Europe: Norway, Scotland & Iceland

Norwegians head to Kristiansand during the summer for the agreeable weather, plenty of attractions and a popular city beach. Stroll through the Posebyen old quarter and its grid pattern of historic streets, looking out for a former post office dating back to 1695. Don’t miss the Kristiansand Zoo, featuring moose, wolves, lynx, wolverines and so much more. And be sure to visit the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Gardens, with its 19th-century rose garden and extensive collection of succulents.

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, Stavanger lies in southwestern Norway’s stunning fjord region. Old Stavanger has been meticulously preserved with many of its wooden cottages converted into art galleries and boutiques. But it’s the museums that set this cosmopolitan city apart. Visit one of Stavanger’s museums to view collections that include maritime, medical and printing artifacts. Or get outside and take a cruise around the fjords. And when in Norway, one should of course buy Norwegian wool. In addition to wool garments, Stavanger also has glasswork, pewter goods and nautical clothing for you to bring home to friends and family (or keep all to yourself).

View this lovely and charming Norwegian city from your cruise ship and you'll see how the city is nestled between seven mountains, seven fjords and the North Sea. The Norwegian King resided here, and many historical events took place in this busy port. These events come alive when you amble down the old streets of Bryggen, past picturesque, wooden buildings and the Romanesque-style St. Mary's church. Explore more of Bergen on a European cruise!

Beautifully situated on four main islands, Kristiansund is an inviting city surrounded by astonishing natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Atlantic Road, believed to offer the world’s best road trip. The route winds its way across islands and over bridges with magnificent views of the ocean and coastline. Take a stroll around Kristiansund and marvel at the diverse and colorful array of architectural styles – both classic and modern.

One of Norway's most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style. Cruise visitors will immediately notice Alesund's unique layout, as it is built on islands extending to the sea, and offers scenic views of fjords and the Sunnmore Alps. Alesund is the fishing capital of Norway.

There's a good reason that Iceland is considered a photographer's dream destination. Its terrain is visually stunning, offering views of lava flows, hot springs, unspoiled nature – and colorful, fascinating cities like Reykjavik. The world's most northerly capital brings together quaint villages, exciting museums, a flourishing music scene and restaurants that rival Europe's finest. Explore more of Reykjavik on a European cruise!

As the largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords’s region, Ísafjörður is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting an enchanting fjord ideal for watersports and a mountainous landscape brimming with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Originally a church site and a 16th century trading post, the town of Ísafjörður is home to wonderful museums and historic sites for those wishing to learn about the region’s rich heritage and local culture.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest urban area and a center of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums, hike along the extraordinary vistas or explore the botanical gardens. Shop in one of the charming boutiques and then catch a glimpse of the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world. After you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on some Nordic specialties like smoked lamb and fresh fish and then indulge in an Icelandic fried pastry.

Nestled in between the two fjords, Hamarsfjörður and Berufjörður, you’ll find the remote little town of Djúpivogur. Captivating as it is quant, this humble fishing village is home to breathtaking scenery that moves from gently sweeping beaches to jagged cliffs and Búlandstindur, the iconic pyramid-shaped mountain. In contrast to the high-energy hustle and bustle of modern life, Djúpivogur encourages a slower, more contemplative way of living. Savor incredible seafood, have drinks with locals and shop traditional handcrafts you can’t find anywhere else in the world. While the town of Djúpivogur might be small, there’s no doubt it will make a big impression on your next Northern Europe adventure.

This colorful capital city of the Faroe Islands on the island of Steymoy features a panoply of Nordic landscapes, with fjords, straits, deep green valleys, and a wonderful harbor dotted with colorful boats. Thorshavn began as a Viking settlement, and later became a thriving town, replete with quaint, colorful neighborhoods, and historic cathedrals and fortresses from the Middle Ages.

The capital of Scotland's Shetland Islands is a vibrant and energetic city colored by grand Victorian houses and the region's namesake ponies. It is a cruise ship's primary entry to the Shetlands, a mosaic of over a hundred islands inhabited by about 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea featuring views of dramatic sculptured cliffs and tranquil sandy bays. Explore more of Lerwick on a European cruise!

Make sure you pack your walking shoes for Edinburgh. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture. Marvel at the impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached. Leave enough time to rest your legs at one of Edinburgh’s seaside restaurants to enjoy fresh salmon, scallops, lamb and prime Angus beef.

Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum.