Admire the city’s stunning modern architecture, visit its lovely parks and bustling open-air market. Take a harbor cruise past forests, beaches, villas and a ruined Suomenlinna fortress that spans five islands. Or visit historic, colorful Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town.

Mariehamn is the capital and only city on the 6,500 islands that make up the archipelago of Åland. Though the islands are Finnish, they are an autonomous community that has adopted their own flag and Swedish as their official language. This tells you something about the residents, many of whom are descended from proudly independent and self-sufficient seafarers. Today Mariehamn is more about tourism than maritime activities, although fishing and boating are still popular. Enjoy time on the water, do some hiking or cycling, or take an easy stroll through town. Then nibble on an Åland pancake, a delicious treat topped with whipped cream and jam.

Small yet cosmopolitan Vaasa is tucked away within one of the Baltic Sea’s rarely explored arms, the Gulf of Bothnia, which is shared by Sweden and Finland. This off-the-beaten-track destination is fringed by the entrancing Kvarken Archipelago, a pristine UNESCO World Heritage site composed of around 5,600 picturesque islands formed by the melting of Europe’s continental ice sheet over 10,000 years ago. Dotting the countryside around Vaasa, discover delightful wooden windmills painted in vibrant shades of red. In town, explore an array of absorbing museums and architectural gems including the 19th-century Gothic-style market, where friendly vendors offer the region’s tantalizing delicacies.

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Anchoring the north end of the Baltic Sea, Kemi is a showcase for several Finnish jewels, quite literally at one notable landmark. The Kemi Gemstone Gallery displays the model for the King of Finland’s crown, although the real version was never created, and a sparkling collection of gems and jewels including a replica of a necklace worn by Marie Antoinette. Set your inner child free at the SnowExperience365, home to incredibly detailed ice and snow sculptures, and be equally enchanted by the Kemi Church, an ornate, salmon-hued Gothic Revival building. More wide-eyed wonder awaits at Santa’s Seaside Office, an unofficial workplace for Mr. Claus that is staffed by friendly elves when the boss is away.

Venture into the northernmost reaches of the Baltic Sea and discover Lulea, a peaceful town nestled on the Luleälven River, one of Sweden’s longest waterways. On the countless islands just beyond the river’s mouth, you might spot playful seals basking in the sun. Lulea is the gateway to a truly unique UNESCO World Heritage site, the Church Town of Gammelstad, a mesmerizing jumble of over 400 red-and-white painted wooden buildings surrounding a 15th-century church. In the past, the region was dotted with small, far-flung settlements, and worshippers traveled large distances to attend services at the church and stayed in the surrounding houses overnight so as not to undertake the arduous journey home until the following day.

This marvelous provincial gem is anchored by its elegant main square, which is ringed by an appealing array of fanciful stone and red-brick buildings adorned with gables, turrets and sculptures. Most of the city’s historic buildings date from the late 19th century, built after the most devastating fire in Sweden’s history. Relish the opportunity to explore the High Coast of Sweden, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the world’s highest coastline at a stunning 938 feet above sea level. If all this exploration leaves you hungry, you’re in luck, as Sundsvall is a Swedish epicurean mecca. Locals might dare you to take a bite of the region’s distinctive fermented herring followed by a shot of schnapps.

This marvelous provincial gem is anchored by its elegant main square, which is ringed by an appealing array of fanciful stone and red-brick buildings adorned with gables, turrets and sculptures. Most of the city’s historic buildings date from the late 19th century, built after the most devastating fire in Sweden’s history. Relish the opportunity to explore the High Coast of Sweden, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the world’s highest coastline at a stunning 938 feet above sea level. If all this exploration leaves you hungry, you’re in luck, as Sundsvall is a Swedish epicurean mecca. Locals might dare you to take a bite of the region’s distinctive fermented herring followed by a shot of schnapps.

Spend a marvelous day discovering this lovely city and its beautiful buildings. Visit the charming Old Town, medieval Gamla Stan, the elegant royal palace, the wonderful parks and the impressive Vasa, the magnificently restored 17th century warship that sank in the harbor on her maiden voyage.

Spend a marvelous day discovering this lovely city and its beautiful buildings. Visit the charming Old Town, medieval Gamla Stan, the elegant royal palace, the wonderful parks and the impressive Vasa, the magnificently restored 17th century warship that sank in the harbor on her maiden voyage.

At sea

See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.

See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.