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Scandinavia

Alesund is one of Europe’s most beautiful towns.

The destroyed town that became one of Europe’s most beautiful places

Ravaged by fire more than 100 years ago, this remote Scandinavian town bounced back to become one of Europe’s most scenic spots.

  • Ute Junker
Nudity in Scandinavia is considered natural, not something to be anxious about.

Nudity, separate doonas: 10 things Australia should adopt from Scandinavia

The Scandinavian nations regularly score highly on “happiest countries” lists. Perhaps we should take a few lessons from them.

  • Brian Johnston
Aurora borealis above the coastline at Hamnoy, Lofoten islands, Norway.

How the world’s greatest light show became a $1 billion bucket-list item

Just a couple of decades ago, the idea of travelling to the far north to see the aurora was relatively niche. Everything changed in 2014.

  • Andrew Bain
“There’s no rush. The air is clean,” says local Svein-Roar Pettersen.

A remote village with just 19 residents has suddenly become a tourist magnet

To keep this tiny village alive, one family has transformed its old storehouses into galleries and dining spaces, while traditional fisherman’s cabins have become stylish accommodation.

  • Megan Murray
The sun rises only briefly during winter in northern Finland.

A week in near-darkness became my daughter’s last true childhood holiday

It’s below freezing, the sun rises at about 11am and is gone at 1.30pm, but this remains one of my most cherished trips.

  • Belinda Jackson
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Kristiansand in southern Norway.

The gloriously eccentric museum that reveals Norway’s strange past

Where in the world did women use potatoes to make themselves look sexy to potential suitors?

  • Sue Williams
Hurtigruten has plied the Norwegian west coast for 130 years, originally as a postal service and later as a vital supply line.

A 130-year-old, essential ferry route doubles as a spectacular cruise

Over breakfast, a debate begins: is this a cruise or a ferry? Delicious meals, viewing lounge and other luxuries on one hand, a busy schedule of stops and cargo deliveries on the other.

  • Simon Johanson
The glass pyramid was designed to handle 4 million entries a year. But the Louvre now regularly draws more than twice that figure.

The best of Europe

Its compact size means you can pack a huge amount into a holiday. Our guide will help you make the most of your time.

Cruising through Norway’s fjords with Havila.

No buffets or entertainment – just an incredible cruise experience, period

Most cruises are a blur of activity – buffets, crowded pools, and predictable entertainment. This journey is very different.

  • Natasha Bazika
MS Silja Serenade.

I took this ferry to save on an airfare. I had no idea what I was in for

A quiet overnight trip from Stockholm to Helsinki was what I expected. Instead I found myself on board a debauched Vegas on water.

  • Natasha Bazika