Denmark’s capital is arguably one of the world’s best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a “do-what-you-want” philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city’s motto “Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen.”

Karlskrona is a locality and the seat of Karlskrona Municipality, Blekinge County, Sweden with 66,675 inhabitants in 2018. It is also the capital of Blekinge County. Karlskrona is known as Sweden’s only baroque city and is host to Sweden’s only remaining naval base and the headquarters of the Swedish Coast Guard.

Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Russia’s second largest city and principal Baltic port contains a tsar’s ransom in architecture, palaces and art treasures. Once the capital of Imperial Russia and playground of Russia’s elite, the city’s name was changed following the 1917 revolution to Petrograd, then Leningrad, before resuming its original name in 1991. St. Petersburg is patterned after Western capitals with canals reminiscent of Venice, a grand boulevard that evokes Paris and a spirit that is uniquely Russian.

Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Russia’s second largest city and principal Baltic port contains a tsar’s ransom in architecture, palaces and art treasures. Once the capital of Imperial Russia and playground of Russia’s elite, the city’s name was changed following the 1917 revolution to Petrograd, then Leningrad, before resuming its original name in 1991. St. Petersburg is patterned after Western capitals with canals reminiscent of Venice, a grand boulevard that evokes Paris and a spirit that is uniquely Russian.

Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Russia’s second largest city and principal Baltic port contains a tsar’s ransom in architecture, palaces and art treasures. Once the capital of Imperial Russia and playground of Russia’s elite, the city’s name was changed following the 1917 revolution to Petrograd, then Leningrad, before resuming its original name in 1991. St. Petersburg is patterned after Western capitals with canals reminiscent of Venice, a grand boulevard that evokes Paris and a spirit that is uniquely Russian.

Helsinki, capital of Finland and “Daughter of the Baltic,” was founded in 1550 and became the capital in 1812. The city is beautifully set on a peninsula surrounded by islands and is protected by fortifications at Suomenlinna. A modern, lively city of approximately a half million inhabitants, Helsinki’s attractions include the harbor, market square and many spacious parks. The Empire Center is one of Europe’s finest examples of neoclassical architecture.

Sweden’s capital has been called the most beautiful city in the world. This “city that floats on water” sprawls over 14 islands that are linked by over 50 bridges, which cross winding waterways in all directions. To the east is an archipelago of thousands of islands in different shapes, sizes and contours. Venice, for all its gondolas, does not approach the water traffic of Stockholm. The hundreds of small boats that line the inlets and canals testify to the passion of every family to own and sail a boat.