Norway's capital, Oslo, offers a wide range of experiences for every traveler. From music and museums to quiet forest explorations and charming neighborhoods, the city has it all. Its cutting-edge architecture, such as the iconic Oslo Public Library, is worth visiting. As a green city, Oslo is easily navigable on foot or by bike, making it perfect for intimate explorations. Its Historical Museum boasts many artifacts from the Middle Ages and prehistoric times. Oslo is also one of Europe's cities with the most concerts per capita, meaning that there is always an event to immerse yourself in local culture.

Along the pristine Skagerrak strait that separates Norway from Denmark, the stunning harbor town of Kristiansand awaits, emerging from rock-rimmed islets and picturesque hamlets. On land, stroll through historic Posebyen, the signature Old Town neighborhood well-known for its street grid laid out in a perfect, right-angle formation. Within the city limits, explore the Kristiansand Cannon Museum for a glimpse of the star attraction, the Vara Battery. Set out on a boat ride along Norway’s southernmost shoreline to see the tiny islands that dot the icy waters. Expect to see historical lighthouses clinging precariously to coastal rocks and forested mountains rising from the sea.

In the heart of Gandsfjord sits the cosmopolitan Sandnes surrounded by stunning nature, bringing together the best of both worlds. Lush scenes amid rugged cliffs make the perfect hiking trails at Varlivarden and Rogaland. Gather with your new companions for a trek to Manafossen, a rushing, free-fall cascade that reinvigorates your soul. A rich culture of horse farming comes to life at Tryggvi Islandshestgård, where you may experience a guided ride with a local expert. Between these breathtaking scenes of nature lies the legendary history of the Vikings at a recreated traditional village, Sandnessjøen, that invites you and your fellow explorers to journey to the past. Near Hafrsfjord, the famous Swords in Rock monument stands tall and proud as an homage to this Viking heritage. Take the Nuart Sandnes Art Trail to admire the vibrant street art that tells the story of Norway’s history from past to present, and where the artists believe their culture’s future is headed.

When you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that’s an easy access gateway to the fjords. Start with an unforgettable funicular ride to the top of the iconic Mount Floyen, rising over 1,000 feet above sea level in eight minutes. Back on the ground, you will not tire of snapping images of Bergen’s famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen. You will also find that Bergen is a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation of City of Gastronomy.

Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, Flåm is located off one of the hidden arms of the Sognefjord. To fully appreciate the breadth of this region, leave the harbor behind to reach Gudvangen, a tiny hamlet at the tip of spectacular Nærøyfjord. This 11-mile-long fjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site. In addition to attracting naturalists, this destination will surely delight avid cyclists with some of the best, most scenic routes. If you prefer to take in the scenery comfortably, climb aboard the Flåm Railway and prepare for one of Europe’s most dramatic and visually stunning train adventures.

Sitting on the island of Vagsoy, the village of Maloy contains striking beaches of silver sand and a longstanding history of fishing. As a major source of Norway’s beloved seafood, you will find local favorites such as crab-stuffed sandwiches, cod and chips, and fish soup here. Once you’ve grown on regional cuisine, venture to the 10-foot-tall Kannesteinen rock. Its unique shape has been compared to a whale fluke or a blooming mushroom, but regardless of what you think it looks like, it leaves an impression. Gather your fellow history buffs for a visit to the Maloy Raid Center, where you will learn about the Allies’ operation that led to a strategic World War II victory. The village’s four lighthouses beckon you to discover stunning scenes, as they each overlook rugged cliffs that plunge into the sea. Steeped in legends of a Viking king, Maloy inspires the imagination and invites you to connect with a piece of the past.

Spread across three islands and ringed by dramatic mountains, Ålesund is imbued with whimsy and romance. Dressed elegantly in its signature Art Nouveau architecture, you can appreciate the turrets, spires, and medieval ornaments that adorn the town. In a small park at the base of Mount Aksla, you’ll find a picture-postcard view of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city center, and the surrounding alpine landscapes of Sunnmøre. If dramatic views are what you seek, Trollstigen Road is an exciting roadway through enormous mountains, offering amazing views of Norway. The ultimate adventure is Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, Europe's highest perpendicular rock face.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
 

The tiny, picturesque village of Seydisfjordur, is the pearl of Iceland. A town of just 700 people, it is hidden at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. In the valley above town, the river Fjarðará cascades over the hill to create several, beautiful waterfalls, down to the lagoon at the head of the fjord. You’ll also find well-preserved, old wooden buildings throughout the scenic village, an enticing subject for photography as you walk down Rainbow Street..

A rich folklore culture abounds in Akureyri, Iceland, put on full display during the city’s festivals throughout the year. Inland, only 50 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, is the Akureyri Botanical Garden, a remarkable sight with brightly colored flowers and lush greenery. The iconic Akureyrarkirkja (or The Church of Akureyri) designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, resembles a 1920s U.S. skyscraper, but an impressive 3,200-pipe organ is within its walls. Among the local favorite eating spots is Greifinn, a modern restaurant serving a mix of fare, from classic burgers to pasta to Tex Mex and salted fish pizza (to honor Iceland’s roots).

Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Isafjordur, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. Summer months here are brisk, but this cool climate combined with breathtaking and quaint scenery makes the village feel like an undiscovered treasure. The massive depression among the flat-topped mountains called Naustahvilft - known colloquially as the troll seat - combines Iceland’s natural beauty with the town’s rich folklore. Stop at Dokkan Brugghús, the only brewery in the Westfjords, and sample the local beers, crafted with naturally filtered spring water from the nearby mountains. For those for whom the sea’s siren call beckons, you must visit the Westfjord History Museum, based on Ísafjörður’s maritime heritage and its rise in the fishing industry.
 

In southwest Iceland, near Faxaflói Bay, the country's capital, Reykjavík, is simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks converted into a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant, and observation deck, located atop Oskjuhlíd hill.