Traveling The World's Happiest Country

Norway is known for its raw beauty and dramatic scenery, so it should go without saying that one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders unfolds there. Norway, known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” is one of the few places on the planet where sunset and sunrise co-occur with no inky blackness. It’s exactly what it sounds like: the sun rising at midnight. The sun is still visible in the wee hours when the sky should ordinarily be a blanket of darkness.

Fjords are undoubtedly the primary reason Norway is a fantastic choice for tourists worldwide. These natural treasures captivate with their raw beauty, which is why many tourists embark on boat trips or even extended fjord cruises to absorb themselves in the region’s untamed and majestic landscape from the waterside. The Kingdom of Norway enchants visitors with its recorded history, veiled in legends of valiant Vikings who ruled the land for 250 years. The Vikings are remembered as brave warriors who left a rich legacy in mythology and various Norwegian museums.

Norway was named the world’s happiest country in 2017 based on qualities such as compassion, openness, kindness, integrity, health, money, and excellent government. A keynote about the country is the allemannsrett, or “all men’s rights.” A public rights law in Norway permits anybody to enter and pass through all uncultivated land. To put things in perspective, you won’t be able to wander into a private garden in Oslo, but you should be able to spend the night in a remote field. This also means that you are free to pitch a tent or hike through some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes.

Getty Images/Moment/Khanh Bui

One of the country’s most distinguishing traits is its original historical architecture. You’ve probably heard of Oslo and Bergen, which have long been famous architectural jewels on almost every Norway itinerary. However, the country also has a plethora of other remarkable towns for you to discover, such as Trondheim, Troms, and Stavanger, which are all worth a visit for their unique personalities.