Spread across four scenic islands, Kristiansund is known for its picturesque seascapes and rich maritime history. Named Norway’s Engineering Feat of the Century, the Atlantic Ocean Road emerges from an undersea tunnel here to weave dramatically over undulating bridges and across tiny islets for one of the world’s most beautiful drives. Lookout points along the way let you stop at coastal pathways for views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.
Visitors come to the tiny village of Geiranger for one singular purpose: to explore the breathtaking fjords. A UNESCO World Heritage site, narrow Geirangerfjord is surrounded by steep cliffs and roaring waterfalls that plunge straight into the clear blue waters below in a dramatic theater of nature. A few abandoned sheep farms are the only mark that human hands have left on this rugged landscape. The Geiranger Skywalk offers spectacular views from the Dalsnibba mountain, and the hairpin bends of winding Eagle Road present an equally glorious perspective.
Surrounded by a ring of hills known as the Seven Mountains, Bergen’s idyllic setting and stunning natural harbor have cemented its reputation as one of Norway’s most beloved destinations. The Bergen Cable Car and Fløibanen Funicular are great ways to admire the area’s natural beauty, as is a boat trip along the phenomenal fjords. For breathtaking views of the city itself, climb to the top of Rosenkrantz Tower, regarded as one of the most important Renaissance monuments in Norway.
Surrounded by fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, Ålesund is famous for its unique art nouveau architecture, constructed when the city was rebuilt following a fire in 1904. This combination of natural splendor and rich heritage have solidified Ålesund’s place as a memorable Nordic destination. With its fairytale towers, turrets and gables, the picture-perfect heart of Ålesund begs to be explored on foot. A good place to start is Jugendstilsenteret, a museum celebrating art nouveau design with its interiors, displays and interactive exhibits.
A melting pot of cultures, Latvia’s capital of Riga is a delight to explore. A glance up from the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town reveals the finest collection of art nouveau architecture in all of Europe. Riga Cathedral’s grand exterior dominates the cityscape in this area, and one of the world’s largest pipe organs stands inside.
Building on its historic roots and traditions, modern-day Dublin has grown into one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in Europe. Once the muse of literary legends like Joyce, Beckett, Shaw and Wilde, Dublin has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature. The city’s ties to great manuscripts far predate those authors, as you can witness in the Old Library of Trinity College where the hand-illuminated 9th-century Book of Kells is displayed. Countless other icons of literature and history are housed in the National Library and National Museums, and the city’s spirituality comes alive in St.
One of Ireland’s most beautiful and best-kept secrets is the historic seaside port of Cobh. Rows of multicolored houses slope down to one of the world’s largest natural harbors as St. Colman’s Cathedral rises majestically above. After exploring the walkable town, head up the coast to lively Cork, one of Ireland’s largest and most vibrant cities. Here you’ll find another must-visit church, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, which takes your breath away with its soaring arches and grand chambers illuminated through intricate stained-glass windows.
Less than 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of the fjord that lent this former fishing mecca its name, sits the colorful town of Siglufjörður. Once the fishing capital of Iceland – and the herring capital of the world – the Siglufjörður of today is a welcoming town embraced by beautiful snowcapped peaks. The glaciated mountains and sandy black shores make for fabulous hiking, as the scenic beauty of the area is its greatest draw.
Known for its dramatic landscapes, Ísafjörður is the largest municipality in the Westfjords peninsula, a territory as rugged as it is beautiful and as dense with nature as it is sparse with people. A haven for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and birdwatching, Ísafjörður has its roots in the fishing industry, which remains an important part of the local economy. This means you’ll definitely want to stop into a local restaurant to try the day’s fresh catch.
The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður sits on on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula backed by snowcapped mountains in the distance. In the foreground just across the water stands the town’s landmark, Mount Kirkjufell, rising from the bay. The most photographed scene here is the picturesque waterfall nearby with the solitary, striated peak as a backdrop. A scenic coastal drive takes you to Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-crowned stratovolcano at its center.
