A city close to the borders of both Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, its restorative hot springs and spas, and for delectable Printen gingerbread.

With three rivers that feed a maze of waterways and canals, Hamburg has been dubbed the "Venice of the north" (with six times as many bridges). The city has its roots in Maritime history, but also in music-making. It was the birthplace of Mendelssohn, the formative city of the Beatles, and recently, the state-of-the-art Elbphilharmonie concert hall has put Hamburg firmly on the map as one of the top cities for live music, as has its hip-hop and jazz club scene.

Capital of contemporary art, rising star of gastronomy and home to a dance-until-dawn nightlife: Oslo is a city where a waterfront stroll in the nordic sun feels just as luxurious as sipping an Aquavit at a rooftop bar. Thanks to a handful of sprawling parks, you won't need to go far for a dose of natural beauty, but the Oslofjord's islands make a wonderful day's excursion.

Norway's third-largest city is an industrial-chic port town made for cycling (don't miss the world's first bicycle lift that climbs Brubakken Hill) and walks along the riverside. With a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants, Trondheim has been voted by Condé Nast as one of the top food destinations and dubbed the 'home of Nordic flavours'

Östersund, located in central Sweden, is known for its blend of picturesque landscapes and cultural charm. A gateway to the Arctic, it boasts stunning lakes, dense forests, and outdoor adventures. Noteworthy landmarks include the Jamtli Museum and the Storsjöhyttan Glassworks. After spending the day exploring, enjoy a late-afternoon traditional fika (coffee break with pastries).

Practicality meets style in Sweden's capital, from its architecture to its culture and its famously well-dressed locals. Spread across 14 islands on Lake Mälaren, the city of Stockholm is also the gateway to a pristine archipelago of 30,000 forested islands and islets.

Sweden's second city, Gothenburg is Stockholm's laid-back (and dare we say, cooler) cousin. Its waterfront, neo-gothic Feskekörka ('fish church') and upmarket seafood restaurants are reminders of its seafaring history. A stroll along bar-lined 'Avenyn’ (Kungsportsavenyn) boulevard will show you just how sociable Gothenburg is, as does the city's jam-packed calendar of cultural events.