Europe - Northern Europe cruise ports

Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag, bathed in the eerie light of the midnight sun, is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords, and crashing waterfalls. Just up the coast is North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the North Pole.

Once a tiny fishing village, today Gdynia is Poland's most important port. It is also well situated; venture to the resort town of Sopot, merely nine miles away. Tour the more prominent Polish city of Gdansk, only another six miles inland from Sopot.

Situated on the Swedish isle of Gotland, Hanseatic Visby was one of the most powerful cities in Europe. Today quaint homes and churches huddle together inside 13th-century walls. In former times, it was called "the city of ruins and roses," for along with its rose-covered churches, there is one somber sight - Gallows Hill, a place of execution so villains "might die looking at the loveliest spot on earth."

Eidfjord is perched at the end of the Hardangerfjord. Located on the official tourist route, Eidfjord is a great place to see Hardangervidda National Park, the highest mountain plateau in Northern Europe. The natural scenery of the area is splendid. The central placement of Eidfjord makes for convenient access to Bergen and Oslo.

Trondheim has been the home of Norway's royal residence since AD 997 when it was founded by King Olaf I. The city is still home to Stiftsgarden, a huge wooden palace. Around AD 1100, Saint Olaf II began to perform miracles for his people, making Trondheim a major pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral, certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches, where the Norwegian kings are still crowned.

Arhus, Denmark, bills itself as the World's Smallest Big City. Arhus takes pride in being home to the only Women's Museum in the world. Visit the open-air urban museum known as Den Gamle By, complete with winding cobblestone streets. For the young at heart, the Tivoli Friheden amusement park is a must-see. The city is alive with music, featuring live tango, classical, jazz, and more.

Sognefjorden is the longest fjord in Norway, located in the midst of rugged and magnificent scenery. Mountains here rise to a height of more than 5,000 feet. In parts, the water is more than 4,291 feet deep. Numerous falls spill down the ravines, and some of the cataracts are even harnessed for electric power.

From the waterfront of Molde, the City of Roses, look up and count the snowcapped peaks that encircle you. Listen to the magical sound of fiddles playing, while children dance in traditional, brightly ribboned clothing. Lovely farms and old homes make up this quaint little town. You'll understand why Vikings chose this place to settle.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, more commonly known as simply Newcastle, is the largest city in northeastern England. For many years, almost one-quarter of the world's shipbuilding industry was centered in Newcastle. Today, the city is renowned for its plentiful shopping. It also boasts a bustling nightlife and cultural offerings. Some parts of Newcastle's massive medieval walls remain standing to this day.