Top 10 Northern Europe Shore Excursions
So much to explore, a cruise around Northern Europe is guaranteed to give you a holiday you will not forget. Be sure to have your camera ready as you sail around some of the most picturesque places you've ever seen. Discover immaculate fjords, medieval castles, stunning scenery, and secret Nordic treasures as you set sail for an unforgettable journey. Boasting a wide variety of shore excursions, Northern Europe has much to offer — here are our favourites.
1. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens is a wonderland of amusement rides, beautiful gardens, restaurants, and entertainment shows. This excursion offers a fantastic day with something for the whole family. The Glassalen Theatre is a historic building set in the old gardens, that hosts a variety of shows, as well as forming a distinguished background to many of the other events. If your cruise stops in Copenhagen, this is definitely a place we recommend you explore.
Royal Caribbean offer this excrusion. Take a look at all Royal Caribbean Northern Europe cruises.
2. Flam Railway and Hiking the Flam Valley, Flam
The Flam Valley is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Northern Europe, and this excursion allows you to see it all. The Flam Railway is an attractive railway line that goes up one of the world's steepest tracks. Once you have boarded the train, your journey up to Vatnahalsen will allow you to see stunning views, from the 400 foot drop Rjoande Waterfall, to the striking peak of Vibmesnosi. After this amazing train journey you will hike back down the wild valley on crunchy gravel paths. It's an excursion for those wanting to experience a real taste of authentic Norway!
Holland America Line can take you on the Flam Railway. Browse through Holland America Line's Norway cruises.
3. Helsinki Speedboat Blast, Helsinki
If you want an excursion that will get your adrenalin pumping, this is definitely one for you! You will board the powerful rubber speedboat close to the ship and enjoy gliding towards the city centre, passing Embassy Park and Suomenlinna Island Fortress. After floating by amazing, giant Icebreakers, it is time to hold on as the boat hits full throttle! You will see many of the amazing sights that Finland has to offer, including the beautiful islands with their beaming Finnish summer homes.
Brave the Helsinki Speedboat with Royal Caribbean. Take a look at Royal Caribbean's North Europe cruises.
4. Fjord and Sea Safari, Faroe Islands
If your cruise stops in the Faroe Islands, it's a good idea to take a tour that will allow you to see as much as you can — we think this excursion is one of the best ways to do it. This fun and exciting boat safari will give you the chance to see all the stunning views that the islands have to offer. The boat will go under and between high sea cliffs, inside grottos, and you'll get the chance to spot some amazing wildlife.
Cunard offer this great opportunity. Have a look at Cunard's Fjords and Norway cruises.
5. Exclusive Ballet at the Russian Theatre, St Petersburg
Although this is an evening excursion exclusive to guests sailing with Azamara, it had to go in our top 10 as it offers such a unique and wonderful experience. St Petersburg is home to the oldest opera and ballet houses in Russia, and what better way to see these than with a traditional Russian ballet. Your venue could be The Hermitage, Mikhailovsky, or Alexandrinsky Theatre. The Russian Horn Capella Orchestra will greet you as you enjoy a red carpet entrance, accompanied by complimentary glasses of champagne. Once seated, you will sit in amazement for an evening gala performance exclusively for you.
Go to the Exclusive Ballet with Azamara. See all Northern Europe cruises with Azamara.
6. The Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik
The Blue Lagoon offers a once in a lifetime experience - to bathe in a real lava field. This famous lagoon is full of warm water rich in minerals and crowned by clouds of vapour. As you enter the water you will instantly feel a sense of tranquility and relaxation. Some people are even lucky enough to see the Northern Lights when they are bathing in the lagoon, take a look at our blog about the best time of year to see the Northern Lights. Various tours are available to the Blue Lagoon, and some will combine it with other attractions such as Krysvik Geothermal Field, or a city tour.
Fred. Olsen can take you to the famous Blue Lagoon. See all Fred. Olsen cruises in North Europe.
7. City Tour, St Petersburg
St Petersburg is a highlight of any Baltic cruise. Boasting stunning buildings and architecture, a tour of this city is a must. The tour will normally be on an air-conditioned coach, however walking tours are also available. There are many famous places to see, including the famous Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood, Peterhof Palace, State Russian Museum, and Palace Square. Many cruise itineraries offer an overnight stay here, so you can spend the day on a city tour and choose your favourite place to go back to in the evening.
Marella Cruises can show you around St Peterburg. Take a look at Marella Cruises Northern Europe cruises.
8. Historic Rooftop, Stockholm
This excursion gives you the opportunity to see Sweden’s capital from 140 feet above the ground. After donning your safety wear you will start a 75 minute walk over purpose built tracks on the roof of the Old Parliament building. During your walk you will see over some of the most famous landmarks in Stockholm, such as The City Hall, The Royal Palace, and Gamla Stan. Led by a friendly tour guide who will narrate the whole walk, it is certainly an excellent way to improve your knowledge of this beautiful city.
Azamara provide this excursion. Browse through Azamara cruises in North Europe.
9. City Walk and Ice Bar, Oslo
Oslo is a place full of beauty and history, and to take a walking tour is one of the best ways to see as much of this amazing city as possible. The streets are lined with historic buildings, art galleries, and cosy cafes. As you walk into the city centre you will be able to view the impressive monuments and amazing architecture. A tour guide will narrate the walk and inform you of all the fascinating history. After the walk you can cool down in the Ice Bar -a bar made entirely of ice including the bar, walls, and even the glass you drink from!
Disney Cruise Linewith offer this excursion. See all Fjords and Norway cruises with Disney Cruise Line.
10. Lofoton by horse, Nordland
The Lofoten Islands boast some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and what better way to see it than on horseback. Upon leaving the ship you will be taken to meet the horses and start your ride. Once saddled up you will ride over the powdery white sand and hills, while you learn about the interesting history of these fascinating islands.
Hurtigruten can show you Lofoton on horseback. See the range of Hurtigruten's Norway cruises.