Southern Scandinavia - Archipelagos, Fjords and Quaint Fishing Towns

Your southern Scandinavian adventure begins 

Your summer expedition cruise to southern Scandinavia starts in Dover. If you have time, take a short walk to Dover Castle, a huge fortress with dazzling views of the Channel. 

Then, it's time to board MS Maud. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin and get to know your expedition ship, designed for exploring up close and in comfort. You'll also meet your expert Expedition Team, who'll be your knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts and friendly guides. 

Relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the world go by from the panoramic windows. Your adventure is officially underway. 

Enjoy the sea air as we head to the German coast 

It's time to decompress from daily life, relax and really get into the mood for your summer expedition cruise. 

Brush up on Scandinavian life philosophies like Danish hygge, Swedish lagom, meaning 'not too little, not too much – just right', or Norwegian passion for nature called friluftsliv. Enjoy lectures hosted by the Expedition Team, who'll happily share their extensive knowledge of southern Scandinavia. 

Admire the views from MS Maud's expansive Observation Deck, meet fellow guests, take full advantage of the gym and hot tubs or get some top tips from our professional photographer. 

Enjoy coastal nature and rustic charm 

Today, we arrive at the picture-perfect North Frisian island of Sylt. With 25 miles of pristine dunes, beaches and heathland, it attracts those seeking sanctuary and solitude. 

Explore List's rustic charm, perhaps by bike, then sample the island's culinary speciality – Sylter Royal oysters – or enjoy a visit to the local ecological museum, which is powered by renewable energy. 

At low tide, a short walk along the mud flats will bring you to the edge of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea, and the unspoiled Ellenbogen nature reserve – a haven of tranquillity. 

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the world's busiest canal 

We sail from the North Sea to the Baltic via the picturesque 61-mile Kiel Canal, also known as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, built in 1887 to help ships bypass Denmark's stormy Jutland peninsula. 

Head out on deck as we pass lush countryside, quaint villages and magnificent landscapes. You'll see daily life along the canal; grazing cattle, anglers patiently fishing, cyclists and, of course, many ships and boats. 

We'll traverse the impressive locks or schleusen at Holtenau, before making a brief stop in Kiel itself.  

Rugged Skagen, a haven for artists and nature lovers 

Your cruise continues to Denmark, as we arrive in Skagen, a popular beach town where the Baltic meets the North Sea. 

Inspired by the clear light, artists began to move here to paint in the early 1800s, and at Skagen Museum you can see the works of their collective, which became hugely influential in Danish cultural history. 

After visiting the lively town centre, you can explore the wild landscapes along nearby walking trails. At Grenen, Denmark's northernmost point, visit the sand-covered church with only the tower visible, or Råberg Mile, the closest thing Denmark has to a desert. 

Discover Sweden's scenic seaside resorts 

Your expedition cruise continues to Sweden, and our first destination is the cosy seaside resort of Lysekil. With its beautiful archipelago setting, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. 

The old town, Gamlestan, is a charming well-preserved neighbourhood, perfect for a walk. Stop by some of the local cafés and restaurants to enjoy the region's renowned seafood. 

Later on, we head to Smögen to enjoy the evening. Here, you'll see rows of fishermen's houses and beautifully restored cottages with lovingly tended gardens. In the evening, Smögen's busy waterside boardwalk is the ideal place to enjoy the relaxed summer vibes. 

Find out why Ingrid Bergman loved this place

The tiny town of Fjällbacka, once the summer favourite for the Swedish movie star Ingrid Bergman, is a lively summer resort with brightly coloured houses. The area has several nature reserves that are great for coastal walks. While you're here, stroll along the quayside, explore the old part of town and stop at one of the lovely seaside restaurants. For stunning views of Fjällbacka, climb up the wooden steps to the cliffs of Vetteberget. 

A short drive away you'll find the Vitlycke museum, which is located in the Tanum UNESCO World Heritage Site, where over 600 rock carvings dating back almost 4,000 years are located.  

Explore Sweden's remarkable marine biosphere 

Today we'll explore the Bohuslän archipelago, cruising up close along Sweden's beautiful west coast past pretty fishing villages. We stop at the Koster Islands, in the centre of Kosterhavet National Park – a marine park that's a haven for sea life. 

On North Koster take in the rubble-stone fields at Valnäs and magnificent views from Högen on foot. On South Koster explore the charming coastal meadows, ancient forests and sandy beaches on foot or by bike. 

If conditions allow our Expedition Team will bring you up close to Kosterhavet's teeming marine life by expedition boat, kayak or on snorkelling trips. 

Enjoy the cultural and scenic delights of Oslo 

Your expedition cruise continues in Oslo, Norway's fjord-side capital. With its rich history and contemporary art scene, Oslo is a fascinating place to explore. You'll find museums, galleries, and remarkable architecture all within easy reach – including the beautiful Opera House and the new Munch museum. 

Take a stroll in the sculpture park at Ekebergparken, visit the Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life, and round it all off with a meal at one of Oslo's many traditional and New Nordic eateries. 

Islets, reefs and coves set in an idyllic archipelago 

After Oslo we visit the beautiful coastal town of Kragerø. Looking out over islets and reefs, this elegant resort bustles with activity in summer. 

Kragerø has inspired many artists, drawn to its incredible light and scenery. Edvard Munch spent six years here, and you can even enjoy a walk ambling through Kragerø's charming narrow lanes, boutiques and eateries to visit some of the places that inspired him. 

You can also join the Expedition Team on an island-hopping bike tour, or go swimming or on nature walks. Explore the Telemark Canal, one of the world's most beautiful waterways. 

Experience the highs of Preikestolen 

You'll be treated to views of Lysefjord's striking vertical cliffs on your final expedition day in Norway. Sailing deep into this imposing fjord, we reach the world famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock. 

Enjoy incredible views of the rock from below as we approach. Look out for the equally renowned Kjæragbolten, where a giant boulder seems precariously wedged in a mountain crevasse.  

If you're feeling adventurous, join our Expedition Team for an optional five-hour guided hike to the Preikestolen viewpoint, a dizzying 1,982 ft above Lysefjord. After cruising the scenic fjord and collecting our tired but exhilarated hikers, we'll continue to Rosendal. 

The beautiful orchards and gardens of Rosendal 

We sail on to Rosendal, a picturesque village at the heart of Hardangerfjord. It's surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, and pretty hillside orchards supply the apples for the award-winning local cider. 

You can spend the day exploring with our Expedition Team, perhaps on kayaking and hiking trips, taking in the Bondhusvatnet lake and Folgefonna glacier. 

A notable attraction is Rosendal's magnificent 17th century Baronial manor, its interiors preserved since 1927. A path through the glorious rose garden – blooming in July – leads you to the dramatic Hatteberg waterfall. 

Pretty beaches and rich birdlife  

MS Maud's smaller size allows us to explore Norway's southern coast up close . With its sandy beaches, grassy dunes and wetlands, Farsund offers some of the area's best summer birdwatching. 

On arrival, look out for the Marina Watchman, welcoming boats and visitors. Then take a scenic beach walk, visit the German-built WWII Nordberg Fort, or climb the Lista Lighthouse for fantastic views. 

Enjoy your last day at sea 

It's our last full day as we cruise back to Dover. Be sure to make the most of this day at sea on board MS Maud. Enjoy the final daily lecture by the Expedition Team and listen as they  recap the highlights of the voyage. 

Relive your experiences of southern Scandinavia as you share stories with fellow guests over dinner or drinks in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. Relax in the hot tub or sauna or head out on deck to spot seabirds and dolphins that sometimes like to follow the ship. 

Your Scandinavian discovery tour comes to a close 

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before we dock. If you have time, why not explore a little more of Dover and its famous white cliffs before returning home. 

Dover is the gateway to English countryside, so before you rush off, why not visit Dover Castle, or the Roman lighthouse that's reputedly the UK's oldest building. You can also tour the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels beneath the castle. 

You'll depart with wonderful memories of your summer in Scandinavia – idyllic islands and archipelagos, picture-perfect fishing villages, wonderful fjords, impressive nature, and of course, all the people you've met along the way.