Spirit of Discovery - December 21, 2023

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.

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.

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.

Rostock is an important seaport and, with nearby Warnemunde, constitutes one of the major shipping centers of Germany. A number of old churches, including Saint Nicholas' Church, dating from the middle of the 13th century, and Saint Mary's Church, a Gothic structure begun in 1398, are located here. The Gothic city hall was also built in the 14th century.

Kiel is a city in north central Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein, a port on an arm of the Baltic Sea, at the eastern entrance of the Nord-Ostsee (or Kiel) Canal. The city has been noted as a port since the 10th century because of its excellent harbor, which is a tideless fjord. The city has a university and is a popular center for pleasure boating.

Arhus, Denmark, bills itself as the World's Smallest Big City. Arhus takes pride in being home to the only Women's Museum in the world. Visit the open-air urban museum known as Den Gamle By, complete with winding cobblestone streets. For the young at heart, the Tivoli Friheden amusement park is a must-see. The city is alive with music, featuring live tango, classical, jazz, and more.

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.

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.