12-night Hanseatic Byways Voyage

The Kiel Canal, also known as the Nord-Ostsee Kanal, is an artificial waterway in northwestern Germany that links the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The canal extends in a northeastern direction across the farmIands of Schleswig-Holstein from Brunsbüttel, near the mouth of the Elbe River, to Kiel, on the Baltic. Constructed between 1887 and 1895 and subsequently enlarged, it is about 60 mi long, 335 ft wide, and 36 ft deep. The canal shortened the distance between the North and Baltic seas by about 200 mi and eliminated the difficult passage around Jutland. It was internationalized by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

While in Lysekil visitors interested in marine life can visit "Havets Hus" (The House of the Ocean), which is a marvelous aquatic museum that has most of the different ocean animals and plants living around Lysekil's coast. Visitors looking to relax will find several pleasant beaches including Pinnevik; a sandy beach suitable for families. Not far Pinnevik is Stangehuvud, a nature park displaying a lovely variety of fauna.

Karlskrona is beautifully situated on the south-east tip of Sweden, built upon 33 islands around the island of Trossö in the Blekinge archipelago. A baroque city founded in 1680 and inspired by Venice. The beautiful archipelago surrounding Karlskrona is now open to everyone. The larger islands of Hasslö, Senoren, Sturkö and Tjurkö are accessible by bridge. Reach the outskirts of the archipelago by skerry boat. The genuine charm and lovely surroundings. In the very far distance are the harsh, fascinating islets of Utklippan, frequented by the migrating birds. Call in at the crafts workshops or curing houses with their wide range of smoked fish and enjoy the harvests of the season. Experience, as well, the Oak Kingdom, with genuine handicrafts, ceramic workshops and a host of other attractions. Among the many other activities one can partake of in Karlskrona and it's surroundings, are the well-known Sail Festival, golf, fishing, canoeing, cycling, bathing and camping.