Star Collector: Norwegian Fjords and German Gems via the Kiel Canal

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This historic harbor town has a long history of fishing and shipping, and is filled with old canals, well-preserved merchants’ houses, and 17th century warehouses. Wander through town to the 18th century City Hall and wait for the next hour or half hour when the carillon will chime its pretty melody, or enjoy a pleasurable scavenger hunt as you search for gable stones. These carved and often painted stone tablets were set into the walls of buildings in olden times to help people navigate the streets before the advent of house numbers. Many give you clues to the building’s former purpose.

Day itinerary:

This historic harbor town has a long history of fishing and shipping, and is filled with old canals, well-preserved merchants’ houses, and 17th century warehouses. Wander through town to the 18th century City Hall and wait for the next hour or half hour when the carillon will chime its pretty melody, or enjoy a pleasurable scavenger hunt as you search for gable stones. These carved and often painted stone tablets were set into the walls of buildings in olden times to help people navigate the streets before the advent of house numbers. Many give you clues to the building’s former purpose.

Day itinerary:

Heligoland is a German island in the North Sea. It’s known for its spectacular red cliffs, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse seabirds. Take a short ferry ride to Heligoland-Dune and enjoy the tranquil beach. You may even see a seal or two! If you can, make sure to try some lobster while on shore. Heligoland is known for its lobster and was once the center of Germany’s lobster fishing industry

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.

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Bridges arch over tranquil canals – more than you’ll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It’s hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the “Mo” (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg’s version of Fifth Avenue.

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city with a history dating back to Charlemagne. A major port, this vibrant city is home to art and culture, extensive shopping facilities, Baroque buildings and waterfront vistas. With its well-known fish market, art galleries and Museums together with several beautiful parks including a botanical garden, this is a city with something for everyone. British visitors who remember the Swinging Sixties may like to visit the streets around Grosse Freiheit, where an unknown pop group called The Beatles gave their first public performances in various local clubs before achieving worldwide fame.

Day itinerary:

Bridges arch over tranquil canals – more than you’ll find in Venice. The spires of historic churches and the lovely Rathaus pierce the sky. It’s hard to know where to begin your day. Stroll the Museum Mile for a lesson in history. Venture to Reeperbahn (the Red Light District) to see where the Beatles got their start. Or just shop along the “Mo” (Monckebergstrasse), Hamburg’s version of Fifth Avenue.

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The busiest artificial waterway in the world, busier than the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal combined, this 61-mile-long canal saves a 250-mile detour.

Travemünde is a beach resort with history: The town was founded in 1187 by Count Adolf III zu Schauenburg, who recognized the strategic value of its site at junction of the River Trave and the Baltic Sea. In 1329, Lübeck bought the village and its castle, thereby securing access to the Baltic for international trade. Fishing was the village’s main source of income until the late 18th Century, when tourism entered the picture. Throughout the 50s and 60s, Travermunde was to Germany, what St. Tropez was to France. Even though that is perhaps not the case anymore (you’ll see no megayachts or Russian billions here), Travermunde has retained a very charming and inviting olde-worlde appeal of beach huts, boats and barbeques. A long river of sand greets the happy traveller who disembarks here and if the gentle Baltic sea and distinctive – and very comfortable – wicker strandkörbe (hooded beach seats), are not enough to keep you busy, then exploring the attractive riverfront is a worthwhile pastime. The stroll into town provides the perfect excuse to sample some of the excellent many draft beers on tap and for these feeling a bit peckish, the fish restaurants are reputed to be some of the best in the country. Do not miss a chance to taste the local speciality of young herring served with salad and salted, boiled potatoes that have been rolled in cumin. To work off your feast, then the short hike or cycle ride (bike hire shops are found almost everywhere) to the conservation area around Brodtener Steilufer is well worthwhile, and commands spectacular views.

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This seaside resort has been called the German St. Tropez, and was where the beautiful people of the Belle Epoque retreated to restore their creative juices. You’ll find it restorative too, whether you choose to wander the medieval streets of Lubeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or try your hand at making marzipan.

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Walking into the heart of Old Wismar feels like stepping into Germany’s past. The medieval town was a major trading center of the Hanseatic League, an association that blessed it with endless gabled red brick buildings, Gothic churches, and a UNESCO designation. The buildings lining the Marktplatz give you a generous helping of this eye candy. Or spend the day in Berlin, where landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie lead you through Germany’s past.

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Few people outside of Germany know about this Baltic jewel with its sandy beaches dotted with Stranskorbs (beach baskets) and elegant seaside walkway. The island was the preferred playground of the German elite during the late 1800s and its iconic Belle époch architecture will charm you, but there’s lots more to recommend this secretive seaside resort. Binz is conveniently close to Jasmund National Park with its dramatic white chalk cliffs, as well as a U-boat museum. Climb the spiraling walkway at the Rügen Natural Heritage Center, circling around a soaring birch tree until you reach the viewing tower at the top. Or take the narrow gauge steam train to Jagdschloss Granitz, a dusty pink neo-Gothic hunting lodge/castle built in the 1830s.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

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This historic city of palaces, canals, and copper spires casts a sense of enchantment upon all who walk its cobbled streets. Little wonder that Copenhagen’s favorite son, Hans Christian Andersen, was inspired to write some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales here. Stroll the 17th century Nyhavn waterfront where Andersen once lived, complete with colorful row houses and historic tall ships. Enjoy world-class shopping on Strøget, the world’s longest pedestrian street. Or find your amusement at world-famous Tivoli Gardens where tree-lined pathways lead to theaters, open air stages, restaurants, cafes, and over 80 attractions.

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Aalborg is found in the Jutland region of Denmark on the shores of Limfjord. This university city is full of Viking history, 21st century architecture and a quaint medieval center. This is a small port that only allows one cruise ship at a time. Visit Skanse Park with its stunning view of the city and the fjord. Grab a drink at Jomfru Ane Gade, a charming street packed with locals frequenting the bars and restaurants there.

You’ll weave between glowing lighthouses and picturesque islands, as you approach the quaint Norwegian town of Arendal. Set on the southern coast, and spanning seven islands, Arendal is a place to slow the pace, and unwind surrounded by Norway’s easy-going beauty. Ferries – and boat hiring opportunities – make exploring easy, or you can get out on foot or two wheels to throw yourself into the thick of the area’s outstanding natural beauty. Arendal’s twin lighthouses are the first thing you’ll see, as your ship leaves the open ocean, and heads to Arendal itself. The perfect focal point for any photo, Store Torungen is still in working order – witness it flashing its warnings to passing ships, as they navigate the tricky islands and skerries that are scattered across the waters. Cafes and shell-fish sellers welcome you to the city centre as you step off the ship, and you’re immediately well placed to slow the pace, and wander beside glistening water. Or, why not stretch your legs by escaping to the countryside and cycling along wooden pathways that skirt glistening lakes?

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Arendal is a coastal town in Southern Norway known as the “Venice of the North”. There’s something for everyone in this bustling town and charming archipelago. Visit one of the many museums, wander through town, or visit the old church, a stone church dating back to the 13th century. Arendal is filled with rich history waiting to be explored

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Stavanger flourished in the 19th century as a fishing port. While other towns in Norway have suffered with the decline of this industry, Stavanger has kept its economy booming by diversifying, first into shipbuilding and now into oil. These two contrasting industries have created a city of two halves – a modern area of high-rise buildings and a historic centre with cobbled streets and old wooden houses. The city centre was the birthplace of Alexander Kielland, one of the great 19th-century Norwegian novelists. Stavanger Cathedral, dating from 1125, is an impressive building and the only medieval cathedral in Norway that has not been substantially altered since it was first built. From Stavanger you can explore the attractive blue waters of Lysefjord, surrounded by cliffs and striking rock formations, and also visit Hafrsfjord where the Viking King Harald won an important battle that started the Unification of Norway. Those preferring to explore on their own may wish to visit the interesting Petroleum Museum.

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Here’s a day for exploration. Your ship will dock in the very city center near the oldest part of town. A short stroll will take you to Stavanger Cathedral, the best preserved medieval cathedral in Norway, the city center and cobblestone pedestrian streets. Just an hour’s boat trip away is the 2,000-foot-high Pulpit Rock with its magnificent views of the lovely Lysefjord.

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A tiny town of only 500 residents, yet people have been traveling here from all over since the end of the 19th century. You’ll understand why when you arrive. Take one of the world’s most breathtaking railroad journeys up the mountain to gasp at the fjord below.

See the aqua blue ice of the Jostedal Glacier cascading down the stunning Oldedalen Valley, as you navigate the spindly fjords of Norway. Feel your breath catching in your throat, as you sail into this world of wonder, and the dramatic fjord scenery and interlocking valleys inspire you. The village of Olden opens up some of Norway’s most majestic natural wonders, from the glacier – which is mainland Europe’s largest – to the sloshing waterfalls that run off it, and the bowing forests that sway all around it. A visit to picturesque Olden is all thrilling panoramas and hikes through wildflower sprinkled trails. The Briksdalsbreen arm of ice, reaches out from the main glacier, and sits around an hour’s stroll from the village of Olden itself – regular busses can also take you there. Snaking through steep-sided valleys, you can enjoy a walk close to the foot of the ice, and feel the spray of the waterfalls that plummet nearby, as you breathe in some of the freshest air you’ve ever tasted. The crisp glacial meltwater is so clean and pure that it’s bottled up to be sold across Norway.

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The pleasant small village of Olden is located at the inner end of the 66-mile long Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in Norway. Long known for tourism and industry, it is now also famous for contemporary design. With fewer than 500 inhabitants Olden is an ideal destination for people who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, and is the gateway to Jostedal, the largest glacier on the European mainland. If you can, find a bottle of Olden Mineral Water, as close as you will get to a glacier on tap.

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

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Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.

Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.

Day itinerary:

Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.