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.

Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe's loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Home to a quarter of Denmark's population, Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Although Vikings and fishermen knew this site for years as Havn (Harbor), the founding of Copenhagen dates from 1167, when the warrior-bishop Absalon established a citadel here. As commerce flourished, the name was changed to Kшpmannжhafn (Merchants' Harbor); in 1443 the city became capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. A century later, Christian IV began the building program that was the basis of the modern city; in 1669 Frederik III graced the city with its first royal palace, Amalienborg, for his queen, Sophie Amalie. Many of these structures still exist; the taller ones remain the dominant features on what is a refreshingly low skyline.

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.

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.

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.

The island of Gotland, with its magnificent walled town of Visby, is one of Sweden's most popular summer destinations and an outstanding tourist attraction. Already settled in the Stone Age, Visby reached prominence in medieval times when it was annexed by the powerful Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchants in Northern Europe. By the 13th century, Visby was a prosperous commercial center that minted its own coins and had a code of law.

Travemünde is a relaxed Baltic Sea resort and a port for Scandinavian ferries. Seafood restaurants dot the banks of the Trave River as well as the Strandpromenade overlooking Travemünde Beach and the Bay of Lübeck, and stalls sell fish sandwiches at the Fishermen’s harbor. The Alter Leuchtturm is a brick lighthouse from 1539 housing a maritime museum, and the 4-masted sailing ship Passat is open for guided tours.