Escape to a fairytale world complete with waterfalls, walled cities and ancient stone castles. Discover the beauty of the preserved past and the wildness of nature in Northern Europe.
Northern Europe is as well-known for its picturesque cities as for its stunning landscapes. On The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s new Baltic cruises, you will be immersed in both, from the UNESCO Heritage city of Visby to the untamed majesty of the glacier-hewn terrain of Ísafjörður. We invite you to discover a charming world rife with history, beauty and unique experiences you won't have anywhere else.
Over the Mountains: Ísafjörður, Iceland
Ísafjörður was once Iceland's third-largest settlement and remains the largest town in the Westfjords. Start your day in Ísafjörður by visiting the Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you will be immersed in the history of the region, including the 18th-century timber building it is located in. You can take a shopping break on Aðalstræti, the town's main street, which has charming independent shops where you can pick up a souvenir such as a traditional wool sweater, a major Icelandic export.
But you probably want to spend as much of your time in Ísafjörður exploring the otherworldly landscape. The spectacular Dynjandi waterfall, seen above, the largest in the Westfjords, cascades over one hundred meters, making it one of the best-known and most awe-inspiring
Beyond the Wall: Visby, Sweden
What does it take for an entire town to be named a UNESCO Heritage site? In the case of Visby, Sweden, it is the best-preserved, fortified commercial city in Northern Europe. Built between the 12th to 14th centuries, Visby was the center of activity for the Hanseatic League (a medieval organization dedicated to the protection of merchant guilds and market towns). The Visby City Wall is 3.5 kilometers long and still contains multiple towers from the 12th century. Once inside the town, you can explore several medieval churches, including the Sankta Maria Cathedral with its towers topped with baroque cupolas.
The town itself is filled with winding cobblestone streets, pastel cottages and gardens. In the summer months, the Botanical Garden is a colorful spectacle of roses, tulips and other blooms that flourish in the surprisingly mild climate. Make time for a traditional Fika, the coffee ritual that happens during mid-day, with a cup of fresh brew and a pastry like the beloved kannebulle. Leva Kungslador is a sweet spot to partake, combining gardens, a shop and a cafe all in one.
Out of the Ashes: Ålesund, Norway
Ålesund was destroyed by a sweeping fire in 1904, and the rebuilding of the city that followed resulted in some of Europe's most important Art Nouveau architecture. The Art Nouveau museum Jugendstilsenteret is an ideal beginning to a walking tour of the city's most important buildings. If you are craving a bit more of an active way to see the Norwegian town, you can kayak through the fjords that run throughout the city, which is built on a row of islands extending out into the ocean.
For those who love a spectacular view, the 418 steps up to Fjellstua, the viewpoint over the city, is worth the climb. The vibrant colors of the city stand out against the shimmering blue waters, a jagged mountain landscape framing it in the background. Ålesund is also home to Norway's most important fishing harbor, which means that the specialty to eat is fish. For those would rather see ocean life than dine on it, take the three-kilometer trip out of the city center to Atlanterhavsparken, Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquarium.