Norway's political and cultural capital, Oslo was recently selected as the city with the highest quality of life in Europe. It's not surprising, considering the city's treasures: beautiful Frogner Park filled with modern sculpture, the emotional power of the Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, together with forested mountains and secluded coves, all within the city limits.
The southern gateway to the Fjordlands, Stavanger is also the home port of much of the fleet that serves the North Sea oil fields. View its medieval Cathedral, and other highlights of the town, or travel out to Pulpit Rock, a breathtaking vista point high above the fjords.
Norway's royal residence since 997 AD, when King Olaf I founded Trondheim, the city still boasts Stiftsgarden, the huge wooden palace. A century later, St. Olaf II began to perform miracles for the people, making Trondheim a major pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral, where the Norwegian kings are still crowned, which is certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches.
Welcome to the top of the world! The village of Honningsvag is the northernmost community in Europe, set in a land of vast forests, dramatic fjords and crashing waterfalls, bathed in the eerie light of the Midnight Sun. Just up the coast is the North Cape, Europe's northernmost point, with breathtaking views towards the Barents Sea and the polar north.
There are 100 islands comprising the Shetlands, the area known for its beautiful woolens. They were first settled by the Vikings, and only became Scottish in the 15th century. Today, ferries run to Aberdeen, and to Norway. Lerwick enjoys the tradition of raising sheep and fishing, and the riches of oil in the North Sea.
Cromarty Firth opens in Scotland's saw-toothed Atlantic coast, welcoming travelers to the safe haven of Invergordon. This capital of the Scottish Highlands contains vivid reminders of the fierce independence of the Highlands clans. Visit Cawdor Castle, tour a famous scotch distillery, or scan the dark, windswept waters of nearby Loch Ness for signs of the monster.
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or you could venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.
One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
One of Europe's leading cities, Amsterdam's rings of canals and traditional Dutch architecture are unmistakable. Rich in art, history and culture, Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's house, and the Rijksmuseum, which houses many works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.