The Baltic States enjoy an enviable geographic location, bordering on the deep blue edges of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Baltic shore excursions that showcase the best sights, sounds, and sensations of this beautiful region are hallmarks of Celebrity’s Baltic cruises.
Discover diverse, fun things to do while in port with this list of the best Baltic cruise excursions.
1: Experience Winterworld and The Arctic Ice Bar in Helsinki, Finland
Ice Bar in Helsinki, Finland
Pull on your parka and enjoy a thoroughly unique Baltic shore excursion in Helsinki on a winter sports experience at Winterworld. After a highlights tour of Helsinki that includes Embassy Park, the city’s largest park, surrounded by embassies and villas, you’ll make your way to Winterworld.
Fashioned after the wintery atmosphere of Lapland, an area above the Arctic Circle, Winterworld recreates the culture and traditions of the Sami people. Don thermal clothing and winter boots upon arrival—the temperature is a constant 25 degrees Farhenheit—then you’re free to enjoy the winter activities that Laplanders have enjoyed for centuries.
Ice Bar in Helsinki, Finland
Feel the crunch of snow under your feet as you visit ice igloos and marvel at ice sculptures. Hear the wind whistling in your ears as you slide down a snowy hill on a sled. Find your way through an icy labyrinth and glide around an ice rink. Take a picture with Santa for a Christmas postcard.
Meet a professional musher and take a ride on a dogsled pulled by beautiful Alaskan huskies. When you’re ready for some refreshment, pull up an ice stool and sit at the bar made of sculptured ice, then order a shot of vodka or juice served in an ice glass. It’s one of the most memorable Baltic cruise excursions you’ll experience during your vacation.
2: Explore the Medieval Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia
Red brick-roofed houses, an onion-domed cathedral, city gates, and winding cobblestone streets are just some of the sights that make Tallinn, Estonia a wonderful place to spend a day.
Coastal Gate in Tallinn, Estonia
Enter one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe through the Great Coastal Gate at the north end of Pikk Street and see Fat Margaret’s cannon tower which houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.
One of the best things to do in Tallinn is to walk the streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 13th century and is divided into upper and lower town sections.
In the lower town, view the long, limestone wall that was originally over two miles long with eight gates and 46 towers. Climb the tower for a view over land and sea, and walk on the city wall.
Visit the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe, opened in 1422, and operated by 10 generations of the same family. This historic site on the Town Square is still in operation as a modern pharmacy. A side room offers displays of apothecary glass and instruments dating back to the 17th century.
Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia
Walk up to Toompea Hill as the upper town is known, where you’ll find the onion-domed Russian Orthodox St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Pause for a lunch of typical Estonian fare, including pickled vegetables, smoked fish, hearty black rye bread and Estonian beer, at one of the many restaurants in Old Town.
3: Catch Seals at Play on an Adventure to Tallinn, Estonia’s North Coast
Tallinn, Estonia
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see ringed seals play in their natural habitat on Malusi Island, a protected seal breeding habitat.
Take a short drive to the scenic port of Kaberneeme, along Estonia’s north coast. You’ll board a tour boat to the scenic archipelago while listening to stories told by your local guide of Malusi Island life. Hear about the island’s close coexistence with the seals, and learn about how the seals live and breed.
Kaberneeme, Estonia
Watch with amazement and keep your camera ready as the reclusive seals suddenly appear and become quite animated when your tour guide plays classical music. Once they appear, you’ll see them splashing around in the water, foraging for food, then lazing on the rocky shore to sun themselves.
4: Celebrate the Legend of the Vasa in Stockholm, Sweden
Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden
You don’t have to be a history buff or maritime scholar to be amazed by the sight of the restored Vasa warship on display during Baltic cruise excursions to the Vasa Museum.
View the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship at Djurgarden Island, just outside Stockholm, where the Vasa Museum is located. In 1628, the Vasa, a flagship of Sweden’s navy that was commissioned by King Gustavus Adolphus, unceremoniously sank just after being launched on its maiden voyage.
Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden
Take a guided tour or an audio tour and learn about how the warship, intended to be the most powerfully armed ship in the Baltic, was found hundreds of years later and restored almost completely to its original glory.
Walk tiered balconies that let you view the ship from many angles and appreciate the 300 pieces of colorful artwork that decorate the ship, which were created to tell the story of Sweden’s history and maritime might.
5: Stroll Fun and Famous Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens is a fun and fascinating 20-acre wonderland of stunning gardens, whimsical amusement rides, world-class food venues, and thousands of twinkling lights, located right in the heart of Copenhagen.
Even though it’s the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, Tivoli Gardens is no less exciting than it was on its opening day on August 15, 1843.
See the city, including Christiansborg Palace, from the top of the Ferris wheel, with its hot-air balloon-style carriages. Feel like you’re flying while sitting on a swing on the Star Flyer, the world’s tallest swing ride. You’re never too old or too young to ride the Classic Carousel.
At restaurants, cafes, and stalls located in the Tivoli Food Hall, savor cuisine from around the world. Traditional Danish dishes and beer, exotic Moroccan flatbread specialties, burgers, traditional smorrebøord, and vegetarian specialties are all on offer here.
Tivoli Lake in Copenhagen, Denmark
Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and enjoy the beautiful gardens. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the many free concerts happening around the park.
Read: One Day in Copenhagen
6: Walk through History in Berlin, Germany
Explore Berlin on a cruise to Warnemunde with a walking tour of the city’s most famous and historic sights. You’ll enjoy a two-hour train ride through the German countryside on your way to the capital city.
Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany
See the Brandenburg Gate, the remaining section of the Berlin Wall, as well as the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, the guarded passage from East to West Germany before the historic “fall of the wall” that marked the re-unification of Germany.
View the Reichstag, the German Parliament building, with its spectacular glass dome. The building was destroyed by a fire in 1933 and rebuilt in the 1960s.
Berlin, Germany
After seeing historic Berlin, try a typical German lunch of wursts, potatoes, and beer at one of the many area restaurants, followed by a lovely river cruise.
7: Viking History and Artisan Glass in Oslo, Norway
As a port of call on many Baltic cruise itineraries, Oslo is the perfect place to learn about Norway’s Viking culture and the unique ships that carried Norsemen far around the world to discover Vineland (America) long before Columbus.
Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway
Visit the Viking Ship Museum for a fascinating look at Viking life, lore, and legend. See recovered relics, skeletal remains, and massive rebuilt ships. Hear details of how they were rescued from deep under the Oslo Fjords and restored with loving care.
Watch a film that showcases Viking life, and be amazed at how far they were able to travel as they began their quest to conquer Europe during the years 800 to 1066.
Read: Norwegian Culture
Hadeland Glassworks in Oslo, Norway
Watch in total fascination as glassblowers create their masterpieces at Hadeland Glassworks, one of Oslo’s most popular attractions. Walk the beautiful village of nine buildings that house the glassworks and try your hand at the art of glassblowing.
Shop for treasures from tiny glass animals to lovely bowls and vases, porcelain, and textiles. Snack on traditional Norwegian food or satisfy your sweet tooth at a waffle house.
Book Your Baltic Cruise Today
Experience these exciting Baltic shore excursions when you book a Baltic cruise with Celebrity Cruises. Browse our Baltic cruise itineraries or call one of our vacation specialists to plan the perfect vacation.
