DenmarK
In Denmark we visited three ports, with a stop in Germany in between. The Danish ports included Bornholm first, followed later by Copenhagen and Aalborg. Click each city name to learn more about our adventures there.
Bornholm (Ronne), Denmark - A Visit to the Island
The next morning the sun was shining, and you could see the red roofs of Rønne just beyond the docks. Passengers were already making their way to the motorcoaches for the early excursion. Modular buildings lined the wharf, cleverly repurposed from shipping containers. Denmark has embraced this practical form of architecture across many sectors, a creative way to recycle and adapt.
The morning tour took us across Rønne and out into the countryside of Bornholm. Østerlars Church, built in the 12th century, was especially impressive—the oldest round sanctuary still standing. Its circular nave, central column, and simple frescoes show how the church once served both worship and defensive needs, and it remains an active parish today. Outside, a row of everyday bicycles—with baskets and cargo racks—added a glimpse of island life. Soon after the tour ended, the ship set sail for our next destination—Germany.
After a day in Germany, we were back in Denmark—docked in Copenhagen the next morning. A visit to the bridge was our first tour of the day, and it was fascinating. A junior officer walked us through the ship’s navigation systems, pointing out radar screens, control panels, and emergency protocols. The view from the bridge windows was incredible, but the highlight was sitting in the captain’s chair—surrounded by the technology that commands the entire vessel.
Copenhagen, Denmark - A View from the Water
That afternoon we took a canal tour to view Copenhagen from the water. We sailed? by buildings dating as far back as the 18th century. We saw churches and government buildings.
We saw stone bridges that have lasted for centuries, tall towers, and a royal yacht.
We saw canal houses with boats floating in the canal, museums, and of course, the Little Mermaid. Maybe someday we can return to take a photo from the front.
At dinner that evening, we the Viking Saturn sailed out of Copenhagen, headed to our next destination.
Alborg, Denmark - A Walk Through Old Town
We stopped at Jens Bang’s House, built in 1624 by a wealthy merchant determined to outdo his brother, the mayor. The lighter brick side shows more of the building’s detail, including the arched passageway and symmetrical windows. A carved face with its tongue sticking out—thought to be Bang’s jab at both his brother and the city officials who excluded him—sits just above a plaque marking the house’s historical significance. Bicycles parked casually is a reminder that Danes aren’t bound to motorized vehicles.
Our walk took us past Old City Hall, built in 1762 and used as Aalborg’s administrative center until 1912. Today it hosts ceremonial and representative events. Just up the street stands Budolfi Church, its late‑1300s structure rising on a site where religious activity dates back to at least the 11th century. It now serves as the city’s cathedral. The tour continued through the grounds of the Monastery of the Holy Ghost, founded in the 1400s. Once a hospital, it now stands as a cultural site preserving the city’s medieval past.
We walked along cobblestone streets, some no wider than alleys. Many were lined with blooming flowers, adding a splash of color to the old buildings. One doorway even had a list of former ladies of the evening — a surprising touch of humor in the middle of all the history.
Our stop at the Viking Market was a fun break. We tried on Viking helmets, browsed through Viking-style goods, wrote our names the Viking way, and raised a mead toast with a cheerful “Skål!”
After the tour, we did some exploring on our own before heading back to the ship, docked just steps from the courtyard where the day had begun. We made it aboard just as rain began to fall.
That evening, as the ship sailed toward Oslo, dinner at the Chef’s Table featured a menu inspired by British cuisine. The meal was delicious, the wine pairings were a true experience, and the service was exceptional—a perfect way to end the day.
