Northern countries Cruise - from Hamburg - 109230

The second-largest city in Germany (with a population of 1.8 million) lies at the Elbe and Alster rivers. Due to its location, Hamburg has a dense network of waterways and has more bridges than even Venice! The Hanseatic city is one of the most important economic centres in Germany on account of the overseas port and the media and cultural centre. This city of contrasts has a highly developed entertainment culture that visitors can experience first hand in the legendary 'St. Pauli' area and in Hamburg's many music halls and theatres. The 1,200-year-old city is loved by culture-vultures and scenesters alike, and buildings with ultra-modern shops and bars are sprouting up all over the city between the traditional office buildings. Other attractions include: the "Michel", the entire port development, the "Jungfernstieg", the "Reeperbahn', the TV tower, Hagenbeck Zoo, the warehouse area "Speicherstadt", Mönckebergstraße, St. Jacobi Church and the fish market.

The port of Esbjerg lies at the most northerly corner of the Wadden Sea. Because Esbjerg was founded at the time of industrialisation, the town was built in the style of Historicism. Some impressive buildings from this era can still be seen today on a stroll through the town, for example the train station and the building at the market place. The house in which the tourist office is located dates from 1900. The staircase gable of the post office is in stark contrast to the bank (Torvet 20). A glance inside the churches, meanwhile, shows the modern architecture of the last few decades. Today, this young port and industrial city, with a population of 80,000, is the Danish centre of "off-shore" activities in the North Sea. For those who rise early, Esbjerg holds a fish auction in the huge fish hall at the quay. Another sight worth visiting is the Fishing and Maritime Museum, which has an aquarium for seals. For beach holidaymakers, Esbjerg acts as a stepping stone to the island of Fanø.

The little town of Åndalsnes is the starting point for excursions to the dramatic landscape of Norway, with its picturesque settlements and spectacular mountain panoramas.

The small town of Svolvaer is the principal town on the Lofoten Islands and lies on the island of Vagan. The small fishing harbour has a population of 4,000 and a regular ferry connection. Visitors can join in fishing aboard a real Lofoten fish cutter, catching mainly cod, shell fish and lythe.

The small Norwegian fishing town of Honningsvag is just 25 km from the Northern Cape. It is the second most northerly point of Europe and lies on the Norwegian island of Magerøy. From the Northern Cape you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arctic Sea, but the most beautiful attraction is the Midnight Sun. This wonder of nature exists only to the north of the Arctic circle and occurs because in summer in the Arctic zones, the sun remains above the horizon.

Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town, is the most northerly settlement in the world and was the starting point of many Polar expeditions. Today, it is a scientific research station. The small museum with its post office, which once served as the base station for many expeditions, is a must-see.

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Svalbard islands (Spitzbergen). For thousands of years the island was located close to the equator. At that time, there were many trees on Svalbard, which later broke down to become coal. As a result of the continental drift, the islands slowly wandered North to their current position close to the North Pole. Sights include: the art gallery, the Svalbard Museum, where exhibits include stuffed arctic animals and items relating to mining as well as several trappers' huts.