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 English Channel.

Then it’s time to board your ship, 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 will also meet your expert Expedition Team, 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 for the German coast

Take time to decompress from daily life, relax, and find the perfect mindset 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 the Norwegian passion for nature, called ‘friluftsliv’. Enjoy lectures hosted by the Expedition Team, who will happily share their extensive knowledge of southern Scandinavia.

Admire views from MS Maud’s expansive Observation Deck, meet fellow guests, take full advantage of the gym and hot tubs, or get some 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 specialty, Sylter royal oysters. You could also 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 tranquility.

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the world’s busiest canal.

We sail from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea via the picturesque Kiel Canal, which stretches for 61 miles. Also known as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, it was 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. Daily life plays out peacefully along the canal. See grazing cattle, anglers fishing patiently, 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 Sea meets the North Sea.

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

After visiting the lively town center, 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  Fjällbacka. With its beautiful archipelago setting, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.  

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. 

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. 

Explore Sweden’s remarkable marine biosphere.

Today we’ll explore the Bohuslän archipelago, cruising up close past pretty fishing villages along Sweden’s beautiful west coast. We will stop at the Koster Islands in the center 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 charming coastal meadows, ancient forests, and sandy beaches on foot or by bike.

Conditions permitting, our Expedition Team will bring you up close to Kosterhavet’s teeming marine life by small boat (RIB), kayak, or on a snorkeling trip.

Cultural and scenic delights in Oslo

Your expedition cruise continues in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital. With a 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 new Munch Museum.

Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, visit 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.

The incredible light and scenery of Kragerø has inspired many artists. 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, go swimming, or take a nature walk. Explore the Telemark Canal, one of the world’s most beautiful waterways.

Scenic delight with a laid-back vibe

Arendal is one of Norway’s best kept secrets. The area boasts delightful coastal scenery, and it’s ideal for small boat cruising and shoreside walks.  

Where small wooden houses are clustered by the sea and a bustling inner harbour creates an idyllic coastal town vibe. Take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets of the old town and soak up the relaxed southern approach to life on the coast. 

Feeling energetic? The area is perfect for some outdoor adventure. The coast features glacial geology and numerous walking trails. Depending on the weather and conditions, you’ll have the option to explore the area by hiking, kayaking or biking.

Experience the highs of Preikestolen

Enjoy 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 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 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 apples for the award-winning local cider.

Spend the day exploring with our Expedition Team, perhaps on a kayaking or hiking trip, where you can take in Bondhusvatnet Lake and Folgefonna Glacier.

A notable attraction is Rosendal’s magnificent 17th-century baronial manor, whose interiors are preserved from 1927. A path through the glorious rose garden, which will be blooming in July, leads you to the dramatic Hatteberg Waterfall.

Pretty beaches and rich birdlife

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

Upon arrival, look out for the marina watchman, who welcomes boats and visitors. Then take a scenic beach walk, visit the German-built World War II 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. Make the most of your day at sea aboard MS Maud. Enjoy the final daily lecture by the Expedition Team and listen as they recap the highlights of the cruise.

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 the seabirds and dolphins that occasionally follow the ship.

Your Scandinavian discovery tour comes to a close

Enjoy a final breakfast on board before we dock. If you have time, explore more of Dover and its famous white cliffs before returning home.

Dover is the gateway to the English countryside. Before you rush off, consider visiting Dover Castle or the Roman lighthouse, reputedly the UK’s oldest building. You can also tour the underground hospital and secret World War II tunnels beneath the castle.

Depart with wonderful memories of summer in Scandinavia. Always remember the idyllic islands and archipelagos, picture-perfect fishing villages, wonderful fjords, impressive nature, and of course, all the friendly people you met along the way.