Spanning 14 islands, more than 50 bridges and many more museums, Sweden’s capital is naturally known as the ‘Venice of the North’. Gently pedal on a cultural discovery of this Baltic Sea archipelago; tread the cobblestone streets to the iconic city hall, the world’s first open air museum, the adored ABBA exhibition, and the royal family residence of Drottningholm where the opera house still retains original stage machinery. Heighten your interest with two other UNESCO heritage sites, a woodland cemetery and the archaeological site of Birka. Dine at the Hornhuset district, perhaps only after strolling small streets that narrow to 90cm at Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. And for further sustenance, wander down to fashionable Strandvagen Boulevard and open-air Hornstull Marknad for new and vintage goods.

Visit Visby on the island of Gotland for authentic Swedish riches. Well-preserved walls protect the city and set the scene for what lies within. You’ll be warmly welcomed with cuisine, culture, nature and Viking archaeology. With a long history and UNESCO World Heritage ruins dating back to the 12th century, this orderly medieval town rejoices in being one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved towns. Roam peaceful streets on foot or by bike to boutiques selling warm woollens for winter and shelves laden with local crafts. Visit the lengthy Lummelunda Cave in a nature reserve, experience the traditional Swedish coffee ritual and taste beer at the local brewery. Soak up the history and atmosphere in well-groomed Visby for a slice of time gone by.

Compact yet richly packed with Soviet history and architectural charms, there’s plenty to explore in Riga with its UNESCO-acclaimed medieval old town, where cobbled streets wind up at colourful squares. Gaze at the wonderful eclectic buildings, from gothic and baroque, to innovative art nouveau. Listen to the Latvian National Opera, drink age old liqueur seasoned with 24 herbs, or find plenty of personal space on the 20-mile stretch of fine, sandy beaches. Build up an appetite whilst bartering at Riga’s flavourful Central Market. Then step down into cosy restaurants that serve up hearty Latvian truffle and seafood dishes. Known as the Pearl of Latvia, it’s easy to understand why.

On the shores of the Baltic Sea lies the oldest city in Lithuania, complete with legends and fables. Visit museums and quaint fishing villages, admire beautiful weathervanes and Thomas Mann’s home. Head for the UNESCO Curonian Spit and get back to basics in Nida, bird watch in Kretinga and stand tall on Europe’s highest sand dunes. Breathe deep in a relaxing sauna to rejuvenate body and soul before tasting dried and smoked fish with sides of potato. And as you slowly sip Lithuanian beer, you’ll go with the flow hearing sober soviet history and fascinating Baltic tales of fairies. Described as a shining water land, feel safe in the knowledge that Klaipėda’s own mermaid protects her city from danger, whilst the River Dangė provides strength.

Gdaņska ir pilsēta Polijas ziemeļos, pie Baltijas jūras, ar bagātīgu vēsturi un kultūras mantojumu. Tā ir pazīstama kā “brīvības pilsēta”, kur notikuši nozīmīgi vēsturiski notikumi, piemēram, otrā pasaules kara sākums un komunistiskā režīma krišana. Gdaņska izceļas ar gleznaino vecpilsētu, kur ir daudz vēsturisku ēku, baznīcu un pieminekļu, piemēram, Svētās Marijas baznīca un ērģeļu koncerti. Pilsētas sirds ir Dlugi Targ iela, kas ir pilna ar statujām, sienas gleznojumiem un kafejnīcām. Gdaņskā atrodas arī nozīmīgi muzeji, kas stāsta par Polijas vēsturi, kā arī koncentrācijas nometnes, kas atgādina par tumšajiem laikiem. Pilsētā ir daudz iespēju baudīt poļu virtuvi, tostarp pelmeņus, un izbaudīt dzintara tēju vai stiprākus dzērienus vietējos bāros.

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and – of course – flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming… rather like the smiles of those that live here.

Nestled at the end of a fantasy fjord (one of two in Norway singled out for UNESCO status), Geiranger is a flawless illustration of a small coastal Nordic village. Soak it all in as you stand in the rainbow-mist of the Seven Sisters waterfalls then catch your breath as you walk on air at Geiranger Skywalk for the best views of Geirangerfjord. Hike stone steps to find yourself standing behind a stunning plummet of melted snow; e-bike up mountain ridges and into lush farms; delve into vivid blue waters by fast boat or slow kayak; wherever you weave, you will find inner peace and preservation in this deeply sacred site of Mother Nature’s fertile grounds and snow-capped mountains.

An aromatic scent will capture your senses in this city of roses. Perched on the edge of a fjord, extensive views of a stunning 222 snow-clad mountains further heightens Molde’s appeal. Absorb the sounds of jazz as you ramble amongst rose gardens discovering art, folk museums, nature paths and cycle trails. Take the high ‘Atlantic’ Road or drop deep underground into caves to reach the marble clad Troll Church. And as you enjoy freshly caught seafood in the crisp coastal air, you’ll understand the influence of Molde’s heady scent.

Nested deep between towering mountains are narrow valleys, a mile-deep fjord and a little village called Flåm. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, visit the Borgund Stave Church museum or board the astonishing Flåmsbana train, often titled the world’s most beautiful rail journey. Climb aboard and witness waterfalls, fjords and farms so remote you wonder how they got there. Fish, cycle or experience a RIB safari through the slender Nærøyfjord – part of the UNESCO world heritage – as you appreciate the surreal landscape. Head into the abyss on the dramatic Stegastein, or – for the less adventurous but no less curious – sip homemade specialties at the local brewery.

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and – of course – flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming… rather like the smiles of those that live here.