Beautiful Country

Lifestyles

The essence of Norway's appeal is very simple: it is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The steep edges of Norway's fjords are uncommonly beautiful, cutting deep into the interior from the jagged coastline. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of Norway's interior resembles the walls of a natural fortress.

Wherever you are in Norway, these landscapes are the backdrop for some of the most beautiful villages in Europe. This is a must-see for your visit to Norway.

1. Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord The 12-mile (20 km) sudden jump along the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord has to rank as the loveliest ferry trip in the world.

Long-abandoned farmsteads still cling to the fjord's near-steep cliffs, while small, icy waterfalls tumble and pour down into the emerald green waters.

Take it down from Geiranger and enjoy the tranquility as you leave the sunken harbor or ascend the quiet Hellesylt. Get your camera ready and grab a top deck open-air seat for the only way to enjoy a truly secluded swim in the Geirangerfjord.

2. Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands Few visitors forget the first time they see the Lofoten Islands. In the green and yellow of summer, or the green and blue of winter, the jagged ramparts of this astounding island chain suddenly rise from the sea, their sharp peaks piercing the blue lake-colored sky, or mysteriously shrouded in swirling mists.

Postcard-perfect villages, with wooden rorbuer (fishing huts) hugging the shoreline and A-shaped racks for drying fish, tell the story of the land and a culture inextricably linked to the sea.

3. Hirkenes

Kirkenes The iconic Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry is not only a way to get around, but it also takes you on one of the most spectacular coastal journeys on the planet.

On the daily trail between Bergen and Kirkenes, it dips into a coastal fjord, docks at isolated villages that are virtually impassable by road, approaches dramatic headlands and crosses the Arctic Circle, only to return a few days later. In the process, it showcases the entire length of Norway's most glorious coast.

4. Bergen

Bergen Set amidst picturesque and extremely Norwegian fjords and mountains, Bergen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The famous maritime trade history bequeathed to the city the stunning (and UNESCO World Heritage) seaside district of Bryggen, an old wooden building.

The colorful wooden structure of Bryggen, a historical landmark of momentary prosperity, now serves as a refuge for the craft stores and traditional restaurants for which the city has become famous.

5. Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park The central Norwegian highland country ranks among Europe's leading summer destinations

Although there are many national parks and hiking trails, Jotunheimen National Park, whose name translates as "Home of the Giants," stands above all others. With 275 summits at a height of over 7560 feet (2000m), Jotunheimen is very beautiful and has iconic trails such as the Besseggen, the Harungen, and those in the shadow of Norway's highest peak, the Galdhøpiggen.

6. Sermon Terrace

With surveillance underway, there are few fellow travellers at Pulpit Rock, a rock face that rises high above the sheer cliffs that hang 2,000 feet (600 m) above the beautiful waters of Lysefjord, and is one of Norway's iconic images and most dramatic sights.

In a place like that, you can barely see a thing as travelers hang from the cliffs far beyond what is suggested, even if you find yourself inevitably drawn to the edge.

There are simply too many beautiful sites to make the appropriate trade-offs to get the full feel of Norway.