Norway

Norway is a place of truly striking natural beauty, no matter the season. In summer, the rolling green hills gleam like emeralds while, in winter, the fjords have a stark, rugged charm. The great outdoors of this Scandinavian nation are indeed great and include one of the only parts of Europe where you can see wild polar bears, as well as the midnight sun and the Northern Lights.

You don’t have to be a polar explorer to appreciate Norway, though. Cities like Oslo and Bergen have the same cosmopolitan feel as many other European cities. They are packed with great man-made attractions, ranging from modern sculptures to historical palaces. While the country is quite large and towns are widely spread, the transportation network around the country is excellent, making it easy to explore.