Hidden Gems of Northern Europe

During the inaugural season in Northern Europe, Ilma sets sail for Baltic shores, remote archipelagos and Nordic villages, offering guests access to hidden gems and otherworldly vantage points. Here’s what not to miss.

Gdańsk, Poland: A Study in Ancient Architecture
Perched above the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea is the storied city of Gdańsk, which has been a veritable melting pot of cultures and traditions for nearly 1,000 years. Once a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, modern-day Gdańsk is a treasure trove of discoveries for history buffs and architecture aficionados. Hidden among the maze of streets are Gothic gems and majestic medieval buildings that provide a glimpse into the past, and at the heart of it all is St. Mary's Basilica, the largest Gothic temple in the world. Climb to the top of the belltower for a stunning view of the city below, and don’t miss the intricate detail of the enormous astronomical clock in the nave.

Featured itinerary: Copenhagen to Stockholm

Bergen, Norway: Where Scandinavian Charm Abounds
Perfectly situated between the two biggest fjords in Norway, Bergen may be best known as an ideal starting point for fjord exploration, but the town itself is one of Norway’s most beloved destinations thanks to its picturesque cobblestone lanes, colorful buildings and award-winning restaurants. The city’s historic wharf, Bryggen, brings the town’s history to life, and a stroll through the narrow alleyways feels like taking a step back in time to the Middle Ages

when this Hanseatic wharf was a center for trade between Norway and Europe. Hidden behind the iconic storefronts is a secret world of galleries and studios, where jewelers, artists and textile designers display their one-of-a-kind wares, and just down the road is the beloved Fish Market, which has been providing locals and visitors alike with freshly caught seafood since 1276.

Featured itinerary: Amsterdam to Copenhagen

Mariehamn, Finland: A Town Steeped in Maritime Heritage
Known by the locals as the world’s smallest metropolis, Mariehamn’s wooden houses and green parks provide an idyllic setting for a leisurely walk or bike ride. As the only town in Finland’s Åland Islands, Mariehamn’s history runs deep — it was once the home of the world’s largest fleet of oceanic sailing ships, and a stroll through the Maritime Quarter reveals the town’s seafaring past. Named Finland’s best museum in 2016, the Maritime Museum offers insight into the influence the sea has had on the remote region’s culture and history, as well as an impressive collection of handmade model ships. Moored beside the museum is one of the world's last merchant sailing ships, the Pommern, whose interactive exhibits place visitors in the heart of a 1930s voyage around the world.

Featured itinerary: Copenhagen to Stockholm

Stavanger, Norway: Majestic Fjords and Well-Preserved History
White sandy beaches, colorful wooden houses and an enthralling food scene have made Stavanger a favorite destination of savvy travelers in recent years, but there is so much more to this Nordic town than just fodder for your Instagram feed. As one of the few urban centers in the region not destroyed by fires or World War II, Stavanger has managed to retain a wealth of historic treasures. Gamle Stavanger, with its cobbled streets and well-preserved 18th-century homes, is one the largest surviving settlements of wooden houses in northern Europe, and nearby, the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral stands in similarly unspoiled condition. But for all the town’s urban charms, its most popular attraction lies a bit farther afield, as the vivid blue waters and soaring cliffs of the iconic Lysefjord stretch for 26 miles beyond the town, beckoning explorers from around the world.

Featured itinerary: Amsterdam to Copenhagen