Comprising the western and northernmost part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Svalbard archipelago and the isolated island of Jan Mayen, Norway conjures up images of majestic fjords, marauding vikings, the icy landscape of the Arctic Circle and rich mystical folklore.

The winter months offer visitors in the north the opportunity to traverse vast expanses of tundra by dogsled or to catch a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis blazing across the night sky.

Summer brings with it the astonishing spectacle of the midnight sun. Year round visitors can enjoy boat cruises to the Svalbard Archipelago to visit seabird colonies or meander among the towering cliffs of the turquoise fjords.

With a bit of luck, you may even spot a polar bear. This fascinating country is also home to a slew of appealing, cosmopolitan and world-class metropolises offering every first-world city delight.