The Baltic Sea is the youngest sea on Earth, emerging 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. This sea was the result of glacier recession at the end of the last Ice Age. Located in Northern Europe, it is surrounded by Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Sweden, and Poland.
Cruising to this region is a beautiful experience, especially for people interested in rich history and cultural immersion. Stunning architecture, epic local cuisine, and fascinating museums captivate travelers. This blog will take you on a ride to the Baltic Sea, its lovely destinations, and exciting shore excursions.
You will learn about cruises and will be able to decide the best Baltic Sea cruise for your trip. So, let’s move forward.
30-Second Summary
The Baltic Sea and its bordering countries are famous for attracting a large number of tourists. These places are homes to some of the most beautiful visiting spots and shore excursion activities.
You will find a list of cruises that take you on the best journey to the Baltic Sea. This blog is a deep dive into the weather, tourist attractions, and activities to do in the Baltic states. Read it and make a bucket list of all the famous places.
Best Baltic Sea Cruises
Getting on a cruise to the Baltic Sea is a dream of many travelers. This place is full of unique experiences, which make it a favorite destination on explorers’ travel wishlists. If you plan to visit this region, below is a compilation of Baltic Sea cruises that promise comfort and an immersive trip.
Azamara
Azamara’s ships are the perfect size. They are not too small and offer a variety of activities for passengers. But they are not too big either, with intimate lounges and bars. The laid-back and club-style environment creates a friendly atmosphere between passengers and staff. This friendliness extends to other travelers who are aboard with the same passion for traveling.
The signature White Party is an on-deck event, with lots of delicious food, and of course, an all-white dress code.
Viking
Viking is expanding rapidly in the ocean sector after the river sector. With its Scandinavian aesthetic, this cruise offers an exceptional journey of the Baltic Sea. Focusing on the cultural immersion, travelers join the executive chef on a trip to the Gdansk food market. After coming on board, you will get a cooking lesson.
Moreover, you can go on a horse riding tour in Gimsoy Island. Carrying 930 guests on each ship, Viking guarantees the best trip to the Baltic Sea.
Silversea
The itineraries offered by Silversea are wide-ranging and extensive. With a laid-back environment, you get to enjoy the best hospitality and food experience onboard. If you seek lots of shore excursion activities, it might be the best Baltic Sea cruise for you. The itinerary includes visits to Nuuksio National Park outside Helsinki for hiking, cooling dip, cycling, and standup paddle boarding.
Or if you enjoy leisure, participate in a food and drink tour in the Finnish capital to try local delicacies, such as deer meat, wines, and even chocolate.
Seabourn
Seabourn offers a highly personal travel experience, where the staff is focused on knowing each guest individually. The itinerary includes Kristiansand and the historic Ravnedalen Park among many other places. The Ravnedalen Park is home to imported exotic plants and Norway’s largest native spruce trees.
Carrying 458 passengers, Seabourn Quest offers room service, and dinner is served course by course.
P&O Cruises
The sister ship of P&O Cruises, Britannia, has awe-inspiring decor and interiors. It boasts 13 bars, four pools, 13 restaurants, and splendid accommodation spread over all 13 decks. On the 14-night Baltic itinerary, travelers can join various beer-inspired excursions. Passengers see the 50m Jagala, which is Estonia’s biggest waterfall.
Guests can book a trip to the red brick city of Lubeck in Kiel and explore this historical place.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has established a reputation for luxury travel. The spacious suites offer passengers the taste of a private living environment. The itinerary includes visiting the Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest artificial waterway. It is one of the numerous options included in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises travel.
Food lovers can join a tour to Bornholm Island in Denmark for artisan sausages, wine tasting, and smoked herring.
Ponant
The shore tours of Ponant, a French cruise line, include the opportunity to taste gourmet cuisine. You can sip Goldwasser, a herbal liquor with real gold flakes. You can book a Latvian cooking class in Riga. Passengers visit the largest indoor market in Europe to get ingredients.
The seven-night cruise trip covers Copenhagen, Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Riga.
Holland America Line
Rotterdam, a Holland America ship, carries 2668 passengers and starts its voyage from its namesake port to Baltic and Scandinavian capitals. One of the first stops is Oslo. Passengers can visit the Maritime Museum with its Viking boat.
You can visit Stockholm as well, where you can stroll around the city’s islands, which are joined by bridges. Spend a great time with locals while indulging in meatballs or herring with beer.
Small Cruise Ships for the Baltic Sea
If you want a more personal cruise and cultural immersion experience, small ships are your best bet. These small cruises have access to remote destinations and can easily navigate narrow waterways. They dock at ports where larger ships cannot reach. Overall, small ships provide you with opportunities for authentic exploration of the Baltic regions.
SH Diana
SH Diana is designed to provide an immersive experience in remote destinations. It offers spacious and elegant accommodation for 192 guests. The suites have balconies to observe the ocean from a comfortable viewpoint. Passengers have a relaxing trip to Baltic itineraries with SH Diana.
Le Laperouse
Le Laperouse is a member of the Ponant line, which is designed for intimate and luxurious travel. It offers unique and less-visited destinations in Baltic cruise itineraries. The contemporary decor and well-appointed spaces provide an enjoyable and authentic travel experience.
MS Mona Lisa
Designed to accommodate 94 passengers in 47 cabins, MS Mona Lisa provides an intimate travel to the Baltic regions. It offers an 8-day cruise journey through Copenhagen, the Baltic Islands, and Berlin. Passengers enjoy ship amenities, guided tours, and local culture while on board MS Mona Lisa.
Historical Significance of The Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is surrounded by different countries and diverse people. Despite facing rivalry and competition, the countries around the sea have maintained a positive relationship. Various countries connected to its shore are economically connected as well. Among many items, the trade of wax and fur was the most crucial.
A Historical Gist
A Scandinavian trade empire was established around the Baltic Sea in the early Middle Ages. The merchants initially used Russian rivers as trade routes, and later expanded to the Black Sea and Southern Russia.
Amber and fish were the main trade items. Poland used the Baltic to trade salt, whereas Sweden used it to export iron and silver.
It became a famous trade route during the establishment of the Hanseatic League. The main trading post became Lubek, which had the most economic activity.
Current Significance
The Baltic Sea is a natural and cultural asset, marking its importance in various domains. This sea is considered a leader of the Blue Economy for the sustainable development of marine industries and resources.
Moreover, it is a famous tourist destination for its recreation opportunities and breathtaking cultural sites. Reportedly, around 80 million recreational tours happen yearly in the Baltic, making it a popular travel spot.
Why Should The Baltic Sea be on Your Bucket List?
The Baltic Sea borders the three sovereign states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These idyllic states have stunning views to offer. Let’s explore five reasons why the Baltic Sea and its surrounding states should be on your travel wishlist.
Rich History
If you are a modern historian or have a keen interest in history, you will be drawn to the Baltic states. Their rich history is often overlooked. The influence of the occupation of the Soviet Union is present in the Baltic states. The occupation lasted for forty-six years, leaving deep imprints. Additionally, there are many magnificent castles to explore, including Kadriorg Palace and Trakai Castle.
Vibrant Cities
The capitals of the Baltic States are unique and charming. Each city offers a totally different yet mesmerizing travel experience to tourists. Latvia’s capital, Riga, boasts breathtaking Art Nouveau architecture. The medieval beauty of Tallinn attracts a large number of visitors to Estonia. The Bohemian districts in the city of Vilnius leave people awe-struck. Each city fascinates people coming from around the globe.
The Baltic Seaside
The seaside in the Baltics is busy, especially in summer. All three Baltic states border the Baltic Sea, offering mesmerizing ocean views. The coastline of Lithuania, the Curonian Spit, consists primarily of sand dunes and is on the list of UNESCO heritage. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, visit the beaches in Latvia or the Estonian town of Parnu.
Nature
Around 40% of the Baltic states are covered with lush forests, meaning that nature is at your doorstep. Travelers can easily escape the bustle of the cities as it is quick to step into nature. Autumn brings in stunning colors of the forest. If you want to breathe in the sea air, the unspoiled beauty of the Baltic Sea beaches awaits you.
Exceptional Food
Each state has its own delicacy. Lithuania has a dish called Koldunai. This must-have dish is a form of dumplings filled with chicken, minced beef, cheese curds, or pork. For people with a sweet tooth, rhubarb is another delicacy in the Baltic region. Chefs show their cooking mastery by turning vegetables into pies, cakes, and souffles.
Stunning Destinations to Visit
The Baltic Sea coast offers fun, relaxation, and an authentic exploration experience for all tourists. With its bustling cities and cozy towns, this place welcomes lots of visitors every year. If this region is your next holiday destination, you need to check out the following locations.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city after Moscow. Its unique location on the Gulf of Finland and canal channels earned it the name “Venice of the North.” This city is considered the hub of culture, history, and architecture. You can book a journey on St Petersburg Cruises for a fun-filled holiday.
Places to visit: The famous tourist attractions in St. Petersburg are the State Hermitage Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress, the Russian Museum, the Summer Garden, the Marble Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and Kazan Cathedral of St. Petersburg.
Stockholm
Stockholm is the largest metropolitan region and city in the Nordic countries. This city is Sweden’s capital and has abundant waterways and well-preserved architecture of modern and medieval times. Stockholm is considered one of the most aesthetically appealing cities in Europe. Visit it through a perfect tour on Stockholm Cruises.
Places to visit: Some tourist attractions include the Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace, Skansen, ABBA the museum, Stockholm City Hall, Gamla Stan, Nordiska Museet, and the Stockholm Archipalego.
Oslo
Oslo is the capital and largest city in Norway, with its vibrant urban beauty. This city has a blend of modern architecture and rich history. Oslo is the hub for trade, finance, and industry, as well as a cultural center for thriving arts.
Places to visit: The best places to visit in Oslo are Akreshus museum, Fram museum, MUNCH, Natural History museum, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and most populous city of Finland. Famous for its architecture, easy-going Nordic lifestyle, and innovative design, this city attracts tourists from all parts of the world. The location on the shore of the Gulf of Finland gives this a blend of urban culture and coastal nature.
Places to visit: Some popular spots to visit in Helsinki are the Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Helsinki City Hall, Market Square, and Seurasaari open-air museum.
Copehagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant city life, and a commitment to sustainability. This city is also known for culinary excellence and cycling culture. Many tourists prefer traveling on Copenhagen Cruises for a cozy and luxurious trip.
Places to visit: Some must-visit places for tourists are Christiansborg Slot, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Slot, Thorvaldsens Museum, and Latin Quarter.
Tallinn
Tallinn is best known for its captivating beauty, especially the preservation of medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts a blend of history and modernity with its rich culture. Tallinn is a major port and industrial center, contributing to Estonia’s economy. You can embark on the journey to this city via Tallinn Cruises.
Places to visit: The top must-visit Tallinn spots are Tallinn’s Old Town, Toompea Hill and Castle, Kadriorg Palace and Park, Seaplane Harbor, and Telliskivi Creative City.
Shore Excursions for the Baltic Sea
Whether you are strolling Estonia’s cobblestone alleyways, visiting Stockholm’s beaches, or seeing St. Petersburg’s castles, the Baltic region never fails to amaze you. This region offers a variety of engaging activities. If you travel on cruises, you can join fun-filled Baltic shore excursions.
Brewery Tour in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to various famous breweries. If you are traveling to the city, you should definitely plan to visit these breweries. Some travelers take a trip to Carlsberg Brewery, one of the oldest in the entire region. You can travel to the old granary and sculpture garden as well. Some tourists also stop at Denmark’s first microbrewery, where they learn about modern brewing processes.
Kayaking in Helsinki
The three sides of Helsinki are surrounded by the Baltic Sea. When you plan your trip to Helsinki, you should include kayaking in the Finnish Archipelago. You can opt for a boat or a high-speed RIB, but kayaking has its own charm. Kayaking allows you to observe beaches and coastlines, as well as bird sightings and ecology.
Visiting Vigeland Park in Oslo
Oslo has an incredible collection of museums. Vigeland Park is one of the most visited locations in the city. It exhibits more than 200 bronze and iron sculptures created by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. These sculptures beautifully depict different stages of human life, providing an enriching traveling experience.
Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg
Visiting the ballet while traveling through St. Petersburg is an integral part of the journey. Evening cruise tours take travelers to the traditional St. Petersburg concert halls, such as the Mikhailovsky or Mariinsky Theatre. Inside is a world of elegance, grace, and beauty. The theaters feature classic shows like “Black Swan” or “Sleeping Beauty” or different scenes from various shows.
Rooftop Walk in Stockholm
This walk starts at Riddarholmen and takes travelers to the top of the Old Parliament Building. There, with the help of a safety harness, you will begin a sky-high walking tour. The guide shares stories about the historical buildings. Once you are on the ground, get ready to take a walk around Stockholm’s oldest quarter, Gamla Stan.
Chocolate Making Workshop in Tallinn
A chocolate-making workshop in Tallinn is the best way to get a sweet treat while also interacting with the local artisans. You can go to Chocolaterie de Pierre, where you can learn to make cakes and truffles. Tourists also visit the Kalev chocolate shop, where they can learn how to create and fill chocolate truffles while sampling marzipan.
Different Seasons of the Baltic Sea
The Baltics go through different patterns of weather. January and February are freezing. It is definitely not a great time to visit unless you are okay with teeth-chattering winter and short days.
March and April are cold too. However, the start of spring brings swans, geese, and ducks that settle into the shallow bays along Baltic coastlines.
In May and June, the temperature takes a turn. It starts to get warmer, and you can plan a small group trip before the place starts to become crowded.
July and August are the best times to visit the Baltic region. The longer days and warm temperatures allow travelers to make the most of the trip.
September and early October are also perfect to visit these regions. The places are less crowded. However, make sure to make woolly jackets.
November and December bring cold weather. The birds depart to settle in warmer regions, and the resorts prepare for the Baltic conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Baltic Sea attracts cruisers who want to have a cozy and culturally rich vacation. The sea is surrounded by beautiful countries and popular tourist spots. This blog discusses the best Baltic cruises that provide an enriching traveling experience. It also explored must-visit cities that are packed with exceptional landmarks.
FAQs
Why is the Baltic Sea Famous?
The Baltic Sea is one of the most used seas on Earth. It is considered the leader of the Blue Economy. Additionally, it shares coastlines with stunning countries, which are popular for tourism.
What is the Best Time to Cruise the Baltic Sea?
The best time to visit the Baltic Sea is July to early October. The temperature is warm, and you can enjoy a fulfilling trip.
What Borders the Baltic Sea?
The Baltic Sea is bordered by nine countries: Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Russia, and Sweden.