Oslo to Stockholm

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.

Skagen has a wonderfully rich art history and an even greater collection of modern art galleries throughout the city. Often referred to as the Land of Light, the sun beautifully reflects off of the abundance of sand and water for longer hours than anywhere else in Denmark. Skagen’s beacon is its bustling harbor, which brings in fresh seafood from the northern tip of Jutland, which surrounded by the sea. Experience its magnificent countryside with 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.

One look at the abundance of canals and gabled houses in Gothenburg, and it's clear that the Dutch founded this robust city on the Göta River. Touring the citadel is fascinating, as are the 17th century Crown House, and Gothenburg Art Museum with masterpieces from Edvard Munch to Picasso. Gothenburg is one of Sweden's greenest cities, compliments of parks such as Slottsskogen. For a vibrant atmosphere, walk along Kungsportsavenyn, Gothenburg's main street, lined with cafés, boutiques and plazas.

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.

Gdynia is a port city on the Baltic coast of Poland. It’s known for its modernist buildings, including the Museum of the City of Gdynia, which has exhibits about local history. Kościuszki Square, with a distinctive fountain as its center, leads to the waterfront. The WWII destroyer ORP Błyskawica and 1909 tall ship Dar Pomorza, now museums, are moored on the Southern Pier. Sharks and piranhas inhabit Gdynia Aquarium.

Klaipeda, or Memel, in Lithuania is situated at the mouth of the Curonian Lagoon where it flows into the Baltic Sea. During World War II, the city was captured by the Soviet Red Army. Unlike the rest of East Prussia, the Memel Territory was not considered part of the Soviet occupation zone, and was incorporated into the Lithuanian SSR. The city began to develop cultural activities in the 1970s and 1980s, such as the introduction of the Sea Festival cultural tradition.

The “Venice of the North,” spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.