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VIKING HOMELANDS Be

VIKING HOMELANDS Be enraptured by historic city centers, majestic fjords and fascinating cultural sights as you sail through the legendary waterways of Scandinavia and the Baltic 34 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE 2020

ITINERARY Stockholm, Sweden Spread over 14 islands, there is much to see and do in this vibrant waterside city. From the medieval Old Town, Gamla Stan—bursting with cafés, bars and shops—to worldclass museums and galleries showcasing Viking relics, ABBA props and modern art, there is something for everyone. Helsinki, Finland Known as the “White City of the North,” Helsinki wows with its magnificent 13-domed Uspenski Cathedral, charming cobbled streets and 18thcentury Suomenlinna Fortress. But it is also a city renowned for its groundbreaking design and enchanting green surroundings. St. Petersburg, Russia You would be hard-pressed to find a city more cultural than St. Petersburg. Intertwined with a network of canals and bridges, it boasts ornate architectural wonders such as the iconic Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood and the Winter Palace, home to the iconic Hermitage Museum. A trip into the countryside to visit the incredibly majestic Catherine Palace is also a must. Tallinn, Estonia Be transported back to medieval times in the meticulously restored streets of Old Town Tallinn. Highlights include the colossal Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the sumptuous baroque Kadriorg Palace and the Estonian Open Air Museum. Be sure to sample some marzipan, too, for this is where the sweet treat originated. Gdańsk, Poland Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles of architecture can be found in the remarkably restored Old Town of Gdańsk—one of the richest cities in the Hanseatic League of old. Stroll through the picturesque streets, visiting sights such as Malbork Castle, before feasting on traditional Polish pierogi dumplings. Berlin, Germany History-rich yet forwardthinking, Berlin is one of Europe’s greatest cultural capitals. Major attractions include the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz square, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. Plus, both Museum Island and the Holocaust Memorial provide deeper insight into Germany’s past. Copenhagen, Denmark Originally a Viking fishing village, today Copenhagen is a buzzing city of cool Danish design, cutting-edge cuisine and pristine waterways. Among the eclectic cultural offerings are Nyhavn (once home to Hans Christian Andersen), 17th-century Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Ålborg, Denmark Straddling both sides of Limfjord Sound, Ålborg was founded by the Vikings in the late 900s. At its heart is Nytorv Clockwise, from top left: Eigerøy Lighthouse, Stavanger; the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg; Copenhagen’s Nyhavn harbor; a statue of Ludvig Holberg, Bergen; a spectacular view over a fjord; Berlin’s Reichstag dome at sunset; the famous Little Mermaid statue, Copenhagen; salmon roe, a delicacy; Copenhagen’s Rosenborg Castle (New Square), where the Renaissance-style Jens Bang’s House and baroque-style Town Hall await. After exploring, stop for lunch along the lively Jomfru Ane Gade street. Stavanger, Norway Stavanger is widely referred to as the oil capital of the world. The city’s old quarter, Gamle Stavanger, is home to wonderfully preserved wooden buildings and the ideal place to begin your time in this pretty coastal town. But you will soon be drawn to the surrounding natural wonders, especially the Lysefjord with its famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock. Eidfjord, Norway Nestled amid one of Norway’s most scenic regions at the end of the Hardangerfjord, the village of Eidfjord offers both culture and dramatic scenery. Scale Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, for epic views, marvel at the soaring Vøringsfossen waterfall as it thunders into the Måbødalen valley below or visit the fruit orchards of Lofthus for a walk. Bergen, Norway Encircled by mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen enjoys a spectacular setting. Wander along Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ascend Mt. Ulriken and Mt. Fløien for magnificent vistas, discover excellent art museums and dine in first-rate restaurants. Go online: Watch a video of the Viking Homelands itinerary at voc.com/videos EXPLORE MORE 2020 VIKING.COM 35