Northern European Gems - 6127

Rotterdam - located at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea - is the largest port in Europe, and a perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which levelled the medieval heart of town, burning most of it to the ground. Today some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture, such as the unique Cube Houses, can be found amid classic 18th and 19th C buildings in this, the greatest comeback city in the world. The city also houses the 186 m tall Euromast that has long been a major tourist attraction. Read more about Rotterdam, Netherlands

Skagen - aka The Skaw - is a projection of land and a town on the northernmost tip of the Jutland peninsula in northern Denmark. The area is extremely picturesque, and distinguished by its low, yellow houses with red tile roofs nestled into the beach areas. The impressive and wild landscape was largely formed by a severe process of desertification and migrating sands that hit the area in the 18th and 19th centuries. The area is a popular tourist destination visited by many people each year. Read more about Skagen, Denmark

Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. The combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities makes Oslo a unique destination. Oslo is built in a horseshoe shape on the shores of the Oslofjord and limited in most directions by hills and forests. Subsequently there are a number of delightful recreation areas, such as the Toyen area that includes the Botanical Gardens and a museum. Read more about Oslo, 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. The city centre is on the west bank of the Glomma, while on the east bank is Northern Europe’s best preserved fortified town (1567), surrounded by a star-shaped earthworks and moat. Read more about Fredrikstad, Norway

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. Note the Church of St Mary, and the medieval fortress Karnan in the city centre. Read more about Helsingborg, Sweden

Klaipeda is the third largest city of Lithuania, and the northernmost ice-free port on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Its fascination lies primarily in the echoes of its history as reflected in its historic buildings in the city centre. Here the picturesque buildings, some of which display the well-known half-timbered construction, date from the 13th to 18th centuries. It is also popular for its clean beaches and warm water. Read more about Klaipeda, Lithuania

Gdansk lies on the southern edge of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic coast, and is Poland’s principal seaport. From a trading base for the once-mighty Teutonic Knights to the birthplace of modern Poland, the city drips history. Today Gdansk, with its painstakingly reconstructed and very charming Old Town, is perfectly located at the heart of the coast, and is the showpiece of Poland's north. Works by outstanding Gdansk masters can be admired in museums, churches, and galleries. Read more about Gdansk, Poland

Kiel is the capital of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and situated at the SW of the Baltic Sea. It is the home to Germany’s Baltic fleet, an important ship-building centre, entry point to the Kiel Canal, and cruise terminal for the Baltic Sea. The city was rebuilt after WWII in modern architectural styles, hence few historic edifices remain – see Keiler Castle near the cruise terminal. The Kiel Regatta is the largest sailing event in the world and takes place every year in the last full week in June. Read more about Kiel, Germany

Kiel is the capital of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and situated at the SW of the Baltic Sea. It is the home to Germany’s Baltic fleet, an important ship-building centre, entry point to the Kiel Canal, and cruise terminal for the Baltic Sea. The city was rebuilt after WWII in modern architectural styles, hence few historic edifices remain – see Keiler Castle near the cruise terminal. The Kiel Regatta is the largest sailing event in the world and takes place every year in the last full week in June. Read more about Kiel, Germany

Kiel is the capital of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, and situated at the SW of the Baltic Sea. It is the home to Germany’s Baltic fleet, an important ship-building centre, entry point to the Kiel Canal, and cruise terminal for the Baltic Sea. The city was rebuilt after WWII in modern architectural styles, hence few historic edifices remain – see Keiler Castle near the cruise terminal. The Kiel Regatta is the largest sailing event in the world and takes place every year in the last full week in June. Read more about Kiel, Germany

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. The many streams, rivers and canals in Hamburg are crossed by over 2300 bridges, more than Amsterdam or Venice. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. The many streams, rivers and canals in Hamburg are crossed by over 2300 bridges, more than Amsterdam or Venice. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

Heligoland is a small German archipelago in the SE corner of the North Sea. Helgoland's rust-coloured sandstone cliffs jut dramatically out of the North Sea some 70 kilometres from the mainland. Lange Anna, a single finger-like rock formation, covered by breeding sea birds in the spring, should not be missed. Heligoland is a fine destination even in the middle of winter, while in the summer visitors can enjoy swimming here due to its unique natural setting and subsequent mild maritime climate. Read more about Heligoland, Germany

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dover, the world’s busiest ferry port, is located in the county of Kent, England, at the extreme SE corner of Britain. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, 35 km away across the Straits of Dover. Possibly best known for its lyrically famous ‘White Cliffs’, archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain, and this continues to this day. This goes some way to explaining why this region in Kent has more than its fair share of castles, stately homes and museums than any other coastal region in the UK. Read more about Dover, Great Britain