Northern Europe: Our Top Four Ports To Visit

• City & Scenery: Combine the cosmopolitan buzz of Amsterdam and Copenhagen with the breathtaking natural grandeur of the Norwegian Fjords.

• Cultural Icons: Visit the home of ABBA in Stockholm, cycle through Copenhagen, or pay your respects at the Anne Frank House.

• Action Packed: From the world's highest swing in Amsterdam to the longest zipline in the Nordics, there is plenty for thrill-seekers too.

The Northern Europe cruise region is vast, spanning from the British Isles to the tip of Scandinavia, and stretching as far east as Finland. Today, cruise ships visit an astonishing seventeen countries in this region!

Although a single cruise holiday won't cover every location, itineraries here are often packed with adventure, commonly stopping at a different port every single day.

With such a wide diversity of stunning scenery, fascinating culture, and magnificent architecture on offer, choosing which itinerary to book can be tough.

To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of our four favourite ports to help you decide where to visit on your next cruise adventure.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Best for: Culture, Canals, and Café Life

Quintessential canal boats, bicycles, and tulips are just a handful of the features that draw people to Amsterdam, but there is so much more to this cosmopolitan city.

It is a hub of European art; famous masters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh are celebrated here in world-class museums, while the Anne Frank House tells a sombre and essential World War II story.

What to do:

• Taste the City: Discover the café culture with an array of renowned eateries offering exquisite Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels and pastries.

• Flower Power: Check out the famous Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market), the world's only floating flower market. Located on the Singel canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein, it is a sensory delight of fragrant blooms and a rainbow of petals.

• For the Thrill-Seekers: Test your nerves by taking a trip up to the A’DAM LOOKOUT, where you will find ‘Over The Edge’ - Europe’s highest swing. Dangle 100 metres above the ground as you swing back and forth over the tower's edge, soaking in the best views of Amsterdam below your feet.

Flåm, Norway

Best for: Breathtaking Nature

While there are cruise itineraries dedicated purely to the Norwegian Fjords, a stop in Norway is a must even if you are on a broader Northern Europe sailing.

Our favourite port here is Flåm. It is the ultimate natural extravaganza, boasting spectacular scenery that includes snow-topped mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and deep emerald fjords.

What to do:

• Ride the Rails: Be sure to schedule a ride on the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana). This famous train escorts you through the magnificent fjord landscape on a 20km-long journey that is often voted one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

• Fly High: From the seas to the skies, you can get a rush on the longest zipline in the Nordic countries - a whopping 1,381 metres long! As you hurtle through the air at 100 kilometres an hour, 350 metres above the ground, you are guaranteed the best view in the valley.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Best for: Cool Design and Foodies

Copenhagen is a effortlessly cool, modern city that retains a fascinating history. It is known as the world capital of architecture and is incredibly cycle-friendly, so hiring a bike is one of the best ways to see the sights.

What to do:

• The Postcard Shot: Head to Nyhavn, the picture-perfect canal district. With its colourful 17th-century townhouses and riverside eateries, it is readily enjoyed even when the temperatures are chilly.

• Food & Art: For seasoned foodies, the city boasts 15 Michelin-starred restaurants. Meanwhile, creatives will love the thriving art scene, including the Design Museum, art galleries, and the city’s intriguing sculptures (including the famous Little Mermaid).

Stockholm, Sweden

Best for: History and Pop Culture

Often referred to as ‘beauty on water’, the radiant capital of Sweden, Stockholm, sits amidst an archipelago of around 30,000 serene islands, skerries, and rocks.

As well as its natural wonders, the culture and ambience in Stockholm make it a delightful place to explore.

What to do:

• Step Back in Time: Take in the Old Town (known to locals as Gamla Stan), with its ochre-coloured buildings and cobbled streets. Here you can also visit the magnificent Royal Palace - the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, with five museums open for the public to explore.

• The Winner Takes It All: If you are a pop fanatic, ABBA The Museum is an absolute must on your itinerary! Marvel at original costumes and memorabilia, travel back in time to where it all began, and listen to the band members' own tales and experiences via the museum's audio guide.

Where Will You Go First?

There are so many hidden gems and treasures in Northern Europe to explore, and these are just some of our favourites.

A cruise to this region provides a wide variety of experiences, with each country offering its own unique culture, charm, and attractions.

However, all share in offering stunning scenery that makes a holiday in this region an exceptional one to add to your travel bucket list.