Cruising in Northern Europe

Like Australians and New Zealanders, the people here have a passion for and empathy with the outdoors – and with such unique and exquisite scenery, it’s not difficult to see why. From the crystalline waters of Norway’s dramatic fjords to the region’s primeval forests, remote tundra and the colossal glaciers of the Arctic Circle, these are glorious landscapes that are laid out beneath the contrast-laden theatre of the ‘midnight sun’ and the ethereal, dancing colours of the Aurora Borealis.

Colourful villages and towns pepper the landscape and coalesce centuries of traditional rural crafts and heritage with the sophisticated culture found in Northern Europe’s capital cities. The Baltic beauties of Tallinn and Riga each have their own distinct style and offer unique and manageable medieval journeys on foot, along narrow cobbled streets that reveal new gems around each corner.

The islanded capitals of cosmopolitan Helsinki and Stockholm provide a dazzling and thriving mix of contemporary and historic architecture, art and culture – and, like Copenhagen and Reykjavik, come with a relaxed character and a real sense of space and fresh air that’s difficult to find in other major European cities.

Whether it’s exploring these wild remote ice-scapes in search of Arctic wildlife or gently ambling among the jewels of downtown harbours, the best time to embark is during the European summer months, when the choice of itineraries as at its most profuse. Ship-line options, too, are vast and varied, ranging from intimate and lovable former ice-breakers that really get in among it, to the vast and latest in grand-liner comfort. Whichever option you take, Northern Europe is a region in which romance, adventure and culture get equal billing and the surrounding landscapes truly take centre stage.

Here are some of the best ports in Northern Europe

Tallinn

Estonia’s capital city is only 85 kilometres across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki. Founded in 1154 and an important trading port of the Hanseatic League, Tallinn, under Soviet rule, was a world away from its neighbouring European counterparts. Since gaining independence, Tallinn has become a thriving bastion of capitalism, blending sleek Scandinavian style, medieval mazes and dowdy Soviet concrete buildings. Art and music are held in high esteem in this city, with both the KUMU and Kadriorg Art museums particularly worthy of your time, while the opera house is a real pride and joy.

Reykjavík

While glaciers, geysers, hot springs and volcanoes are the exotic attractions that have traditionally drawn tourists to Iceland, the capital, Reykjavik, has carved out quite a niche for itself as a destination. Looked over by Mount Esja, the city’s predominantly wooden buildings, connected by small streets, can be appreciated from on high. One of the best vantage points is offered by The Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrim’s Church). First-timers looking for insight into Iceland’s history and psyche can find it within Reykjavik City Museum the National Museum of Iceland and the capital’s fine collection of art museums.

Stockholm

The largest of the Baltic ports and arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Stockholm is cool, cosmopolitan and cultured. Built across 14 islands connected by 50 bridges, each of the city’s islands has developed its own, distinctive identity: boho Södermalm is characterised by small shops, cafés and alternative bars; Gamla Stan is the captivating Old Town with medieval structures dating back to the 13th century; Stureplan is the nucleus of contemporary Stockholm, attracting the fashionable and well-to-do to its expensive boutiques; while the island of Djurgården is home to museums and parklands.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most visited parts of the world. The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are lots of different places to visit, from London, the capital of the UK, which is a hotspot for fine food, great shopping and a bustling night life, to Douglas on Isle of Man, which is a sleepy town famous for its water wheels and horse-drawn tram (one of only two left in the world). Other historic places to visit include Edinburgh, which is steeped in history and hosts festivals throughout the year including the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, and Newcastle, once a heavily industrialised town and is now one of the UK’s funkiest cities. Lines such as P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises call at Southampton, one of the worlds biggest ports. Visitors will be able to see ships on Southampton waters year round. The UK also has major airports where you can catch connecting flights to river cruise destinations in France, Germany and Hungary.

Germany

Since World War II, Germany has transformed itself into one of the world’s great holiday destinations, especially for cruisers. There are lots of ocean cruise destinations and beautiful river ports. One of the ocean-port highlights is Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city. It was one of the major medieval cities in Europe and now the city has a thriving arts scene. Ocean cruisers can also visit Kiel, one the traditional homes of the German Navy’s Baltic fleet. Kiel’s Holstenstraße is one of the country’s longest shopping streets. Lines such as AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Costa Cruises and Crystal Cruises frequently sail around Germany. River lovers can cruise down the Rhine and the Elbe to experience some of inland Germany. When travelling on the Rhine, cruisers can stop in Berlin, the capital of Germany and one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. Some of the major tourist attractions include the Brandenburg Gate and parts of the Berlin Wall. Another destination worth visiting is Dresden, which is known for its water meadows and green space. While cruising down the Rhine, expect to stop at Dusseldorf and Cologne.

France

Rich in culture and heritage, France is one of the most visited countries in the world. As well as a long list of ocean lines, including Seabourn, Cunard, P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, that call at ports along the coast, France is popular for river cruising. River cruise lines such as Viking, APT, Scenic and Evergreen sail the Rhone, Saone and Seine rivers and guests can sample the best wine, truffles, cheese, breads and other produce along the way. It’s a gastronomic delight. Cruises along the Seine carry passenger into the heart the romantic City of Light, Paris. Famed for its fashion and food, this is the place to shop for iconic labels like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Marseille is the largest port for ocean cruise lines. It is known for its beautiful architecture and relaxing, resort-style vibe. Bouillabaisse, a tomato-based broth with seafood, is a specialty in Marseille. Another major cruise destinations is Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean, known for its idyllic beaches and seaside cafes and restaurants.