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Baltic
109
the summer months, as law-abiding locals pack
the bars and cafés intent on observing the world’s
only mandatory coffee break rule. Well, you know
what they say: when in Rome, sorry, Helsinki...
Tallinn, Estonia
Home to one of the world’s finest-preserved
walled Old Towns, Tallinn offers a fascinating
contrast of medieval architecture alongside a
ramshackle collection of churches, traditional
wooden buildings, shopping malls and towering
glass skyscrapers. For something a little different,
visit Tallinn’s very own version of Alcatraz; Patarei
Prison. This imposing waterfront relic has been left
untouched since it closed in 2004, and it’s well
worth paying extra for a guided tour of this maze-
like complex to ensure you don’t become its most
recent inmate. If you’re in the mood to tickle your
taste-buds whilst in Tallinn, your sense of humour
might get the same treatment: be prepared for
‘unconventional’ menus featuring the likes of
marinated bear and moose curry!
Stockholm, Sweden
Built on a series of 14 interconnecting islands,
and with 30% of the city made up by waterways,
beautiful Stockholm is a standout amongst
the water-based northern European cities. This
captivating little city will be familiar to the millions
of fans of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium crime thriller
trilogy, and it’s fun to take a tour of Stockholm and
explore the very real hangouts of Larsson’s fictional
characters. The first ever winner of the European
Green Capital of the Year award, Stockholm also
enjoys the honour of having hosted the inaugural
award of the first Nobel Prizes in 1901. Don’t
forget to make time for a ‘fika’ whilst in town;
these coffee and biscuit breaks are taken very
seriously in Stockholm.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Scandinavia’s largest city, Copenhagen is also a
gastronome’s dream with 15 Michelin-starred
restaurants. But before you rush out and make
reservations, be prepared for some pretty steep
prices, as it’s previously been rated the fourth most
expensive city in the world! In reality it’s no more
expensive than the likes of London or Paris, and
perhaps parting with cash is a favourite pastime,
as it’s also been awarded the title of the world’s
happiest city. One of the world’s most bike-friendly
cities, the perfect way to explore this confident and
charming capital is on two wheels.
TIP:
Jazz fans will be in their element
aboard Aurora’s R608 cruise, taking in
the Copenhagen Jazz Festival on
Tuesday 5 July 2016. With an evening in
port and a Music Festival at Sea, the jazz
celebrations will continue on board.
Oslo, Norway
The Norwegian capital is an eclectic mix of ancient
castles, 18th century houses, vast parks and
glittering lakes. Must-sees include the medieval
Akershus Castle – originally built to repel the
invading Swedes in the 13th century. The castle
remains a military base and home to both the
Norwegian Armed Forces Museum and Norway’s
Resistance Museum. It’s also said to be Norway’s
most haunted building and it’s easy to see why,
with its warren of secret passages, crypts and
dungeons with steeply-sloping brick floors.
Whether by architectural quirk or as a means of
keeping prisoners in permanent discomfort, we’ll
leave you to decide! Make some time too for a
stroll through Frogner Park, home to more than
190 brilliant and bizarre masterpieces by the
famous sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
➀
Copenhagen
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Tallin
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Dining in Copenhagen
➃
Helsinki
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Oslo
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