Fred. Olsen – Exploring the Capitals of the Baltic – 2021

Eight hundred years have shaped the unique appearance and rich traditions of Latvia’s capital, Riga. The Gothic spires that dominate its skyline imply a sombre heart, but the rich Art Nouveau spirit of this diverse city, the largest of all three Baltic capitals, is a delight to discover.

Set at the mouth of the River Daugava, the cultural centre of Riga has been an important centre for trade and finance over the centuries, and boasts fine examples of architecture, museums and concert halls. The city’s modern urban structures blend seamlessly with medieval castles, churches and the wooden buildings of its medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town – now a UNESCO World Heritage – has many shops and restaurants and is home to the bustling Livu Square.

Sweden’s beautiful capital owes much of its appeal to its unique location. Spread across 14 islands at the head of a vast archipelago that stretches out into the Baltic, Stockholm’s swathe of parks, gardens and canals are a joy to discover via the city’s large network of bridges.

Founded over 700 years ago, the city’s harbour is the epitome of elegance and Stockholm’s history is writ large across its wide boulevards. Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming Old Town district, is home to historic, ochre-coloured buildings and monuments. Dating back to the 13th century, the island is surrounded by water and offers beautiful waterfront views. Along its divine cobbled streets, the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the gorgeous Riddarholm Church and the Nobel Prize Museum can all be found and appreciated.

The choice of museums is extensive and includes the Vasa Maritime Museum, the unique Skansen Open Air Museum and of course, the ABBA Museum. The stunning Royal Palace and the Drottningholm Palace are also well worth seeing.

The vibrant Norrmalm and Östermalm districts in the city centre are ideal for those looking for a more modern cultural experience. Here, an array of upmarket shops sell goods from globally-known brands, and there are trendy cafes next to the Science and Technology Museum. Stockholm’s beauty and fashion sense are legendary, and its no-fuss functional, minimalistic approach to style provides the city with an unmistakable look.

Given its bountiful seas and farmland, Stockholm is a city of foodies and food trends. From açai breakfast bowls to truffle cheeseburgers, trying the cuisine is an exploration all of its own. Traditional Swedish cooking still holds its own, though: fried herring, meatballs and toast skagen remain menu classics.

Tallinn, Estonia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, is unquestionably one of Europe’s most magical capitals. This ancient Hanseatic city is justifiably proud of its beautiful churches, solid limestone houses and well-preserved cobbled streets.

Toompea Hill, with its medieval houses and alleyways, is the oldest part, and at its foot substantial remains of the city wall can still be seen, surrounded by well-maintained parks. The medieval town hall is one of the best preserved in northern Europe, and the weathercock, Gamle Toomas, is an enduring symbol of Tallinn.

The astonishing, ornate, 19th century Alexander Nevskij Cathedral was built when Estonia was part of Tsarist Russia. Kadriorg’s Castle was built by an earlier Tsar, Peter the Great, and now houses part of the Estonian Museum of Art. The “Peek into the Kitchen” tower has an exhibition of Tallinn’s military history.

The jewel in the Baltic crown and Russia’s most European city, elegant St Petersburg was the imperial capital for two centuries, and Tsar Peter the Great’s ‘Window on the West’. The sheer grandeur of the city, and its revolutionary spirit, never fail to impress.

Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great – immortalised by the city’s iconic Bronze Horseman statue – St Petersburg remains Russia’s cultural centre. The Mariinsky Theatre hosts world-class opera and ballet, and the State Russian Museum showcases a wide collection of superb Russian art.

St Petersburg is utterly captivating, with baroque palaces, wide elegant streets, ornate bridges and broad curving canals – the city is built on 40 islands at the mouth of the River Neva. The main street, Nevsky Prospekt, is 5km long and lined with cafés, bars and restaurants mixed in with upmarket hotels and sumptuous shops.

On Neva embankment, the Winter Palace, with over a thousand rooms, is the most magnificent of six buildings that make up the Hermitage Museum. It is one of 125 museums and galleries, including the imposing seafront Peterhof Royal Palace and Park. The city is enchanting during the “White Nights” of midsummer, when a brief twilight blends into dawn, and street entertainment lasts throughout the long days and short, white nights.

Oslo, the capital and largest city of Norway, is one of Scandinavia’s most historic, interesting and welcoming destinations. Surrounded by mountains and its own fjord, this compact and cultured city is both easy and fun to explore on foot.

Oslo’s two most famous sons, Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen, are celebrated across the city – all part of the contemporary cultural experience. The National Gallery is home to Edvard Munch’s iconic ‘The Scream’, along with works by other European artists from Manet to Picasso, and the Munchmuseet contains over 5,000 works that Munch left to the city of Oslo.

Exploring one of Oslo’s many museums, uncovering its booming art scene at any number of its commercial galleries or simply marvelling at the extraordinary architecture that fills the skyline are all highlights of this fine city. The fabulous Viking Ship Museum has three ships recovered from royal burial mounds in the Oslofjord, while the medieval Akershus Castle that dominates the harbour front is well worth visiting. Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park – one of Oslo’s must-visit attractions, is a Norwegian institution and home to more than 200 bronze, granite and wrought iron sculptures from Gustav Vigeland.

Oslo is an overwhelmingly green city. It was awarded European Green Capital for 2019, and boasts one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. The city has excellent public transport, and the city planning has put pedestrians first. Most noticeable in the city, is Oslo’s commitment to sustainable food production and green space. From hotdogs to Michelin-starred restaurants, the dining is always of a high-quality, as is the city nightlife.

Outside of the city centre, the stunning natural landscapes of the Oslomarka and Oslofjord await discovery. The Oslomarka – the vast forests around Oslo, has lush green valleys and diverse fauna such as lynx, beaver, Eurasian elk and deer, while the impressive, photogenic Oslofjord stretches over 120 kilometres.