SWEDEN PORTS AND CITIES
SWEDEN PORTS AND CITIES
| Archipelago | Kalmar | Karlskrona | Lulea |
| Stockholm | Sundsvall | Visby | Ystad |
Archipelago
Baltics Cruise Through a Beautiful Archipelago of Small Islands to Gothenburg - Sweden
The approach to Gothenburgs cruise port is the perfect introduction to this large, bustling, but very friendly Swedish city as you sail through a beautiful archipelago of small islands and past sleepy old fishing villages along the mainland coast. Your first impression of the city will be that it is so very green - there are parks and gardens galore including some extraordinarily colourful botanical ones full of rare orchids, roses and butterflies. Liseborg Amusement Park has some eye-popping theme park rides but it is also beautifully landscaped with flowers and plants. In the city centre, there are all the latest designer stores and an array of cafés and restaurants in or around the main street: the Avenue. Look out, too, for the impressive Opera House and Maritime Centre. Elsewhere in the city, Nordstan is Scandinavias largest shopping centre.
Kalmar
Cruise to Swedens' Kalmar, Where Old and New Mix Beautifully
Kalmar is most famous for its castle which played a crucial part in shaping Sweden's history.This town blends old and new perfectly, with 16th and 17th century buildings mixing with modern life. Its beautiful cobbled streets take you through the town's history and parkland can be found in abundance.
Karlskrona
Cruise to Sweden's Historic Port of Karlskrona
Situated on the south eastern edge of the Swedish mainland. Almost fully intact, this historic port takes its place on the World Heritage List. Not surprisingly, the main attraction is the Naval Museum which depicts the Swedish Navy over the centuries; however, the new Leonardo Da Vinci Ideale Museum has several outstanding artpieces.
Lulea
Cruise to Swedens's Lulea, Gateway to the Mountain World of Lapland
Gateway to the mountain world of Lapland and the northern tundras. A very pretty town relentless with its charm, Luleå was founded by Gustavus Adolphus in 1621 and moved in 1649 to its present site on a promontory in the Luleälv. Make your way to the Marina, which is attractively sculpted, with parks and fountains here and there.
Stockholm
Baltic Cruise to Beautiful and Unique Stockholm, Sweden's Capital
Built across 14 islands, this beautiful capital city of graceful bridges and tree-lined squares is famous for its unique geography and architecture. Stockholm's historic old town, Gamla Stan, is a warren of narrow cobbled streets and 15th century buildings and the Royal Palace, located on the waterfront, is home of an exquisite collection of Baroque furnishings.
Sundsvall
Cruise to Sweden's Pretty Sundsvall
The only town in the little province of Medelpad, Sundsvall is a confection in pink and tan, with several remarkably pretty buildings of neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance and neo-baroque architecture. The town has a vibrant cultural life geared to all ages and art forms. The Cultural Warehouse, concert hall and several theatres are featured locations for cultural events.
Visby
Cruise to Visby, the 'Pearl of the Baltic' - Sweden
Cruise to the small but perfectly formed Hanseatic town, no wonder Visby is described as the 'Pearl of the Baltic' or, even more evocatively, as the 'town of roses and ruins'. This popular Swedish cruise port on the west coast of the Baltics largest island, Gotland, was once a Viking trading post but it later developed into the Baltics main Hanseatic centre between the 12th and 14th centuries. More than 200 warehouses and wealthy merchants stone dwellings from that time remain within its two-mile long medieval walls, making it the best-preserved fortified commercial settlement in northern Europe and earning it World Heritage site status. From these, it is only a stroll through rose-scented alleyways to the lovely Botanical Gardens. Visby, though, is a mixture of ancient and modern, with plenty of lively cafés and interesting shops to go with the living history and fascinating selection of museums.
Ystad
Cruise to the Medieval Port Town of Ystad - Sweden
Cruise and discover Ystad's mysterious Ales Stenar (Ale's Stones), nobody knows why the 59 stones were placed here a thousand years ago. Other attractions include the night-watchman in the tower of the St Maria Church, the monastery, the lighthouse at Sandhammaren, and Ystad's houses, representing many different styles of architecture from across the centuries.
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