Viking Cruises

viking.com | 9 S U M M E R I S S U E 2 5 Århus, Denmark Århus, located on Jutland's eastern coast along its eponymous bay, is Denmark's second-largest city. One of the country's oldest cities, with roots dating back to an 8th-century Viking settlement, Århus became a centre for trade and prospered during the Middle Ages. Today, it is an eclectic mix of past and present. A bustling port and centre for commerce and industry with a modern skyline, it still retains its old-world charms in Den Gamle By, or Old Town, a repository of medieval landmarks, including centuries-old timbered houses and the 13th-century Århus Cathedral. Karlskrona, Sweden Founded by Charles XI in 1860, Karlskrona is a fine example of Sweden's Renaissance-style architecture. The Admiralty Church, built in 1685, is one of the town's prominent buildings, and it's wooden church is the largest in Sweden. Karlskrona's maritime history can be seen throughout; it is a base for the Swedish Navy and its port was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998. The Naval Museum showcases the port's history and its exhibits include a submarine. The nearby Kungsholm Fortress is the world's oldest fort still in operation today. Klaipėda, Lithuania Lithuania's third-largest city is a historic port on the Curonian coast. Part of the Prussian Kingdom until 1923, when it won its autonomy, Klaipėda is divided by the Danė River, which flows through the city into the Baltic Sea. Along its left bank, the historic old town features cobblestone streets with historic German-style half-timbered houses, street art and a tree-lined promenade filled with cafés. The new town stretches along the Danė's right bank, past industrial sites and shipyards, amid venues that showcase the city's art and cultural heritage. Limerick (Foynes), Ireland On the Emerald Isle's stunning west coast, the vibrant town of Foynes sits along an estuary of the picturesque River Shannon. Rich with maritime and aviation history, the world's first transatlantic flights operated from here and between 1939 and 1945, it was the last port of call for seaplanes making transatlantic crossings, which led to it becoming one of the largest civilian airports in Europe during the Second World War. It added the famous whiskey drink, Irish Coffee, to its list of notables too, when it was first served to passengers on a stopover in 1942. 3 5 4 6

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