Fredrikstad straddles the mouth of Norway’s longest river Glomma, in Østfold county Norway, 78km south of the capital Oslo. It lies 25km to the north of the Skagerrak, the busy shipping route that links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Twenty kilometres to the SE is the Swedish border. Read more about Fredrikstad, Norway

Fredrikstad straddles the mouth of Norway’s longest river Glomma, in Østfold county Norway, 78km south of the capital Oslo. It lies 25km to the north of the Skagerrak, the busy shipping route that links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Twenty kilometres to the SE is the Swedish border. Read more about Fredrikstad, Norway

Aalborg is located in the north of Jutland, Denmark. The local tourist board calls it the "little Paris of the North". Although this may seem a bit far-fetched, the location by the Limfjord is truly superb, and the town is well worth a visit. Read more about Aalborg, Denmark

The scenic coastal town of Helsingborg is known as the Pearl of the Øresund, the strait separating Sweden and Denmark (4.5km distant). It is a home to good shopping and rich culture. There is a beautiful new residential area by the waterfront, as well as a blend of old-style stone built homes. Read more about Helsingborg, Sweden

Sweden’s only baroque city and a UNESCO World Heritage Town, Karlskrona, an outstanding example of a late-17th-century European planned naval city, is an historical navy base at the SE tip of Sweden. The original plan and many of the buildings have survived intact, along with installations that illustrate its subsequent development up to the present day. The city of Karlskrona is spread over 30 islands, Trosso being the main one. Read more about Karlskrona, Sweden

Kalmar is a city in the SE of Sweden, situated by the Baltic Sea. Kalmar has been the centre of Swedish glass making for centuries, and is home to some of the world's top glassworks including Kosta Boda. Thousands of tourists go there to buy handmade crystal or take a turn at glassblowing. Read more about Kalmar, Sweden

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

Visby, on the island of Gotland that lies 90km off the SE coast of Sweden, is a medieval town of roses, ruins, narrow winding lanes, and an amazingly well preserved town wall with 27 of the towers still intact. There are also 200 medieval houses as well as several ancient churches, many of which were built in the 12th century. Another attraction is the beautifully restored Cathedral of St Mary’s. Read more about Visby, Sweden

Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark