A Journey Through Nordic Fjords & North Atlantic Isles

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and - of course - flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming... rather like the smiles of those that live here.

Nested deep between towering mountains are narrow valleys, a mile-deep fjord and a little village called Flåm. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, visit the Borgund Stave Church museum or board the astonishing Flåmsbana train, often titled the world's most beautiful rail journey. Climb aboard and witness waterfalls, fjords and farms so remote you wonder how they got there. Fish, cycle or experience a RIB safari through the slender Nærøyfjord - part of the UNESCO world heritage - as you appreciate the surreal landscape. Head into the abyss on the dramatic Stegastein, or - for the less adventurous but no less curious - sip homemade specialties at the local brewery.

Slowly explore this tiny harbour town surrounded by rugged Scottish terrain and native wildflowers. Wander to historical ruins, archaeological sites, the Shetland Croft House Museum and step back in time in the ancient capital, Scalloway. Amble along Da Street for local boutiques and listen to Celtic music where fiddlers tell tuneful tales. View the stunning Shetland archipelago as you spot porpoises, otters and seals. And then there’s the ponies – animated short-legged, long fringed caricatures – like Lerwick, they’re hardy yet gentle.

Quiet and unassuming, this charming town offers an abundance of authentic experiences. Located along one of the region’s largest fjords, discover museums, galleries, the northernmost botanical garden and nearly- northernmost golf course. Take to the skies for the ultimate view or watch the scenery unfold as you raft down a glacial canyon. Sink into a beer bath, ride Icelandic horses or visit the waterfall of Gods. Something of a bathing mecca, refresh in the town’s geothermal swimming pool, soak up hot spring minerals within My’vatn Nature Baths and encounter incredible views as you let the warm sea work miracles at the restorative GeoSea baths. Wellbeing personified.

Feel free within the peaceful, beautiful countryside that surrounds a handful of tin-roofed towns. Roam the wild Westfjords territory; whale watch, bird watch, kayak, horseback ride, hike, cycle or play golf – the options are endless. Learn of maritime heritage at the Westfjords Museum, travel by boat to the remote Hornstrandir peninsula, visit friendly fishing villages, spot Arctic foxes and experience life as a Viking at Skalinn Viking Centre. Small and unspoilt, Isafjordur exhibits a largely uninhabited Icelandic wonderland.

Feel the magnetic lure of adventure at the world’s northernmost capital. Mystical landscapes promise dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, ice fields and mountains for thrilling quests; explore by helicopter, ride Icelandic horses, zip through lava tunnels on super trucks and rocket across glaciers on snow scooters. Then slow down to visit a geothermal-fired bakery and greenhouse, soak in wellbeing springs, the blue lagoon or refresh at the nearby face mask bar. And as the nightlife beckons under the sun that barely sets, drink black death schnapps as a poetic reminder of Reykjavik’s exhilarating activities.

Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

A flawless illustration of a small coastal Nordic village. Set on fertile ground between a deep fjord and high mountains, impressive waterfalls cascade through polished rock. Not only astoundingly exquisite, Hellesylt holds a long and rich history. Wind your way to sustainable Geiranger where lush vegetation grows, wild waterfalls flow and snow-covered mountains shelter deserted farms. Catch your breath as you walk on air at Geiranger Skywalk for the best views of Europe’s jewel of all fjords. Wherever you weave, you’ll find inner peace and preservation in this deeply sacred site of Mother Nature’s innocence and quiet.

Lovingly known as the ‘heart of the fjords’, this city nestled between seven mountains has plenty to live up to. Burrowed between the mighty Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord fjords – the biggest in Norway – the sensational beauty of Bergen is best appreciated from the top of the funicular, Fløibanen. Flightsee around the peak for a summit advantage to enjoy panoramic views of this city’s beauty. Hike to Fløyen or mountain bike to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Bryggen, before winding down to the sound of calming piano recitals honouring Edvard Grieg Troldhaugen. Raft, crab, kayak or head to a local farm. With lungs full of fresh air and hearts full of love, sink into seafood heaven at the historic fish market to consume mouth-watering Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and customary persetorsk.

Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.