5 Nights Europe, Northern

Far up in the northernmost stretch of Norway?even further North than the Arctic Circle?lies Kirkenes. As you might imagine, there's plenty to do in the winter months. Ride a husky-drawn sled under the splendor of the Northern Lights. Say hi to the reindeer at a wildlife preserve or go on an ice fishing expedition. Enjoy a succulent meal of King crab and cap it all off with an ice-cold shot of vodka at the Snowhotel

Tromso, Norways gateway to the Arctic, is surrounded by deep blue fjords and snow-capped mountain peaks. Explore this lively city, linked to the mainland by a gracefully arched bridge. Visit the fascinating Polar Museum or the arctic aquarium Polaria. Be blown away by panoramic views on a cable car ride up to Storstein Mountain, or hike up one of the trails that run through the Lyngen Alps. Cruise to Tromso, Norway and stop into a cafe and refuel with carrot and cardamom marmalade on toast. If you visit between September and April, you might be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights.

Skjervøy is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Skjervøy on the island of Skjervøya, where most of the inhabitants live. The main industries are fishing and shipbuilding.

Hammerfest is a municipality in Finnmark county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Hammerfest.

Situated above the Arctic Circle, Honningsvag is surrounded by fjords and waterfalls, offering views across the sea to the Svalbard Islands and the North Pole. First settled more than 10 thousand years ago, today youll find a modern downtown area around the harbor. Shops sell local crafts, including traditional Sami jewelry, as well as sleek Scandinavian home decor. Jump onboard a Norwegian fjords cruise and watch the indigenous Sami people herd reindeer through the area, and explore the history of the area at the Nordkappmuseet. Then, head to one of the restaurants in the harbor area for king crab risotto.

Stokmarknes is a town and the administrative centre of Hadsel Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is located on the northern coast of the island of Hadseløya and on the small, neighboring island of Børøya. In 2000, Stokmarknes received "town status

Svolvaer is the administrative centre of Vagan Municipality in Nordland County, Norway. It is located on the island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden.

Sortland or Suortá is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Vesterålen. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Sortland. Other population centres in Sortland include Bø, Holand, Holmstad, Liland, Sigerfjord, Strand, and Vik.

Harstad or Hárstták is the second-most populated municipality in Troms county, Norway. It is mostly located on the large island of Hinnøya. The municipal center is the town of Harstad, the most populous town in Central Hålogaland, and the third-largest in all of Northern Norway

Stamsund is a fishing village in Vestvågøy Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is located on the southern side of the island of Vestvågøy in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden. The village is located about 12 kilometres east of the town of Leknes

The Trollfjord or Trollfjorden is a fjord in Hadsel Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. The 2-kilometre long fjord cuts into the island of Austvågøya and flows out into the Raftsundet strait. The fjord has a narrow entrance and steep-sided mountains surrounding it

Rørvik is a port village in the municipality of Vikna in Trøndelag county, Norway. The village also serves as the administrative centre of the municipality. It is on the eastern side of the Vikna archipelago on the island of Inner-Vikna

Bodo is home to the world's strongest maelstrom Saltstraumen and the Borvasstindan mountain range. In the winter, you can experience the northern lights from the pier in the harbour, or even better, from Ronvikfjellet mountain just outside the city centre.

Torghatten is a granite mountain on the island of Torget in Brønnøy Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is known for its characteristic hole, or natural tunnel, through its center. It is possible to walk up to the tunnel on a well-prepared path, and through it on a natural path

The small coastal settlement of Bronnoysund is flanked on one side by an archipelago of islets and on the other by rolling farm country. It's one of the prettier settings for a town of this size along the southern end of the Kystriksveien, and worth visiting for the views alone.

Norway's first capital and third oldest city is a spunky university town that was founded by a Viking over 1,000 years ago. Both ancient and modern, it is a city where new kings receive their ceremonial blessing and over 25,000 students log on.

Western Norway's Moldefjord is home to a town of the same name, which was established during the fifteenth century. Known as the "Town of Roses," it was heavily destroyed during World War II.

Named after King Christian IV, who founded it in 17th century, Kristiansund is Norway's sunniest city. White timber houses nestled between rocky coastline knolls and a medieval quarter lend it an unforgettable charm.

Florø is a town and the administrative centre of Flora Municipality in Sogn og Fjordane county, Norway. The town was founded by royal decree in 1860 as a ladested on the island of Florelandet, located between the Botnafjorden and Solheimsfjorden.

Fjord-Norway's capital is a spectacular amphitheatre that clambers up the sides of seven mountains and overlooks the sea. It is the ideal starting point for discovering the dramatic fjord country of Western Norway. Bergen hosts the International Music Festival, the largest annual cultural event in Norway.

Set on a magnificent fjord amidst the Norwegian Sea, the city that almost wasn't was rebuilt in an Art Nouveau style after being devastated by a fire in 1904. Its postcard-like Brosundet waterfront is lined with chalk-coloured houses and boats.