Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

The true Flemish name of Belgium‘s second city is Antwerpen. In the 16th-century world, Antwerp became the most important commercial center, as well as a center of the new craft of printing. The golden age came to an end with the abdication of Charles V in 1555. The decline of Antwerp had already begun when its most illustrious painters, Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck reached the peak of their fame. Antwerp today is Europe‘s second largest port and has retained much of the zest often associated with a port.

Farsund is located on the Lista Peninsula in southern Norway, which is filigreed with fjords and waterways such as the Lygdalsfjorden. It is a popular attraction for vacationers for its beaches and prolific birdlife, as well as hiking trails and historic events such as the pirate festival. The Vanse Church is one of Norway’s earliest, dating from 1037. The town was also an important part of the Atlantic Wall in WWII, with bunkers and fortifications such as the Nordberg Fortress, and nearby islands used as prisons for captured Axis soldiers. The Lista Lighthouse is a popular place to watch birds and get views over the beaches.

Norway‘s capital lies at the head of the majestic Oslofjord, encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Dating back to the mid-11th century, it was at one time renamed Christiania while under Danish and Swedish rule. An act of Parliament finally changed the name back to Oslo in 1925. With barely half a million inhabitants, Oslo is the smallest among the Scandinavian capitals. Yet it has much to offer – most notably its spectacular scenic beauty, as well as many of the nation‘s finest cultural achievements. Arriving by ship, your first sight is the imposing Akershus Fortress towering above the docks. With the city center only a few blocks from the pier, you can easily spot the handsome modern City Hall with its two block towers. Dedicated in 1950 to commemorate Oslo‘s 900-year anniversary, it is the city‘s most familiar landmark. Many of Norway‘s leading artists contributed to the decoration of the interior and as a result Socialist modernism in its purest form can be seen here. More extraordinary art works can be admired at Frogner Park, site of the famous Vigeland sculptures depicting a world of human beings and animals in stone. Fine examples of Scandinavian impressionists, referred to as the “Northern Light” artists, are exhibited in the National Gallery. The Munch Museum houses an enormous collection of art bequeathed to the city by Norway‘s leading artist Edvard Munch. Most of Oslo‘s historic sites are concentrated on the Bygdoe Peninsula; the Norwegian Folkmuseum, the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museums are outstanding.

Gothenburg is situated on the Göta älv River on Sweden’s west coast. An important seaport, it‘s known for tree-lined boulevards, quaint cafes, shops, theaters and sculptured gardens. The 340-acre (137 hectare) Trädgardsföreningen Park is a natural gem and a wonderful place to relax along a scenic 17th century canal. At Slottskogen Park one can view many of Sweden’s wildlife species, in particular the impressive elk, known in North America as a moose. Local people refer to the park as the ‘green lungs of the city.’ Explore the nearby botanical gardens with its beautifully sculpted flower beds, and award-winning stone gardens, where North America, Europe and Asia are represented by some 5000 plant species. Those with an interest in modern architecture should discover the prize-winning wonder of Museum für Weltkultur. Gothenburg was founded as a trading colony in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus and is now the largest port in the Nordic countries. Gregarious and beautiful Gothenburg will charm everyone!

As one of the important cultural hubs of Denmark, Aalborg is known for its mixture of contemporary architecture, traditional wooden Danish houses, and the many preserved stone buildings in its historical city center. A number of large city parks, fountains, a gothic cathedral and a colorful waterfront make Aalborg a favorite vacation spot. Square-rigged heritage sailing ships make a contrast with numerous architectural masterpieces such as the ultra-modern designs of the Utzon Center and the University of Aalborg. The Aalborg Carnival, one of Scandinavia’s largest festivals, takes place every year in May and draws tens of thousands of participants. The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art exemplifies the creativity and energy of this beautiful Danish city. Situated at the narrowest point of Limfjord in Jutland, Aalborg abuts some of the richest waterways in the country, which attracted not only the original Viking adventurers to the area, but settlers as far back as the Iron Age.

Denmark‘s capital is arguably one of the world‘s best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a “do-what-you-want” philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city‘s motto “Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen.”

A favorite summer getaway for Danes, Bornholm‘s rolling countryside reveals distinctive round white churches and ruined castles. The picturesque seaport of Roenne lies at the southwest corner of this Baltic island whose coastline mixes pearl white sand in the south with sheer granite cliffs to the north. Here you can see four of Denmark‘s seven famous round churches dating from the 12th century.

This delightful hilly town, boasting medieval houses and ruined fortifications, is Gotland‘s capital city. Due to its gentle climate an abundance of roses bloom here, even as late as November, marking Visby as ‘The City of Roses. In its heyday, Visby was one of the richest trading centers in northern Europe. Remains of the medieval city walls are considered to be among the best-preserved in Europe. Additional points of interest include the cathedral, one of the town‘s 17 medieval churches still in use today; the Old Apothecary, a late-medieval four-story merchant‘s house; and the Fornsal Museum with an interesting exhibit of medieval artwork, hordes of silver form Viking times, and impressive picture stones that predate the Viking rune stones. Sweden‘s main holiday island offers wide sandy beaches, wild cliff formations, and verdant sheepfarming country and glades in which 35 different varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from around the world. There are also a hundred more churches dating from Gotland‘s great commercial era scattered across the island which are still in use today.

Sweden‘s capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This “city that floats on water” sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.

Sweden‘s capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This “city that floats on water” sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn was called Reval until the 20th century. The port‘s ideal maritime position has always been a temptation to other nations and won it a position in the Hanseatic League. This cross-cultural history gives Tallinn a special ambience that visitors appreciate. The main attraction is the Old Town. Perched on a low hill by the shore, its fortification walls, worn cobbled streets and 13th-century buildings make it one of the purest medieval towns in all of northern Europe. With about a half-million inhabitants, Tallinn comprises almost a third of Estonia‘s population. Outside of town there is rich dairy land and along the coast stretch expansive sand beaches.

Riga, situated on a sandy plain about 9 miles from the mouth of the River Dvina, is the capital of Latvia and is one of the most beautiful of the Baltic cities. The advantageous geographical position, with access to both the sea and via the river to the east, shaped both the history and culture of the city. Founded in the 12th century, it was established as a trading settlement and grew quickly into an important port with a remarkable diversity of Gothic, Baroque Renaissance and Classical architectural styles. Today, the capital city is a major tourist attraction while remaining one of the principal ports in the Baltic and a top producer of manufactured goods.

Historically known as the tinderbox whose spark ignited the WWII, it was also in Gdansk where the flame that signalized the collapse of communism was illuminated. Today, the affectionately restored facades of the town houses lining the streets in the Old Town remind visitors of the heyday of the Hanseatic League and preserve its distinctive charm. Nestled on the banks of the Bay of Gdansk, amid the seaside resort of Sopot and the seaport of Gdynia, the Gdansk area is often referred to as “Tri-City.” The close affiliation to its neighboring cities and its advantageous location make Gdansk the perfect gateway to discover beautiful Poland.

Denmark‘s capital is arguably one of the world‘s best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a “do-what-you-want” philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city‘s motto “Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen.”

A Romanesque cathedral and old medieval lanes blend beautifully with Stavanger‘s modern city and spectacular countryside. In 872, when Harald Fairhair won the Battle of Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he united Norway for the first time. Huge harvests of brisling, herring and sardines have made the key of a sardine can the city symbol. Today, the town is the center of Norway‘s oil industry, and has become one of the country‘s most cosmopolitan cities.

Lerwick, Britain‘s most northerly town, and is a small, bustling, cosmopolitan seaport with a population of over 7,000 people and fine architecture. Shetland Museum, located on Hay‘s Dock, is an award- winning attraction. Discover the island’s many secrets through its exhibits, and take a look in the boat shed, where you can see demonstrations of traditional boat building. Also of interest is the stone-walled town hall, built in 1884, displaying an impressive array of beautifully intricate stained glass. Towering St. Magnus Cathedral, constructed in 1863, is likewise well worth a visit. People have lived and prospered here since Neolithic times. The site of Clickimin Broch, a hollow-stone-walled structure, was a Late Bronze Age farmstead of the 7th century BCE. Historic Fort Charlotte, built in 1653, is a five-sided fortress, with cannon batteries pointing out to sea. The Shetland Textile Museum, with its fine weaving, and the quaint Crofters Museum will detail life in a much gentler time. The name Lerwick is derived from Norse and means ‘bay of clay.’

Siglufjörður is the northernmost town on the Icelandic mainland, a small fishing village of some 1,200 people. Founded in 1918, it was in the past the capital of the North Atlantic herring fishing industry. The Síldarminjasafnið Herring Era Museum, one of Iceland‘s largest seafaring and industrial museums, houses three different areas where one can learn about both the traditional and the modern herring industry. A collection of many historic fishing vessels and artifacts is proudly displayed by the people of Siglufjörður, detailing how herring was salted, processed and collected. The small harbor with its colorful fishing boats and the red-roofed steeple of the Lutheran church dominate the village-scape. The natural beauty of the area includes high mountains that rim the fjord, freshwater lakes, the Hólsá river, black sand beaches, and a wealth of birdlife all around. This northernmost region of Iceland is renowned for some of the largest and most dramatic waterfalls in the country.

The charming small fishing village of Grundarfjörður is located in the middle of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and thus provides easy access to Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsbær and the Snæfellsnes National Park. Its best-known landmark is undoubtedly the peak of Mt. Kirkjufell. Translated as ‘church mountain,’ Kirkjufell is the most easily recognizable peak, and one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. During summer months a Viking Village is built in the center of town where Viking re-enactments occur quite regularly. During the Á góðri stund town festival in July, the town’s 900 residents decorate their houses in red, blue, yellow, and green, transforming the town into a spinning kaleidoscope of color. The town first began trade in 1786, and around 1800, French merchants came to Iceland and settled in Grundarfjörður, where they constructed a church and a hospital. The town has prospered through the fishing industry for a long time. The surrounding sea is rich with birdlife & marine life throughout the year.

Warmed by the Gulf Stream as well as by highly active thermal hot springs and volcanoes, Iceland is somewhat misnamed. While it is a stark and barren country with three huge areas of glaciers, one theory is that early Norsemen sought to mislead other potential settlers by giving a pleasant name to fierce, inhospitable Greenland, and a forbidding name to the imminently habitable Iceland. Irish monks and hermits established themselves here in the 8th century, but left a century later when the pagan Norsemen arrived. Europe‘s first Parliament of General Assembly, the Althing, was established in the year 930 and still functions as the legislative body, although it was suspended by the Danes at the end of the 18th century and not reconvened until 1843. Reykjavik was the site picked by the island‘s first permanent resident, Ingolfur Arnarson in 874, and is home to more than half of the island‘s total population. The world‘s northernmost capital, Reykjavik is proud of its virtual lack of air pollution. Both electrical power and home heating are derived from the geothermal activity on the island. The city‘s large swimming pools are always warm, and in the countryside exotic fruits such as grapes and bananas are cultivated in greenhouses made cozy with the help of underground hot springs.