A crossroad in the English Channel for centuries, Zeebrugge is the gateway to Flanders, whose Golden Age heritage resides in three historic cities: Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges. Here, museums display the glories of the old Flemish masters, from Van Dyck to Rubens. Summertime is a delight, showcasing colorful flower-filled window boxes, the graceful arcs of windmills, a patchwork of farms and picturesque rivers.

South Queensferry is your gateway to Edinburgh, the regal Scottish capital. Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of turbulent history at Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock, before strolling along the Royal Mile, bustling with intriguing attractions and heartwarming hostelries. At the other end is the imposing Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can delve into stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the UNESCO-listed New Town, the most complete example of Georgian town planning in the world, to enjoy elegant architecture and upscale shopping, particularly in George Street. Should you prefer to stay in Queensferry, make sure to admire the Forth Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1890, take a boat trip around the Islands of the Forth, or even tackle a coastal walk along the John Muir Way.

Aberdeen is known as the Granite City for its distinctive gray architecture, which may not sound inviting but is actually delightful, sparkling in the sunlight due to the igneous rock's high mica content. The city is home to medieval gems, such as the twin-towered St Machar's Cathedral and the Brig o'Balgownie bridge, as well as a dynamic cultural and festival scene. Visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery to admire a superb collection spanning the Scottish Colourists, Francis Bacon, and Tracey Emin, and explore the city's deep connection to the sea at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Stroll along sandy Aberdeen Beach for sweeping views of the North Sea – and dolphins, if you're lucky. Or venture into glorious Royal Deeside, where romantic turreted castles, whisky distilleries, and outdoor pursuits in the wild and rugged Cairngorms await.

As the main town of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that appeals to everyone. The town's maritime heritage is everywhere from its bustling harbor to its traditional architecture, creating an authentic, picturesque atmosphere and capturing the very essence of island living in Northern Europe. The island can trace its roots tracing back to Viking times, so visitors should expect a healthy dose of historic charm intertwined with day to day modern living. Quaint streets wind past historic buildings, inviting exploration of local shops, cafes, and cultural sites. The bustling harbor reflects Lerwick's maritime heritage, where fishing boats and yachts create a lively ambiance. Be sure to venture beyond the town, and immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of the Orkney Islands —ancient standing stones, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches are all within reach. Lerwick's captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and island character makes it a treasure to uncover within the enchanting Orkney archipelago.

Located on the rugged west coast of Norway, Nordfjord is a nature-lover's paradise. From sandy beaches to snowcapped peaks, icy-blue waters to majestic glaciers, there's awe-inspiring scenery at every turn. Opportunity for adventure abounds: hiking, ziplining, trail biking, horseback riding, and kayaking are excellent ways to explore the region. Or indulge your cultural curiosity with a visit to one of Nordfjord's museums, such as Sagastad Viking Center, home to a full-scale reconstruction of the largest Viking long ship ever discovered, and the open-air Nordfjord Folk Museum.

Bodø has long been regarded as the gateway to the Arctic, but there's more to this northern Norwegian city than its surroundings. A burgeoning cultural scene thrives against a backdrop of dramatic coastal landscapes: you're just as likely to encounter forward-thinking exhibition spaces and cutting-edge concert venues as rugged hiking trails and national parks teeming with wildlife. The city is a mecca for amateur and experienced photographers alike, thanks to light conditions that are nothing short of magical – whether you catch the dance of the northern lights, or time your visit during the summer months to experience the otherworldly reddish-yellow of the midnight sun. Whatever the season, be sure to immerse yourself in the Nordic tradition of sauna – followed, perhaps, by a refreshing plunge in the Arctic.

Leknes, a picturesque town in Norway's Lofoten archipelago, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and Scandinavian charm. Nestled between rugged mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Vestfjorden, Leknes offers breathtaking vistas at every turn. With its thriving fishing industry and historical significance as a trading post, the town is a living testament to its maritime heritage. Visitors can explore nearby white sandy beaches, hike the stunning trails, and witness the surreal midnight sun during summer months. Leknes encapsulates the essence of Norway's coastal allure, welcoming travelers to experience a genuine Arctic escape amidst stunning landscapes and welcoming communities.

Nordkapp, also known as the North Cape is recognized as the northernmost point of mainland Europe and is renowned for its stunning landscapes. It enjoys a very happy placement in the world; at “just” 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) south of the North Pole, Nordkapp is still considered one of the northernmost accessible points in mainland Europe and offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and surrounding landscapes. The Midnight Sun casts its ethereal glow, illuminating the landscape during the surreal Arctic summer nights. Here, the remoteness is as profound as the beauty. Gaze upon dramatic cliffs that plunge into the frigid waters of the Barents Sea and stand in awe of nature's grandeur. Wildlife flourishes, from reindeer grazing against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks to flocks and flocks of seabirds soaring through the pristine skies. Embrace the Arctic's tranquility and the raw majesty of a place where the world seems to touch the heavens.

This vibrant Arctic metropolis is said to be the northernmost city in the world and its attractions come in all shapes and sizes. There's a zigzag path to the top of Salen Hill for views of the surrounding Finnmark plateau. The globe-shaped UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc was once used to work out the size of the earth. And the triangular contemporary church, consecrated in the early 1960s, was inspired by the racks used to dry fish across the region (marvel at how sunlight illuminates the stained-glass window behind the altar). But for a real curveball, you can join a camel safari across white-sand beaches – no, this is not a mirage.

Set more than 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, this year-round destination welcomes midnight sun-seekers in warmer months while winter's aurora-lit skies unfold over a snowy landscape where dogsleds teams explore boreal backcountry. Norway's Arctic capital is a boon for active travellers who explore glacial waters by kayak and trek through wildflower meadows into still-snowcapped peaks. But there's much to keep you in town. Don't miss the striking Arctic Cathedral and the Polar Museum's thrilling exhibits uncovering tales of Arctic exploration. Save a little time to linger in lively bars and restaurants specialising in on-trend Arctic cuisine featuring wild game and the freshest seafood.

We enter Siglufjordur in northern Iceland, a mere 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, along a remote, narrow fjord, an unusual approach that enhances the sense of isolation. There's a mystical atmosphere to this destination, too – according to local legend, the surrounding mountains are, in fact, frozen trolls caught in sunlight and turned to stone. Yet, Siglufjordur's history is a little more earthly; this was once the herring capital of the world, which you can explore in the Herring Era Museum. You can also watch the busy modern-day fishermen and women hauling in their day's catches in the harbor, then enjoy a hot chocolate in one of the cafes at the nearby marina. Mother Nature rules here on the Trollskagi peninsula, a prime place to watch the Northern Lights, often visible in winter, when a glittering blanket of sparkling snow and ice covers the town. In summer, in the magic of the midnight sun, wildflowers bloom bright and bold for as far as the eye can see. Don'tmiss: Hearing traditional Icelandic music and poetry at The Folk Music Center, cycling through the dramatic landscape on Siglufjordur's flat forested trails, taking a scenic drive along Road 76 and calling by the oldest turf church in Iceland.

A quiet fishing village in the Westfjords, Patreksfjördur is surrounded by awe-inspiring natural wonders. There's the golden and red – rather than volcanic black – sands of Raudasandur beach, stretching for over 10km. The Látrabjarg cliffs provide a haven for millions of birds, from gannets to guillemots and, between May and September, adorable puffins. Dynjandi, meaning “thunderous”, is one of the world's most impressive waterfalls, distinctive for its trapezoidal shape, while in this part of the world you're never far from a steamy soak in a geothermal pool. As you go about your travels, look out for the Man in the Mountain statue, a colossal cairn erected by road construction workers in 1947, while in the village itself is a memorial to fishermen lost at sea.

Formed by volcanic eruptions and settled by Norse Vikings, Iceland is an unforested land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, glaciers and northern lights. While its preserved language remains, this is a forward-thinking, eco-friendly country and Reykjavik is its capital where 60% of the population lives. Europe's second largest island is known for whale watching and its ancient maritime history.