Stockholm to Leith

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of Gamla Stan (the old town) are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum, which focuses on the Nobel Prize. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, is the country’s cultural hub. It retains its walled, cobblestoned Old Town, home to cafes and shops, as well as Kiek in de Kök, a 15th-century defensive tower. Its Gothic Town Hall, built in the 13th century and with a 64m-high tower, sits in historic Tallinn’s main square. St. Nicholas Church is a 13th-century landmark exhibiting ecclesiastical art.

Helsinki, la capitale du Sud de la Finlande, se trouve sur une péninsule du golfe de Finlande. Son avenue centrale, Mannerheimintie, est flanquée d’institutions, dont le Musée national, qui retrace l’histoire finlandaise de l’âge de pierre à nos jours. L’imposante maison du Parlement et le musée d’art contemporain Kiasma se trouvent également sur Mannerheimintie. La cathédrale Uspenski, en brique rouge ornée, surplombe un port.

Helsinki, la capitale du Sud de la Finlande, se trouve sur une péninsule du golfe de Finlande. Son avenue centrale, Mannerheimintie, est flanquée d’institutions, dont le Musée national, qui retrace l’histoire finlandaise de l’âge de pierre à nos jours. L’imposante maison du Parlement et le musée d’art contemporain Kiasma se trouvent également sur Mannerheimintie. La cathédrale Uspenski, en brique rouge ornée, surplombe un port.

Gdańsk (Danzig in German) is a port city on the Baltic coast of Poland. At the center of its Main Town, reconstructed after WWII, are the colorful facades of Long Market, now home to shops and restaurants. Nearby is Neptune Fountain, a 17th-century symbol of the city topped by a bronze statue of the sea god. Gdańsk is also a center for the world’s amber trade; boutiques throughout the city sell the ossified resin.

Bornholm is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea off the south coast of Sweden. In its north are the clifftop ruins of Hammershus, a medieval castle. By the jagged Helligdomsklipperne rocks near the town of Gudhjem, Bornholm Art Museum shows the work of painters attracted by the island’s natural light. West, in the port town of Rønne, Bornholm Museum reflects 10,000 years of local history, including the WWII occupation

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It’s linked to Malmo in southern Sweden by the Öresund Bridge. Indre By, the city’s historic center, contains Frederiksstaden, an 18th-century rococo district, home to the royal family’s Amalienborg Palace. Nearby is Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by gardens and home to the crown jewels.

Haugesund est une municipalité située sur la mer du Nord dans le comté de Rogaland, en Norvège. Bien que la population soit plus importante dans la municipalité voisine de Karmøy, le principal centre commercial et économique de la région de Haugaland dans le Nord du Rogaland et le Sud du Vestland se trouve à Haugesund.

Ålesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. There are panoramic views of Ålesund’s architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout.

Olden is a village and urban area in the municipality of Stryn in Vestland county, Norway. Olden is located at the mouth of the Oldeelva river at the northern end of the Oldedalen valley on the southern shore of the Nordfjorden.

Bergen is a city on Norway’s southwestern coast. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. Bryggen features colorful wooden houses on the old wharf, once a center of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. The Fløibanen Funicular goes up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views and hiking trails. The Edvard Grieg House is where the renowned composer once lived.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.