Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea: Coasts, Islands and Archipelagos
The islands and archipelagos of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea delight travelers with serene nature, idyllic villages, vibrant cities, and maritime history. Discover some of the highlights as you sail through this picturesque region once traversed by Viking ships and Hanseatic League merchants. Stroll into the past in places like Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s colorful Old Town, UNESCO-designated Visby, or Mariehamn, “the town of a thousand Linden trees.” Kayak and Zodiac past remote lighthouses in the Åland Islands and venture to Stora Karlsö, a bird-filled nature reserve which rests upon ancient coral reefs.
Highlights
Discover the stunning beauty of Baltic Sea archipelagos, including the Ǻland Islands and the Stockholm Archipelago
Experience pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, and charming seaside villages as you island hop across southern Scandinavia
Step into the past with stops in historic cities and towns like Copenhagen, Bornholm, and UNESCO-designated Visby
Explore Stora Karlsö, the second oldest nature reserve in the world which teems with fascinating birdlife and geology
Visit Stockholm’s Vasa Museum to marvel at a spectacularly preserved 17th-century warship embellished with hundreds of wooden sculptures
Experience one-of-a-kind musical performances curated exclusively by ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join Jeff Mauritzen on the May 30, 2026 departure
From
$6,894
/ per person
Was $8,111Save $1,217
Does not include any flights
SPECIAL SAVINGS
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join Martin Gregus on the June 6, 2026 departure
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
From
$6,894
/ per person
Was $8,111Save $1,217
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join Martin Gregus on the June 6, 2026 departure
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
From
$6,894
/ per person
Was $8,111Save $1,217
SPECIAL SAVINGS
National Geographic Photography Expert
Join Martin Gregus on the June 6, 2026 departure
View our brochure for more details
Explorations
Itinerary
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
Westbound
Download ItineraryStarts atStockholm, SwedenEnds atCopenhagen, Denmark
Day 1
Stockholm, Sweden / Embark Ship
Arrive in Stockholm and transfer to the city center. As the largest city in Scandinavia, the city offers a dynamic blend of culture, architecture and history. Spend the day at your own pace taking in this world capital throughout the ages before embarking the ship this afternoon.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Stockholm, Sweden / Embark ShipArrive in Stockholm and transfer to the city center. As the largest city in Scandinavia, the city offers a dynamic blend of culture, architecture and history. Spend the day at your own pace taking in this world capital throughout the ages before embarking the ship this afternoon.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Stockholm Archipelago
This morning, wake up next to Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest district as you take advantage of the city's highlights and walk among the cobblestone streets, along the surrounding canals or through the numerous public parks. Visit the Vasa Museum which houses the world's only preserved 17th century ship and hear from experts about its sister ship which was recently discovered in the Baltic Sea. This afternoon, enjoy one of the most iconic Scandinavian sailings as you navigate the Stockholm archipelago or “skärgården,” watching local ferries crisscross the waterways and photographing the quaint cottages that line the shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Stockholm ArchipelagoThis morning, wake up next to Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest district as you take advantage of the city's highlights and walk among the cobblestone streets, along the surrounding canals or through the numerous public parks. Visit the Vasa Museum which houses the world's only preserved 17th century ship and hear from experts about its sister ship which was recently discovered in the Baltic Sea. This afternoon, enjoy one of the most iconic Scandinavian sailings as you navigate the Stockholm archipelago or “skärgården,” watching local ferries crisscross the waterways and photographing the quaint cottages that line the shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4
Finnish Archipelago
The Finnish Archipelago, comprising more than 6,700 islands, is known for its slower pace, strong ties to the sea and independent nature. Discover the Åland Islands, a fascinating autonomous region, as you explore from its capital of Mariehamn to the outer island of Utö. Visit remote lighthouses perched on red granite islands; navigate through coves and islands on Zodiacs and kayaks; explore the decks of the Pommern, a four-masted barque and one of the last of the Flying P-Liners; and walk Mariehamn’s city streets to see why it’s referred to as "the town of a thousand Linden trees."
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4
Finnish ArchipelagoThe Finnish Archipelago, comprising more than 6,700 islands, is known for its slower pace, strong ties to the sea and independent nature. Discover the Åland Islands, a fascinating autonomous region, as you explore from its capital of Mariehamn to the outer island of Utö. Visit remote lighthouses perched on red granite islands; navigate through coves and islands on Zodiacs and kayaks; explore the decks of the Pommern, a four-masted barque and one of the last of the Flying P-Liners; and walk Mariehamn’s city streets to see why it’s referred to as "the town of a thousand Linden trees."
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Visby, Gotland
A former Viking site on the island of Gotland, the UNESCO-designated city of Visby is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia. Its history as a part of the Hanseatic League can still be witnessed in its two-mile-long city wall, cobblestone streets and stone houses. Outside its walls, Gotland lures travelers with its rich history, striking nature and a growing reputation for local crafts and goods. Spend the day exploring the island or follow the local lifestyle of slowing down and enjoying the rhythm of the Baltic Sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Visby, GotlandA former Viking site on the island of Gotland, the UNESCO-designated city of Visby is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia. Its history as a part of the Hanseatic League can still be witnessed in its two-mile-long city wall, cobblestone streets and stone houses. Outside its walls, Gotland lures travelers with its rich history, striking nature and a growing reputation for local crafts and goods. Spend the day exploring the island or follow the local lifestyle of slowing down and enjoying the rhythm of the Baltic Sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Stora Karlsö
The second oldest nature reserve in the world after Yellowstone National Park, Stora Karlsö is a nature lovers' paradise. Composed of fossilized coral reefs formed over 400 million years ago, the scenery is one of the main draws of this "rock" in the middle of the Baltic Sea. It’s home to the biggest bird cliffs in the Baltic, which teem with colonies of breeding guillemots and razorbills, and it’s carpeted with an array of dazzling flowers, depending on the season. You’ll be guided through this rich diversity by your naturalists as well as by the Reserve Rangers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Stora KarlsöThe second oldest nature reserve in the world after Yellowstone National Park, Stora Karlsö is a nature lovers' paradise. Composed of fossilized coral reefs formed over 400 million years ago, the scenery is one of the main draws of this "rock" in the middle of the Baltic Sea. It’s home to the biggest bird cliffs in the Baltic, which teem with colonies of breeding guillemots and razorbills, and it’s carpeted with an array of dazzling flowers, depending on the season. You’ll be guided through this rich diversity by your naturalists as well as by the Reserve Rangers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Bornholm, Denmark
Arrive at the island of Bornholm, a Danish island located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Germany. Known for its local makers and crafters, Bornholm offers a relaxing atmosphere. Rønne, the capital of the island, is a market town dating back to 1327 and that creative mindset continues to grow in modern times. Spend the day getting to know the history, artists and landscape of this Danish gem.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Bornholm, DenmarkArrive at the island of Bornholm, a Danish island located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Germany. Known for its local makers and crafters, Bornholm offers a relaxing atmosphere. Rønne, the capital of the island, is a market town dating back to 1327 and that creative mindset continues to grow in modern times. Spend the day getting to know the history, artists and landscape of this Danish gem.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Copenhagen / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Copenhagen / Disembark ShipDisembark in Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Combine and Save
Back-to-Back Savings
Save 10%: Combine this expedition with Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes for a deeper dive into the region.
Ships
National Geographic Endurance
GUESTS 138
CABINS 76
DECKS 6
The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat, offering unprecedented access to polar regions.
Expedition Extensions
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Take advantage of our additional offers
BRINGING THE KIDS
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
View our brochure for more details
Explorations