Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today's modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund, set on a sparkling fjord, with a calm cultural vibe, a mix of old and modern architecture, and natural beauty throughout. Visit the old town, Posebyen, for its small white wooden houses. Walk the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga for maritime history and fresh seafood. See the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens, then shop Markens gate and Skippergada for boutiques, galleries, cafés, hand-knit sweaters, Norwegian glassware, and local crafts.

Surrounded by the majestic Hardangerfjord, Eidfjord offers serene landscapes and epicurean delights. Take a scenic hike to the 182-meter Vøringsfossen waterfall or set sail on a fjord cruise, where you can spot white-tailed eagles soaring above. Visit the Hardangervidda Nature Center to explore immersive exhibits of Norway's wildlife. Then treat yourself to freshly baked pastries with traditional jams at a local café.

Set in Norway's fjord country, Måløy charms with rugged coastal scenery and a fishing-village feel. Climb Kannesteinen Rock for views of the Norwegian Sea, visit the Måløy Raid Center for WWII history, and wander streets lined with murals. Nature lovers can explore Hornelen, Europe's highest sea cliff, or take a boat tour through beautiful Nordfjord.

Norway's history is written in the buildings and monuments of Norway's first capital and third largest city, Trondheim. The Sagas tell us how King Olav Tryggvason of Viking fame founded the city on this ice-free fjord in 997, mesmerized by the winding Nidelva River and lovely forested hills. The timbered architecture of the beautiful 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral is actually built over the tomb of St. Olav, and even today, Norwegian kings are crowned within its massive nave.

It's easy to imagine commanding a Viking warship as you approach Norway's Lofoten Islands: jagged mountains, deep fjords, sheltered bays, and windswept beaches. In Leknes, a small town on Vestvågøy with under 4,000 residents, look for rare sea eagles overhead. Admire local artists inspired by the scenery, and try stockfish-dried cod from Viking times and a Norwegian staple.

Harstad, above the Arctic Circle on Norway's largest island, is Northern Norway's cultural capital and a major port. It blends modern and old architecture and comes alive with summer festivals. Historic stays like Røkenes Farm and Sandtorgholmen Hotel offer old buildings, great food, and warm hospitality. Day trips: 13th-century Trondenes Church and Heritage Center, or bike the Grytøy-Bjarkøy-Krøttøy archipelago. Nearby trails, forests, lakes, and fjords invite easy or challenging hikes.

In northern Norway on Kvaløya, Hammerfest is a modern outpost reborn after WWII. Visit the Museum of Reconstruction to learn about evacuations and the town's rebuilding after German destruction; see Hammerfest Kirke, built in 1961 in the shape of traditional fish-drying racks; get a souvenir pin from the Royal & Ancient Polar Bear Society; and hike Mount Salen for fjord views and reindeer.

The world's northernmost village, Honningsvag is the gateway to the North Cape. It is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls. The Cape is 20 miles from Honningsvag across a stark and rocky tundra landscape, where large herds of reindeer graze on sparse grasses in the summer. This desolate terrain dotted with small lakes is the only area in Norway where landscape and vegetation are genuinely arctic in character.

The world's northernmost village, Honningsvag is the gateway to the North Cape. It is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls. The Cape is 20 miles from Honningsvag across a stark and rocky tundra landscape, where large herds of reindeer graze on sparse grasses in the summer. This desolate terrain dotted with small lakes is the only area in Norway where landscape and vegetation are genuinely arctic in character.

Beautifully situated on four main islands, Kristiansund is an inviting city surrounded by astonishing natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Atlantic Road, reputed to offer the world's best road trip. The route winds its way across islands and over bridges with magnificent views of the ocean and coastline. Kristiansund also houses the oldest opera in Norway, and the city boasts a diverse and colorful array of architectural styles both classic and modern

Situated along the Byfjord, Bergen is Norway's second largest city, and one of its most charming. The city's history dates back to the early 11th century when Olav Kyrre established a settlement and royal residence here. In 1240, Bergen replaced Trondheim as the capital, and the city quickly prospered. Much of the city's architecture today reflects the lifestyle of the Hanseatic merchants, who resided in narrow row houses near the harbor.

Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city and has been called the Petroleum Capital of Norway. It grew in the 1880s through fish processing and exports; in the 1960s, North Sea oil exploration transformed its economy. With a good harbor and air links, it was well positioned to benefit. Stavanger and its region, along with Liverpool, UK, were selected as European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.