Top Destinations to Visit in Europe
Sep 01, 2022 · By Vacations By Rail
Discover a sampling of some of the most impressive of these destinations in Europe
Read moreFraming the deep azure waters of the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the Baltic states make up some of Northern Europe's most unique regions. Each country is geographically diverse and culturally distinctive. Crossing the border from one country to the next presents a wide berth of adventures that are far from ordinary. Scandinavian trip itineraries venture through beautiful Norway with its fjords and dramatic landscapes. Travelers may venture across the Arctic Circle while chasing the experience of a lifetime, watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky, or ride aboard far-north railways, like the Flåm Railroad or the Bergen Railroad, to discover the beauty of the remote Nordic regions. Escorted tours in Swedish Lapland allow visitors to mingle amongst reindeer and travel amidst sparkling lakes and snowy mountain ranges. But it is not just the backcountry that impresses; instead, Norway and Sweden are both home to dazzling cities - most notably, Oslo and Stockholm - that allow the modern sides of these ancient countries to shine. Travel that extends into Finland presents an even more comprehensive look at the wonders to be discovered in the Nordic countries.
The Baltic region is home to lesser-traveled countries, where the traditions of yesteryear still hold firm. Including Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, the Baltics are full of fascinating locales and beautiful cities. Take Latvia's Rigi, for example, with its Medieval Old Town and quaint wooden buildings. Estonia's breathtaking coastal islands and perfectly preserved capital city, Tallinn, complete with cobbled streets and ancient architecture spanning the ages, offer yet another glimpse at the contrasts that made the Nordic-Baltic countries so incredible. With so many languages, cuisines, and traditions to discover, there is no shortage of wonders to unearth in Scandinavia and the Baltics.