Nautica - July 23, 2024

Distributed across fourteen immaculate islands in a sheltered Baltic bay, crisscrossed by scenic bridges, Sweden's capital is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. It is a sightseeing smorgasbord, including the medieval "city between the bridges," the vast Royal Palace, and the City Hall, which hosts the yearly Nobel Prize ceremonies.

Finland's national capital is a spacious Neoclassical city in fine white granite, whose upbeat pace and fashion sense belie the Finnish reputation for conservatism. The massive Temppeliaukio Church is carved out of solid stone, while on the Esplanadi, famous Finnish designers like Marimekko or Iitala demonstrate a lighter, more modern style.

Klaipeda, the third largest port city in Lithuania, is located on the southernmost shore of the Baltic Sea. Klaipeda is not only one of the largest fishing ports on the Baltic Sea, but also a major cultural center of Lithuania. Of the museums of Klaipeda, tourists should visit the large Maritime Museum and Aquarium, which boasts thousands of exhibits from the seas and oceans of the world.

Gdansk, formerly Danzig, is one of the chief Polish ports on the Baltic Sea. Hitler's demand for the city's return to Germany in 1939 was the principal immediate excuse for the German invasion of Poland and thus of World War II. Gdansk has numerous educational and cultural facilities. Historic landmarks include the Gothic Church of St. Mary.

From Warnemunde, you can travel on the autobahn or railway to Berlin to view the Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Church, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the Reichstag and the collected wonders of the Pergamon Museum. Or stay down by the sea, and visit medieval Rostock and the spas of the Baltic shore.

From Warnemunde, you can travel on the autobahn or railway to Berlin to view the Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Church, Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the Reichstag and the collected wonders of the Pergamon Museum. Or stay down by the sea, and visit medieval Rostock and the spas of the Baltic shore.

The Kiel Canal also known as the Nord-Ostsee Kanal is an artificial waterway in northwestern Germany that links the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The canal extends in a northeastern direction across the state of Schleswig-Holstein from Brunsbuttelkoog, near the mouth of the Elbe River, to Kiel, on the Baltic.

One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Located along the North Sea, Zeebrugge is located ten miles north of Brugge (Bruges) and serves as its port. The Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal connects the seaside resort with the cultural mecca that is its sister city. Visitors to Brugge will see stunning representations of gothic and roman architecture and collections of Dutch and Belgian art.

Weymouth is a British port city. It boasts a fine swimming beach, a scenic harbor, and a long and colorful history. King George III felt that swimming in the Weymouth waters helped his mental condition. Sailing, windsurfing, and fishing are also popular Weymouth activities. There is also golf, hiking, bicycle riding, and more in the area. Visit the Timewalk, Brewery Days, and Sea Life Park.

Fishguard, the site of the French invasion of Great Britain which took place in 1797, is now known as the gateway to Ireland. Walk along the coastal paths, relax on secluded beaches, and explore castles with panoramic views of Preseli Hills and the wooded glades of the Gwaun Valley.

Discover the relics of old Ireland on a port call to Dun Laoghaire, located only 15 minutes from Dublin. In Dublin, visit Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Tour the emerald countryside of Portmamock, and visit nearby Malahide Castle, or see the magnificent Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. Save time, too, for Dublin's colorful pubs, or a visit to the world-renowned Guinness brewery.