A Journey Through Northern Europe’s Cultural Jewels

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.

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.

Århus is Denmark's second-largest city, and, with its funky arts and college community, one of the country's most pleasant. Cutting through the center of town is a canal called the Århus Å (Århus Creek). It used to run underground, but was uncovered a few years ago. Since then, an amalgam of bars, cafés, and restaurants has sprouted along its banks. At all hours of the day and night this waterfront strip is abuzz with crowds that hang out on the outdoor terraces and steps that lead down to the creek.The VisitÅrhus tourist office has information about the Århus Passport, which includes passage on buses, free or discounted admission to the 12 most popular museums and sites in the city, and tours.

The beautiful harbour town of Rønne is housed on the rocky island of Bornholm, home to narrow streets lined with merchant timber houses and small craft shops proudly displaying creative passion. Gently stroll to the heart of the art scene at Hjorths Fabrik museum and join workshops to create your own ceramic artefacts. In contrast to the bustling harbour, discover the fascinating street food market and cruise across waters in a private yacht. Charming and romantic, use a bike and roll around this pretty town at your own pace.

Romantic and revered, Tallinn boasts one of the best-preserved UNESCO old towns bursting with medieval magic. Hundreds of years of conquests and cross-culture history all fuel its current burgeoning status as one of Europe’s most desirable jewels. Stoll cobbled alleys; squeeze through St. Catherine’s Passage; scout the 13th century Toompea Castle. Hop two wheels to explore the national park and shore then have a Soviet flashback in the posh Kadriorg Palace (built for Catherine I) or below the black domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Helsinki fuses urban design with a nourishing dose of nature. Nordic architecture merges with an archipelago of over 300 islands, an eco-friendly farm and a National Park. Roam to neighbouring Haikko, cook on a private island, fly by helicopter, feed reindeer and seek wellbeing in verdant Finnish forests. Sustainability is central to Helsinki, where wellbeing thrives with small ponds, inviting beaches, kayaking prospects and coastal walks. And whilst Helsinki sets the pace for carbon neutrality, your rhythm remains slow. With plentiful saunas, rest assured that there’s enough heat to go round in this energy efficient city.

Spanning 14 islands, more than 50 bridges and many more museums, Sweden’s capital is naturally known as the ‘Venice of the North’. Gently pedal on a cultural discovery of this Baltic Sea archipelago; tread the cobblestone streets to the iconic city hall, the world’s first open air museum, the adored ABBA exhibition, and the royal family residence of Drottningholm where the opera house still retains original stage machinery. Heighten your interest with two other UNESCO heritage sites, a woodland cemetery and the archaeological site of Birka. Dine at the Hornhuset district, perhaps only after strolling small streets that narrow to 90cm at Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. And for further sustenance, wander down to fashionable Strandvagen Boulevard and open-air Hornstull Marknad for new and vintage goods.

Spanning 14 islands, more than 50 bridges and many more museums, Sweden’s capital is naturally known as the ‘Venice of the North’. Gently pedal on a cultural discovery of this Baltic Sea archipelago; tread the cobblestone streets to the iconic city hall, the world’s first open air museum, the adored ABBA exhibition, and the royal family residence of Drottningholm where the opera house still retains original stage machinery. Heighten your interest with two other UNESCO heritage sites, a woodland cemetery and the archaeological site of Birka. Dine at the Hornhuset district, perhaps only after strolling small streets that narrow to 90cm at Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. And for further sustenance, wander down to fashionable Strandvagen Boulevard and open-air Hornstull Marknad for new and vintage goods.

Visit Visby on the island of Gotland for authentic Swedish riches. Well-preserved walls protect the city and set the scene for what lies within. You’ll be warmly welcomed with cuisine, culture, nature and Viking archaeology. With a long history and UNESCO World Heritage ruins dating back to the 12th century, this orderly medieval town rejoices in being one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved towns. Roam peaceful streets on foot or by bike to boutiques selling warm woollens for winter and shelves laden with local crafts. Visit the lengthy Lummelunda Cave in a nature reserve, experience the traditional Swedish coffee ritual and taste beer at the local brewery. Soak up the history and atmosphere in well-groomed Visby for a slice of time gone by.

Compact yet richly packed with Soviet history and architectural charms, there’s plenty to explore in Riga with its UNESCO-acclaimed medieval old town, where cobbled streets wind up at colourful squares. Gaze at the wonderful eclectic buildings, from gothic and baroque, to innovative art nouveau. Listen to the Latvian National Opera, drink age old liqueur seasoned with 24 herbs, or find plenty of personal space on the 20-mile stretch of fine, sandy beaches. Build up an appetite whilst bartering at Riga’s flavourful Central Market. Then step down into cosy restaurants that serve up hearty Latvian truffle and seafood dishes. Known as the Pearl of Latvia, it’s easy to understand why.

On the shores of the Baltic Sea lies the oldest city in Lithuania, complete with legends and fables. Visit museums and quaint fishing villages, admire beautiful weathervanes and Thomas Mann’s home. Head for the UNESCO Curonian Spit and get back to basics in Nida, bird watch in Kretinga and stand tall on Europe’s highest sand dunes. Breathe deep in a relaxing sauna to rejuvenate body and soul before tasting dried and smoked fish with sides of potato. And as you slowly sip Lithuanian beer, you’ll go with the flow hearing sober soviet history and fascinating Baltic tales of fairies. Described as a shining water land, feel safe in the knowledge that Klaipėda’s own mermaid protects her city from danger, whilst the River Dangė provides strength.

Delve into Poland’s ‘city of freedom’ with intriguing architecture and its tempestuous history. Visit old St Mary’s Church, delve into Chopin’s heritage and relax with an organ recital. Walk the 500-metre length of the town's heart - Dlugi Targ - to visit statues, murals, churches and observe classic Polish men and women amassing on benches. Step back in time to discover the events leading up to the Second World War and the fall of communism. Visit vital accounts of Polish history in museums and brace as you venture to a concentration camp. Reflect on a lighter ambiance to quench your thirst with amber tea in customary cafes or choose one of the 30 bars on ‘beer street’ if you need something a little stronger. Seek views for miles from the Town Hall bell tower, tread aboard a private boat tour on the Motlawa River and visit one of the largest castles in the world. And if that wasn’t enough, Gdańsk is the place to go for dumplings.