Seven Seas Splendor - July 10, 2023

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.

Beautifully preserved medieval walls and towers still stand tall in the Old Town section, shadowed by the hilltop Toompea Castle. Stroll and shop along cobblestone streets, walk up to the Baroque Palace, and drop in at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and find inspiration in the gleaming mosaics and tiles. This is, by far, one of the most atmospheric locales in Europe.

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.

Situated on the Swedish isle of Gotland, Hanseatic Visby was one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Today quaint homes and churches huddle together inside 13th-century walls. In former times, it was called "the city of ruins and roses," for along with its rose-covered churches, there is one somber sight - Gallows Hill, a place of execution so villains "might die looking at the loveliest spot on earth."

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 green countryside is bright with flowers, and children dance in folk costumes on the bannered dock. The Swedes provide a friendly welcome here. Across the narrow Oresund sound stands Elsinore, the Danish castle that inspired Shakespeare's setting for Hamlet.

Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently selected as the city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures: beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the emotional power of the Munch Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, forested mountains and secluded coves, all within the city limits.

Stavanger, the southern gateway to the Fjordlands, is also the home port of much of the fleet that serves the North Sea oil fields. Visit for historical investigation or to soak up the majesty of the natural terrain. View its medieval Cathedral and other highlights of the town or travel out to Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking vista high above the fjords.

From the waterfront of Molde, the City of Roses, look up and count the snowcapped peaks that encircle you. Listen to the magical sound of fiddles playing, while children dance in traditional, brightly ribboned clothing. Lovely farms and old homes make up this quaint little town. You'll understand why Vikings chose this place to settle.

One of the highlights of the fjordland, tiny Hellesylt lies at the head of Sunnylvenfjord. Near the village, a glacier-fed stream plunges over the sheer granite face of the fjord, cascading in thousands of feet of rainbows and foam. This majestic area, with its breathtaking glaciers and mountain lakes, inspired Henrik Ibsen's immortal drama, Brand.

You will never forget sailing into the grandest fjord in all Scandinavia. The waters are glassy and lacy waterfalls dance down from dizzying heights on either side. Tiny farms cling impossibly to sheer mountainsides. And at the end is a friendly town and a roadway to the crest of the mountain called Eagle's Nest, for a bird's eye view of the waterway seen from the sky.

Sweden's second city, Gothenburg - situated on the country's west coast - has a magnificent harbour and a brilliant showpiece boulevard. The most popular attraction in Sweden, Liseberg is one of the world's best amusement parks. Gothenburg is easily accessible by air, bus, train and boat and, once you're there, a bunch of spanking new hostels in the city center awaits your weary head.

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, and travelers find it incredibly charming. For historical interest, explore the streets of Christianborg and Amelienborg palaces. Leisure seekers can stroll the streets or lounge in the cafes of Stroget. Visit Tivoli Gardens, too, and don't forget to see the statue of the Little Mermaid, a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen.