltic Sea, at the eastern entrance of the Nord-Ostsee (or Kiel) Canal. The city has been noted as a port since the 10th century because of its excellent harbor, which is a tideless fjord. The chief industries here, aside from shipbuilding and naval maintenance, are the manufacture of soap, food products, machinery, and woolen goods.

Estonia's capital, Tallinn, lies just 53 miles from Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland, midway between St. Petersburg and Stockholm. The first recorded stronghold was built here by Estonians in the 10th century, only to be taken over by the powerful seafaring Danes in 1219. In 1285, Tallinn was incorporated into the successful Hanseatic League, a German mercantile group operating in northern Europe during medieval times. Because of its strategic location, Tallinn experienced many different occupations over the centuries, which resulted in a cultural mix that lends a unique ambiance to this maritime city.

Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat, clean city on Finland's southern coast is known for its impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Founded in 1550, Helsinki was appointed as the country's capital in 1812. After a devastating fire, Helsinki was totally rebuilt, mostly in the neo-Classical, Empire-style. An outstanding example of this impressive architecture can be seen around the grand Senate Square, dominated by the exquisite Tuomio Church at one end and the onion domes of the Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral at the eastern end. The city is full of wonderful museums, displaying everything from art to architectural design. The colorful harbor front has a lively market. The Esplanadi leads north into Mannerheimintie, the city's main thoroughfare named after the military commander and statesman, C.G.E. Mannerheim. Visit the late 60's Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church) which was created from an odd combination of man-made and natural mat…

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum.

Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is Sweden's strikingly elegant and beautiful capital, spread out over many islands at the meeting point of the Baltic with Lake Mдlaren. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia's most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts a world of natural beauty. One-third of the city's total land area is devoted to parks.

Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is Sweden's strikingly elegant and beautiful capital, spread out over many islands at the meeting point of the Baltic with Lake Mдlaren. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia's most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts a world of natural beauty. One-third of the city's total land area is devoted to parks.

Riga, Latvia’s capital, is set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It's considered a cultural center and is home to many museums and concert halls. The city is also known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town has many shops and restaurants and is home to busy Livu Square, with bars and nightclubs.

Riga, Latvia’s capital, is set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. It's considered a cultural center and is home to many museums and concert halls. The city is also known for its wooden buildings, art nouveau architecture and medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town has many shops and restaurants and is home to busy Livu Square, with bars and nightclubs.

Klaipėda is a port city in Lithuania, where the Baltic Sea meets the Danė River. The old town features German-style, 18th-century wood-framed buildings. Theater Square, the city’s main gathering spot, is home to the neoclassical Drama Theater. The square’s 1912 Taravos Anikė sculpture pays tribute to a local poet. The waterside Lithuanian Sea Museum includes dolphin shows and maritime exhibits in a 19th-century fort.

Gdańsk (Danzig in German) is a port city on the Baltic coast of Poland. At the center of its Main Town, reconstructed after WWII, are the colorful facades of Long Market, now home to shops and restaurants. Nearby is Neptune Fountain, a 17th-century symbol of the city topped by a bronze statue of the sea god. Gdańsk is also a center for the world’s amber trade; boutiques throughout the city sell the ossified resin.

Kiel is a city in north central Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein, a port on an arm of the Baltic Sea, at the eastern entrance of the Nord-Ostsee (or Kiel) Canal. The city has been noted as a port since the 10th century because of its excellent harbor, which is a tideless fjord. The chief industries here, aside from shipbuilding and naval maintenance, are the manufacture of soap, food products, machinery, and woolen goods.

Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany, is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It's crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland. Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes. The city's central Jungfernstieg boulevard connects the Neustadt (new town) with the Altstadt (old town), home to landmarks like 18th-century St. Michael’s Church.