Kiel to Copenhagen

Enjoy a picturesque 10-hour passage from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, between the city of Kiel and the mouth of the Elbe River. This great engineering achievement, completed in 1895, carves through the charming North German landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein.

Enjoy a picturesque 10-hour passage from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, between the city of Kiel and the mouth of the Elbe River. This great engineering achievement, completed in 1895, carves through the charming North German landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein.

Enjoy a picturesque 10-hour passage from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, between the city of Kiel and the mouth of the Elbe River. This great engineering achievement, completed in 1895, carves through the charming North German landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein.

Over a thousand years old, Trondheim is one of the oldest of Norway’s major cities. Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, and Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence and one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe. Enjoy stunning views of Trondheim Fjord from the Ringve Museum, home to a collection of more than 2,000 musical instruments.

In 1904 much of Ålesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period’s popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. An evening departure allows you plenty of time to explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Ålesund’s squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town’s rich fishing history and Norway’s contribution to World War II.

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, oil-rich Stavanger lies in southwestern Norway’s stunning fjord region. Old Stavanger has been meticulously preserved with many of its wooden cottages converted into art galleries and boutiques. But it’s the museums that set this cosmopolitan city apart. The Stavanger Museum alone consists of eight buildings exhibiting collections that include maritime, medical and printing artifacts. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy walking the nature trails along the banks of nearby Lysefjorden, a classic fjord, or beholding the amazing view of the countryside from Pulpit Rock.

Founded in 1641 near the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand once claimed the world’s largest fleet of sailing ships. Today the proud city exudes an energy that peaks in summer, when your ship calls. The Posebyen old quarter boasts a collection of historic wooden houses surrounded by shops and restaurants. Museums abound and include the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, which opened in 1828. Kristiansand Zoo, said to be Norway’s most visited attraction, covers 150 acres of Nordic terrain where animals like red pandas, moose and Bactrian camels roam in wide-open spaces.

Overlooking a gorgeous fjord, Norway’s capital and largest city simply radiates with natural beauty and sophistication. Oslo’s rich seafaring history is on display at the Viking Ships Museum, rivaled only by the Kon-Tiki Museum, which holds the balsawood raft that Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl used to sail from Peru to Polynesia. History aside, Oslo exudes a love of the outdoors in city parks like Vigeland, which is adorned with over 200 life-size sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. Much of Oslo is heavily forested with pines, making it one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Overlooking a gorgeous fjord, Norway’s capital and largest city simply radiates with natural beauty and sophistication. Oslo’s rich seafaring history is on display at the Viking Ships Museum, rivaled only by the Kon-Tiki Museum, which holds the balsawood raft that Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl used to sail from Peru to Polynesia. History aside, Oslo exudes a love of the outdoors in city parks like Vigeland, which is adorned with over 200 life-size sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. Much of Oslo is heavily forested with pines, making it one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Founded by Vikings in the first century, this historic city straddling the Limfjord Sound exhibits evidence of settlements dating as far back as 400 AD. Stroll through Gammeltorv, the oldest town square in the city, or take a tour of Jens Bang’s Stonehouse, a magnificent six-story mansion built in the 17th century. Step back in time to the Viking Age as you explore Lindholm Høje Museum, which includes an outdoor section with nearly 700 graves from the Viking and Iron ages.

See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.

See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.