Scenic Waterways and Cities of Scandinavia
May 2025

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Norway’s capital city, Oslo has been an important maritime destination for centuries, and is home to many maritime-related companies, including ship-owners and brokers. Surrounded by mountains and the impressive Oslofjord, where Fred. Olsen originated in 1848 in the small town of Hvitsen, located on its shores. The city has many cultural and historical structures; including the impressive Vigeland Park, and is also home to the National Gallery, where Edvard Munch’s The Scream is hung.

The Olsen family home in Hvitsten is located on the shores of Oslofjord, with the impressive Lysedal Mansion overlooking the waters. The inner part of the fjord is lined with dense forests, and is well known for the small group of islands that lie close to Oslo, whose beaches are hugely popular with locals. Oslofjord is also a haven for birdwatchers, and various species can be seen resting on the shores or flying high above the fjord.

Located on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a compact and accessible city, with wide streets and canals. Originally influenced by the Dutch, the city was constructed with a network of canals, similar to those in Amsterdam, and trams are a major mode of transport for locals. The world-renowned Trädgårdsföreningen, Garden Society of Gothenburg, features 19th century pristine lawns, flower beds and woodlands, and is one of Europe’s best-kept parks.

Copenhagen is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its monarchy dating back as far as the 8th century, and home to the impressive Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace and Christianborg Palace. The Danish crown jewels are housed at Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The diminutive Little Mermaid Statue, based on Hans Chrisitan Andersen’s 1836 story, sits on the shoreline looking for her prince; while the Nyhavn District reveals canals lined with historic wooden ships and brightly coloured townhouses.

Connecting the North Sea at the mouth of the Elbe River to the Baltic Sea at Holtenau, the Kiel Canal is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Slicing a man-made path through the German countryside, on average this 61-mile long marvel of engineering allows vessels to avoid 250 nautical miles of sea sailing. Sailing slowly along the canal presents an opportunity to take in lush green countryside and a collection of interesting villages and towns flanking the still waters.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.