The essence of Norway's appeal is quite simple: it's one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The steep edges of Norwegian fjords are of extraordinary beauty, cutting deep into the interior from the jagged coastline. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of interior Norway resembles the walls of a natural fortress. Wherever you are in Norway, these landscapes are the backdrop to some of the most beautiful villages in Europe. These are the must-see places when you travel to Norway.
1. Geirangerfjord
The 12-mile (20-kilometer) jump along the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has to be listed as the loveliest ferry trip in the world. Long-abandoned farmsteads still cling to the near-steep cliffs of the fjords, while icy cascades tumble and tumble down into the emerald-green waters. Pick up from Geiranger and enjoy the tranquility as you leave the sinking harbour or board quiet Hellesylt. Get your camera ready, grab an open-air seat on the top floor, and enjoy the only way to truly enjoy the secluded part of the Geirangerfjord.
2. Lofoten Islands
Green and yellow in summer, or turquoise in winter, the jagged walls of this astounding chain of islands suddenly rise from the sea. Their razor-sharp peaks pierce blue lake skies or are mysteriously shrouded in swirling mist. The postcard-perfect village, with wooden rorbuer (fishing huts) clinging to the shoreline and A-shaped racks for drying fish, speaks to the land and the culture inseparable from the sea. The Lofoten Islands are a great place to watch the Northern Lights or Northern Lights. Visible throughout the long nights of the arctic winter from October to March, they dance across the sky as a curtain of green or white light, varying in intensity and taking on a form derived from a child's vivid imagination. While there's no guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear at any given time, if you're lucky enough to see them, the experience will stay with you forever.
3. Kirkenes
The iconic Hurtigruten Coast Ferries are not only a way to get around but take you on one of the most spectacular coastal journeys on earth. On the daily trail between Bergen and Kirkenes, it dips along the fjord, docks in isolated villages that are barely accessible by road, closes to dramatic headlands and crosses the Arctic Circle, only to return days later. In the process, it showcases the entire length of Norway's most glorious coast.
4. Bergen
Bergen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, nestled among the picturesque and Norwegian fjords and mountains. The famous seafaring trade history bequeathed to the city the stunning (and UNESCO World Heritage-listed) seaside district of Bryggen, an old wooden building. The colorful wooden building in Bryggen, a historic icon of a bustling moment, is now a haven for artisan shops and traditional restaurants, and the city is famous for it.
5. Jordan Hoi Mun National Park
The highland country of central Norway ranks among Europe's leading summer tourist destinations. While there are many national parks and criss-crossing hiking trails, Jotunheimen National Park, whose name translates to "house of giants", ranks far above all other national parks. With 60 glaciers and 275 summits over 7560 feet high (2000m), Jotunheimen is beautiful and has iconic trails. Such as Besseggen, the Harrengen River and those trails that lie in the shadow of Norway's highest peak, Galle Piggen. Jotunheimen's proximity to the fjord further enhances its mystique.
