Treasures of the Baltics: Norway to Stockholm

Your journey begins in the World Heritage-listed city of Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that dates to the 12th century. Surrounded by seven hills and with colourful buildings lining the harbour, it’s considered one of the prettiest cities in Norway.

Board Scenic Eclipse II this afternoon and be warmly welcomed by the Captain and your crew. Meet your butler and settle into your spacious suite. Join your fellow guests for a glass of champagne in the Observatory Lounge as you set sail this evening.

Please book your flight to arrive into Bergen prior to 02:00 PM.

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

Egersund, a scenic town on Norway’s southwestern coast in Rogaland, charms visitors with its maritime history, natural beauty and lively cultural atmosphere. The town is particularly known for its long-standing ceramic tradition, which has been flourishing since the 19th century, alongside opportunities to explore coastal landscapes and local heritage.

Like a painter’s palette, the former industrial town of Egersund unveils its colours as if to better charm its passing visitors. Its small wooden houses, among the best conserved in Norway, certainly display colourful façades that distinguish them from the other municipalities of the southern Norwegian coast, which opted for white at a time when this was a sign of wealth. Admire the façades of Strandgaten, the former main street of the town, and wander the old district of Hauen, which is now full of cafés, galleries and boutiques. Also make a detour to the Heidningeholmen Church, whose foundations date back to the 17th century, and dive into Egersund’s past.

Rise up reinvigorated and start your day with a coffee delivered by your butler or enjoy a delightful breakfast in the Yacht Club.

Sail through the serene Oslo Fjord, a gateway to Norway’s vibrant capital, where scenic islands, lush forests, and charming coastal villages leave a lasting impression. Arriving this afternoon, the ship will dock for an overnight stay, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Oslo’s unique blend of modern culture and rich heritage. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the striking Opera House to the historic Akershus Fortress or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of its waterfront.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

Today, discover Lillesand, the sparkling ‘Jewel of Sørlandet’. Stroll along its picturesque harbour, admire the historic white timber houses, browse local shops and relax in charming cafés. Take in the stunning coastal views and enjoy the serene maritime atmosphere that makes this town unforgettable.

Scandinavia’s largest port and Sweden’s ‘second city’, Gothenburg is a vibrant centre with a rich maritime heritage and modern sophistication. Explore its picturesque canals, historic architecture and dynamic cultural scene. Its gritty industrial area has been transformed in recent years, with warehouses turned into art galleries and chic boutiques. Visit the excellent Gothenburg Maritime Museum and stroll the streets of the charming Haga district, filled with picturesque wooden houses. Savour culinary delights at the famous fish market, Feskekôrka, or visit one of the six Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.

Don't tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden's "second city," but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler "Gothenburg") home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you'll forget, too. You'll find it's easier to ask what Göteborg hasn't got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country's best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There's plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers' houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don't forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the "Swedish Chef of the Year" competition winners were cooking in Göteborg.

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’.

Today, we arrive in Binz, a picturesque seaside resort on Rügen, Germany’s largest island. Nestled along the Baltic Sea, Binz is famed for its white sand beaches, elegant 19th-century villas, and classic spa-town charm. Stroll along the Kurhaus Binz and its lively promenade, visit local galleries and museums, or unwind while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. Follow a coastal walk with breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, or venture into Jasmund National Park, home to the iconic Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) chalk cliffs and ancient beech forests.

One of the oldest cities in Poland, Gdansk dates to the 10th century and has long been at the crossroads of cultures trading across the Baltic Sea. The city was almost completely destroyed during WWII and the old town was painstakingly rebuilt to capture its former beauty. The vibrant facades are adorned with intricate details, while craft shops and boutique amber jewellers offer tempting treasures. The Church of Saint-Mary showcases the city's rich heritage, while the Long Market square features the Artus Court and the Gdansk History Museum.

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.

Come ashore at Visby and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale. This World Heritage-listed town on the island of Gotland is an exquisite example of Hanseatic architecture and its well-preserved medieval streets will transport you to another time. Explore its narrow laneways lined with timbered houses, winding rose bushes and ancient churches. Marvel at the grand Visby Cathedral, dating to the 13th century, and walk along the striking city walls. There’s also a fascinating Viking history to uncover, with hundreds of graves and treasure hordes discovered near the harbour.

Gotland is Sweden's main holiday island, a place of ancient history, a relaxed summer-party vibe, wide sandy beaches, and wild cliff formations called raukar (the remnants of reefs formed more than 400 million years ago). Measuring 125 km (78 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) at its widest point, Gotland is where Swedish sheep farming has its home. In its charming glades, 35 varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from all over the world.

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland Island, an autonomous region of Finland. Explore its quaint streets adorned with colourful wooden houses or stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade. Admire the historic ships at the Maritime Quarter, including the four-masted sailing vessel Pommern, and visit the excellent Aland Maritime Museum.

After lunch, Scenic Eclipse II will cruise through the breathtaking Stockholm Archipelago, made up of more than 30,000 islands and islets. Arriving in Stockholm, enjoy an early dinner at one of up to 10 all-inclusive world-class dining experiences on board and prepare to explore tomorrow.

The Swedish-speaking city of Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. The archipelago spans approximately 6,700 islands and lies halfway between Finland and Sweden. The compact city center sits between two harbors and offers a number of restaurants, cafes and shops. A haven for outdoor activities, it is an ideal location to explore the region by land or by sea. The city’s Viking heritage is a celebrated treasure; each year, Mariehamn hosts the annual Viking Market, one of the largest of its kind in Scandinavia.

Cruising through the Stockholm Archipelago is one of the most scenic highlights of a Baltic voyage. Comprising around 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries, this stunning coastal landscape showcases charming red cottages, historic lighthouses, dense pine forests, and sparkling waterways. As the ship navigates the narrow channels, guests can relax on deck while enjoying breathtaking views and watching local boats pass by. The peaceful journey offers a memorable introduction to Sweden's natural beauty and maritime heritage before arriving in the vibrant city of Stockholm.

Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden's capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm's 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.