Northern Europe - Baltic, Scandinavia, North Cape, Germany, Iceland
Less than 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of the fjord that lent this former fishing mecca its name, sits the colorful town of Siglufjörður. Once the fishing capital of Iceland – and the herring capital of the world – the Siglufjörður of today is a welcoming town embraced by beautiful snowcapped peaks. The glaciated mountains and sandy black shores make for fabulous hiking, as the scenic beauty of the area is its greatest draw.
Known for its dramatic landscapes, Ísafjörður is the largest municipality in the Westfjords peninsula, a territory as rugged as it is beautiful and as dense with nature as it is sparse with people. A haven for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and birdwatching, Ísafjörður has its roots in the fishing industry, which remains an important part of the local economy. This means you’ll definitely want to stop into a local restaurant to try the day’s fresh catch.
The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður sits on on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula backed by snowcapped mountains in the distance. In the foreground just across the water stands the town’s landmark, Mount Kirkjufell, rising from the bay. The most photographed scene here is the picturesque waterfall nearby with the solitary, striated peak as a backdrop. A scenic coastal drive takes you to Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-crowned stratovolcano at its center.
The only town in Iceland that belongs to Cittaslow – an organization that emphasizes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and the promotion of local food culture – the tiny community of Djúpivogur welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Founded as a trading post in the 16th century, the town gets its name from the “deep cove” that provides excellent natural harbor conditions for fishing. Learn more in the cultural museum of Langabúð, housed in the town’s oldest building.
The capital and largest city of Finland, Helsinki is a rich cultural hub filled with museums, galleries and theaters, including the Ateneum’s collection of nearly 30,000 masterpieces of visual art. When Russia took control of Finland from Sweden in the 19th century, Helsinki was rebuilt with a neoclassical city center featuring handsome boulevards, plentiful parks and expansive squares with spectacular architecture, most notably Senate Square.
While you may not associate beaches with Norway, the resort town of Kristiansand proudly welcomes locals and vacationers to its Blue Flag beach of Bystranda. In another unexpected juxtaposition, Kristiansand is also known for its ice cream shops and beer pubs. In this easily walkable city, a stroll in any direction reveals cultural treasures and natural beauty. An impressive example of modern design, the Kilden Performing Arts Center overlooks the scenic waterfront and the prominent red roof of the Christiansholm Fortress.
On the southern coast of England and offshore Portsea Island stands the home of the British Royal Navy, the harbor city of Portsmouth. A proud naval heritage is evident in the Historic Dockyard where modern ships are moored alongside classics like Admiral Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, which defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar. The wreckage of Henry VIII’s Mary Rose, which capsized offshore in 1545, is displayed in a nearby museum, and on the southern tip of the island stands Southsea Castle, constructed in 1544 to defend those same waters.
Mere mention of the city of Liverpool conjures images of the Fab Four. With its massive collection of memorabilia, The Beatles Story is the centerpiece of the superbly restored Royal Albert Dock, where you’ll also find other fascinating attractions like the prestigious Tate Liverpool galleries and the poignant International Slavery Museum. Soccer fanatics won’t miss the chance to tour Anfield Stadium, home of the Liverpool Football Club.
Wild, rugged and undeniably beautiful, the Shetland Islands capital of Lerwick is an unspoiled destination as rewarding as it is remote. More than 5,000 years of island history are on display at the Shetland Museum, and 17th-century Fort Charlotte offers an excellent bird’s-eye view of the town. The Shetlands typically catch more fish than the entirety of England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, making this industry the heartbeat of Lerwick. Be sure to try some fresh cod, haddock or mackerel at a local eatery, and roasted lamb and mutton soup are popular dishes as well.
Kirkwall is the largest town on the Orkney Islands, a Scottish archipelago inhabited for more than 5,000 years. Dominating the skyline, 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral is a magnificent red-brick structure with a tower that provides phenomenal views of the harbor, and nearby you’ll find ruins of the 12th-century Bishop’s Palace and 17th-century Earl’s Palace. The Orkney Museum offers a fascinating look at the islands’ millennia of history, from the Stone Age to modern times, while prehistoric remnants of the past still stand in place today at the nearby settlement of Skara Brae.
