Beat the summer heat with a Nordic-Baltic cruise
Temperatures are already climbing in the Med, with the mercury in Spain and Portugal expected to hit 37C in the coming week – and to soar far higher as the summer progresses.
But there is another way. The Nordic and Baltic countries offer not only more comfortable temperatures in the peak holiday months, but also white-sand beaches, natural beauty and rich culture. And the best way to experience the best of it all in a single trip? Why, a cruise of course.
Several companies offer summer sailings which combine Scandinavia and a handful of Baltic highlights, but amongst the most comprehensive is Regent Seven Seas' two-week itinerary, which takes in six countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland and Latvia), and combines many of the elements which make a summer Nordic-Baltic cruise such a varied and appealing holiday option. Here are the highlights to look for when booking yours.
Norway
The cruise begins in Oslo, a capital set against the stunning backdrop of the Oslofjord and surrounded by snow-capped peaks and forests. Home of the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the city offers a wealth of cultural experiences as well as a lively waterfront, an abundance of green spaces (including the vast Nordmarka forest just outside the city), and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Denmark
Meanwhile, Copenhagen, one of Europe's oldest capitals, exudes an air of refined elegance, and boasts an abundance of museums, theatres and galleries. Its iconic sites – like the brightly painted quays of Nyhaven, historic Tivoli Gardens and beautiful bronze of the Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale – are not to be missed.
There are also a number of charming smaller cities, each with its own distinctive charm and hidden treasures. Chief amongst them is Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city, which captivates its visitors with rich cultural attractions and striking architecture.
There's also a stop in Skagen, located at the northern tip of Denmark and referred to as 'The Land of Light', as it has longer days than anywhere in the country. It's famed for its art, bustling harbour and dramatic landscapes with large white sandy beaches.
For something completely different, guests can enjoy a stopover on the fascinating island of Bornholme where only 40,000 people live. With its location right in the middle of the Baltic Sea, it's been a stopping point for sailors since the 1100s. It's also extremely picturesque, with charming fishing villages, craggy cliffs, lush forests and white-sand beaches.
Sweden
Across the Oresund Strait from Denmark lies Malmo, Sweden's third-largest city famous for the iconic Oresund bridge which connects Sweden and Denmark. Visitors can also explore its historic buildings, scenic parks, the charming Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the stately 16th-century Malmohus Castle.
Justifiably dubbed the 'Venice of the North', Stockholm spans 14 small islands, with its 800-year heritage woven into every aspect of its identity. The city is renowned for its broad streets, waterside parks, captivating Old Town and a blend of magnificent old and boldly new architecture.
A cruise also offers plenty of chances to explore some of the region's less well known seaside towns, with their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Mandal, for example, sits on Sweden's southwestern coast where visitors can enjoy its picturesque harbour, quaint cobblestone streets lined with colourful wooden houses, breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches. The scenic coastal town of Lysekil, also in Sweden, is home to the tranquil waters of the Gullmarsfjord and a thriving population of seals.
Germany
The cruise also makes port twice in Germany. The first stop is Warnemunde, a seaside resort and significant maritime port located in north-east Germany. It's also the gateway to Berlin, reached via a scenic drive across the picturesque landscapes of Northern Germany. Once in the city, you'll be immediately immersed in contemporary art and culture, historical monuments and a thriving restaurant and bar scene.
The second German port of call is Kiel, a vibrant city with a long maritime heritage. As a key hub for shipbuilding, the city provides a gateway between northern Europe and the wider world, connecting the Baltic and North Seas. It's home to the eastern lock of the Kiel canal, the world's busiest artificial waterway which serves more than 60,000 ships each year. Its bustling harbour serves as a reminder of the country's seafaring history.
Poland
Continuing the journey east, the ship heads to Gdansk in Poland, a historic gem on the Baltic Sea, steeped in centuries of maritime heritage. Its medieval architecture and role as a key hub in the Hanseatic League tell the story of a city shaped by trade, conflict, and resilience. The streets are lined with colourful facades, bustling cafes and artisan shops making it a delightful destination with its unique blend of culture, history and coastal beauty.
Latvia
The final Baltic port of call is Riga, the capital of Latvia, a captivating blend of rich history and vibrant modernity. As the largest city in the Baltics, Riga boasts a Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires and Art Nouveau architecture – ideal for sunny walks on balmy (though not too balmy, mind) summer days.
How to do it
Regent Seven Seas (023 80821390) has a 14-night cruise aboard Seven Seas Grandeur from Oslo to Stockholm from £12,199 per person (for a Deluxe Veranda Suite). It calls at Oslo and Mandal in Norway; Skagen, Ronne (Bornholm), Aarhus and Copenhagen in Denmark; Lysekil, Malmo and Stockholm in Sweden; Kiel and Berlin (Rostock) in Germany; Gdansk (Gdynia) in Poland; and Riga in Latvia. Departs 15 August 15 2026.
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