Natalie’s Top 5: Destinations to Visit on a Northern Europe Cruise

Breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences await on a Northern Europe cruise. From the misty fjords of Norway to the medieval architecture of Scotland, a journey across Northern Europe offers something for adventure seekers, foodies and history buffs alike.

 With so many incredible destinations across Northern Europe, planning a holiday here can be daunting! That’s why we love cruising, as it allows you to see more of the region in one unforgettable holiday experience! Here are five of our favourite destinations to visit while cruising Northern Europe – we hope it inspires you to start planning your next cruise!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Embark on a Scandinavian cruise to discover the treasures of Copenhagen. Steeped in history and culture, Copenhagen is a striking city rich in world-class galleries, renowned restaurants and must-visit landmarks. Spend your day in port strolling (or cycling, as the locals do!) around the city’s cobbled streets and colourful neighbourhoods, checking out iconic sights along the way.

Speaking of iconic sights, Copenhagen is home to several. Wander the waterfront entertainment district of Nyhavn, where you’ll find colourfully painted buildings that house restaurants, bars and cafes – perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. Another must-visit spot in Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens, a historic theme park bursting with rides, games, and shows. Having opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world.

If history and culture are more your thing, be sure to visit Christiansborg Palace. Once the home of Danish Royalty, this ornate castle now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of State. Here, you can walk through gilded staterooms and decorated salons, some of which are still used by the Royal Family today.

Bergen, Norway

Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is a must-visit on any Norway cruise. The second-largest city in Norway, Bergen offers the perfect blend of urban attractions and breathtaking natural beauty. Boasting a picturesque harbour lined with colourful timber architecture and surrounded by misty mountains, Bergen is, put simply, postcard-perfect.

By far the most iconic sight in Bergen is the colourful façade of Bryggen. This old Hanseatic wharf was first established in the 14^th century and today is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bryggen is a lovely area to explore, with plenty of eateries, boutiques and museums – including a secret World War II hideout museum – to duck into.

Since locals call Bergen the ‘City Between Seven Mountains’, it would be a shame to visit without ascending at least one of them. The most easily accessible is Fløyen, which can be reached in less than eight minutes via the Fløibanen railway line. The views over Bergen and the surrounding mountain peaks and fjords will take your breath away.

Tallinn, Estonia

Cruise to the enchanting city of Tallinn on a Baltic voyage. With medieval stone walls, tall spires and stunning Hanseatic architecture, the capital of Estonia will leave you in awe. Visit Tallinn for an intriguing glimpse into Eastern European cultural traditions, cuisine and history.

Tallinn Old Town is the crowning jewel of the city, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1997. Enter through the Viru Gates, which were once part of the city’s 14^th-century defence system, before exploring dozens of narrow cobbled alleyways. For the best view of Tallinn, head to the Kohtuotsa viewing platform, where you’ll be treated to unobstructed vistas of the harbour, bell towers and terracotta roof tiles.

To discover a different side of Tallinn, why not visit the Estonian Open Air Museum, located just 15 minutes from the city centre? Showcasing the country’s rural architecture and way of life, this reconstructed historical village has daily tours, where you can ride horses, purchase local handicrafts and try traditional Estonian dishes. This underrated city is sure to be a highlight of your Northern Europe cruise!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Set sail on a breathtaking Nordic cruise to experience the pristine city of Reykjavik. Although one of the smallest and most remote capitals in the world, Reykjavik offers a wealth of cultural, gastronomical and visual experiences. While docked in Reykjavik, you’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors, discovering the beauty of this Nordic city and its stunning surroundings.

No visit to Reykjavik is complete without visiting the iconic Blue Lagoon. Famed for its milky-blue waters and surrounding black lava fields, this geothermal spa is easily the most popular attraction in Iceland. Simply put on your favourite swimsuit and relax in the pure, mineral-rich baths – with a year-round temperature of 39 degrees, the Blue Lagoon is perfect for bathing!

Another must-do while docked in Reykjavik is the scenic Golden Circle route, which takes you to Iceland’s most beautiful natural landmarks, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. Plus, the Golden Circle can easily be seen in a half-day trip, making it the perfect way to see more of Iceland during your Northern Europe cruise.

Edinburgh, Scotland 

You can’t visit Northern Europe without discovering the British Isles. Cruise to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where imposing castles, atmospheric cobbled lanes and intriguing history await. Whether you’re into royal history, contemporary art or pub crawls, Edinburgh has something to excite everyone who visits.

Begin your port day in Edinburgh with a stroll down the Royal Mile, a World Heritage Site within the Old Town. A Scots mile-long (slightly longer than a regular mile), the Royal Mile connects two royal residences and is lined with a vast range of visitor attractions, shops and boutiques, restaurants, cafes and pubs. End your stroll at Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll be enraptured by the Scottish Crown Jewels and enthralled by the riveting history of the castle.

If you have a taste for whisky, we also suggest heading to the Scotch Whisky Experience to learn everything about whisky making. This immersive experience is sure to engage all of your senses, with highlights that include viewing the world’s largest collection of single malts and even tasting a few of them! Edinburgh will surely be a highlight of your British Isle cruise.

Find your perfect Northern Europe Cruise today

If you’re looking to discover the cultural and natural treasures of Northern Europe, My Cruises offers a range of perfectly packaged, exclusive Northern Europe cruise discoveries. The team start by hand-selecting the best Northern Europe cruises, then package them with inclusions like flights, pre and post-cruise discoveries, luxury upgrades, scenic rail journeys and so much more. It’s all part of the My Cruises difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

You can check out My Cruises’ collection of breathtaking Northern Europe cruises here.

– Natalie Gruzlewski, Travel Expert