A Scandinavian Triptych, by water

Cycle paths crisscross the Danish capital and offer endless bike rides alongside its roadways, while its shores offer open-air swimmers plenty of places to dive into the Baltic Sea. In the heart of the city, the wooden pontoons of Islands Brygge attract bathers and sun-worshippers in equal numbers–the water is often cool but always clean. In 2019, CNN named Copenhagen number one in its rankings of the world's best swimming cities.

While Ålesund is located south of the Arctic Circle (near the city of Tromso), it is possible to observe the magnificent Northern Lights there. During autumn and winter, around midnight–when the weather is clear and there is strong solar activity–these unmistakable streaks of green and purple neon will fill the night sky and create memories that last a lifetime.

As the birthplace of cross-country skiing and the biathlon, Norway is a paradise for lovers of gentle slopes. Near Hotel Union Øye, you can go ski touring, snowshoeing or tobogganing at the water's edge. At higher altitudes, skiers who crave a little more speed will discover an ideal winter wonderland set between coniferous forests and the fjords, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. An unforgettable day of thrills and evocative experiences awaits, before the relaxation of the sauna beckons.

Traena island is home to just 440 inhabitants or so, but just as many fishing rods. In the small port of Husøy, the old fishing boats and other trawlers have belonged to the same families for generations and have navigated these waters in search of herring, skrey and cod, taking advantage of the waters of the Gulf Stream and the relatively sheltered corridor formed by the archipelago. Climb the island's hills to enjoy a view of the surrounding inlets, islets and reefs, as well as its puffin colonies – the species easily outnumbers the island’s human inhabitants.

When the Vasa capsized on August 10, 1628, in the port of Stockholm, it was the most powerful ship that had ever been conceived. Built on the orders of Gustav II Adolphe, King of Sweden, this 52-meter-long three-masted ship was equipped with some 64 cannons. Raised from the waters in 1961, the ship has since been completely reassembled–almost all of the artefacts presented in this unique museum are original. Discover a unique retelling of 17th century history for lovers of maritime heritage.