Northern Europe Cruises: 5 Must-See Cruise Destinations

Northern Europe cruises are a great option for getting up close and personal with some of the oldest and prettiest cities in the Western world. From the unmatched beauty of Norway, to the historical significance of Stockholm, there are plenty of places to go for a unique and inspiring cruise vacation. Whether you are a foodie looking to sample old-world cuisine, or a nature lover wanting to hike lush forests and huge mountains, there is something here for everyone. To help you decide where to go on your next cruise, here are our picks for the best ports of call in Northern Europe.

Northern Europe Cruises to Reykjavik, Iceland

Our first pick for the best Northern Europe cruises is the capital and largest city of Iceland, Reykjavik. This gorgeous coastal town is surrounded by stark natural beauty from open ocean to enormous mountains, and is a great representation of what a cruise to Northern Europe has to offer. Relax in the geothermal magic of the Blue Lagoon where waters are naturally heated by the Earth. Wonder at the magnificent tiered Gullfoss Waterfall in the canyon of the Hvítá river. See huge geysers and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Golden Circle. Then at night, if the sky is clear enough, experience the Northern Lights like you’ve never seen them before!

Visit Oslo, Norway When You Cruise to Northern Europe

Anyone taking a cruise to Northern Europe should take the opportunity to learn about some of the oldest cities in the world, and for that we are checking out the capital of Norway, Oslo. This city has a long history, being founded almost 1000 years ago at the end of the Viking Age. Here you will find many trendy restaurants and bars amidst awe-inspiring fjords and stunning gardens, creating the perfect mix of urban attractions and natural beauty. To learn about the city’s rich history, head to one of their many museums around town. But the best part about taking Northern Europe cruises to Oslo is that most of the sights are within a mile of the port, so you won’t have to go far to explore the city.

Stockholm, Sweden

Our next stop on our tour of Northern Europe cruise destinations is Stockholm, Sweden. The cultural significance of this extremely old town can not be understated as there have been settlements here since as far back as the Stone Age. The city is stretched out over 14 islands and is connected by dozens of bridges. To get a glimpse of both the unique Scandinavian architecture as well as the staggering natural beauty, climb the tower at city hall for some amazing panoramic views. To feel like you’ve been transported to the past, head to the medieval streets of Gamla Stan, where you’ll find many authentic restaurants and cafès. Stockholm has all the culture, history, and cuisine to be a worthy addition to any cruise to Northern Europe.

Northern Europe Cruises to Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen in Denmark is an incredibly charming and captivating city, and no list of Northern Europe cruise destinations would be complete without it. The city is packed to the brim with colorful architecture and features many famous attractions, such as the Little Mermaid Statue by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. Check out the Nyhavn District where some houses are hundreds of years old. See the Christiansborg Palace in all its glory with its extravagant chandeliers and gorgeous wall art. Foodies are in for a treat whenever they cruise to Northern Europe regardless of where they go, but Copenhagen takes it to a whole new level with 66 Michelin-starred restaurants spread out across the city. Make sure to stop by Tivoli, the 19th-century amusement park that is said to have inspired Walt Disney!

Bergen, Norway

Finally we close out our list of Northern Europe cruise destinations back in Norway at the town of Bergen. Much like Oslo, this town sits among magnificent fjords and mountain ranges and is another great place to see the Northern Lights. To get the best view of this beautiful area, take a funicular up Mount Floyen to get a panoramic view of the city below and the mountains all around. When you are ready for a bite to eat, follow the cobblestones to the fish market at Torget, where you can get local dishes made with the freshest fish you will ever eat. Bergen may not be the biggest city in Norway, but it just might be the most beautiful and is well worth considering for your next cruise to Northern Europe.

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