7-Day Sweden, Denmark & Kiel Canal

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

Founded by Charles XI in 1860, Karlskrona is a fine example of Sweden’s Renaissance-style architecture. The Admiralty Church, built in 1685, is one of the town’s prominent buildings, and the town’s wooden church is the largest in Sweden. Karlskrona’s maritime history can be seen throughout; it is a base for the Swedish Navy and its port was awarded UNESCO world Heritage status in 1998. The Naval Museum showcases the port’s history and its exhibits include a submarine. The nearby Kungsholm Fortress is the world’s oldest fort still in operation today.

Gdańsk is widely known as the city of glowing amber and Gothic cathedrals. Its luster harkens back to medieval times when it was one of the most prosperous cities in the Hanseatic League, the mercantile powerhouse of the Baltic. The city’s rich history is on display in the remarkably restored old town, a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles—from the royal residence of Green Gate to the 15th-century Artus Court, a merchant’s palace. Traditional Polish pierogies or a glass of Goldwasser, a liqueur created here during the 16th century, round out any visit.

Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.

Wismar, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town on Germany’s Baltic coast, was once a thriving Hanseatic trading hub—its legacy still echoing through beautifully preserved medieval architecture and a picturesque harborfront. Explore historic churches, quaint cobblestone streets, and local breweries offering authentic German beer. This hidden gem combines rich history with a vibrant small-town atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience.

Oudeschild is a small, idyllic village on the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. It is located in the province of Friesland and is only about 15 kilometers from the German border. The village is very popular with holidaymakers who like to anchor by the sea and in nature. The municipality of Oudeschild has about 1,500 inhabitants, making it the largest municipality on Texel. It is located in the southwestern part of the island and offers its visitors a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Nevertheless, there is a lot to see and do here..   One of the highlights in Oudeschild is Ecomare, a center for environmental education and marine research. Here you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the North Sea and also take the opportunity to see rare animals such as seals and harbor seals up close. The nature reserve "De Schiereilanden" is also worth a visit. It includes several small islands off Oudeschild and offers a variety of plant and animal species. In spring you can even watch imperial eagles here.

Most famously known for its dramatic white-chalk towering cliffs, Dover is the nearest city to France across the English Channel. Its strategic location as a doorway into England has earned it the moniker “Key to England.” As the port was under constant threat because of its location, the massive Dover Castle overlooking the channel grew over the centuries to become the nation’s largest edifice and remains so today. Dover also served as a bastion and command center during World War II.