An awe-inspiring destination to explore?

Then you should add Norway to the top of your list.

It’s hands down one of the most gorgeous places on earth,

with plenty of natural scenic beauty,

a community of happy people, and a fascinating history.

If that’s not enough to get you to start packing your bags, here are 11 more reasons why Norway is worth your while.

Norway ranked second in a 2013 world happiness report conducted by the United Nations. They looked at various factors, like life expectancy, prosperity, health, and social support, all indicating that Norway is a great place to be. Residents have also been known to have high satisfaction with their standards of living and feel they can choose the direction of their lives. Clearly, Norwegians have got it good.

2. The Allemannstret Law

Norway employs the law of Allemannstret which, essentially, is the freedom to roam wherever one chooses. It’s a right of access law, which provides people with almost unlimited opportunities for using their outdoor surroundings. As long as the land is unfenced and far enough from a house, you can have a picnic, explore by foot or ski or anything else, sleep under the sky, have a campout, pick some flowers – really anything you want.

3. Trolltunga is the Perfect Photo Op

How would you like to step out onto this huge piece of rock? Trolltunga, translating to Troll’s Tongue in English, hangs out horizontally from the rock face at about 700 meters high. It’s pretty spectacular, but just remember to leave your fear of heights behind.

4. And so is Kjeragbolten

Kjeragbolten Boulder is yet another spectacular spot in Norway that you can easily visit. Located in the Kjerag Mountains in Rogaland, a large glacial deposit is wedged between a mountain crevice over an abyss that’s 984 meters deep. While stunning from afar, how would you like to stand atop it and gaze down at the drop below? Yikes! If you’re gutsy enough you can (Allemannstret, remember?), just be sure not to slip…

5. Its Breathtaking Fjords

Norway is famous for its beautiful fjords. These deep sea inlets are easily accessible and just waiting to be explored, surrounded by stunning views and other natural wonders.

6. The Midnight Sun

For anyone who’s ever resented twilight’s darkness for putting a crimp on their fun day plans, you’ll love Norway’s midnight sun. Because Norway is situated above the Arctic Circle, during the summer, the country has 24-hours of daylight. Yep, the sun is out all day (and night) long. This leaves plenty of time for fun things to do, and you’ll never have to worry about the night preventing you from participating in any great activities. Well, at least until winter rolls around that is.

7. It Has More Lakes than You Think

Sure, Finland may be the country known for its many lakes, giving that it’s nicknamed the land of 1000 lakes and all. However, with about half a million lakes within its borders, Norway beats out Finland for total number of these bodies of water (the latter of which has about 188000). Norway also has some of the deepest lakes in Europe. So, sorry Finland, but, when it comes to lakes, Norways got you beat.

8. You can see the northern lights

Norway is home to the spectacular northern lights or aurora borealis. You can see the fantastic natural lightshow at certain times during the year, and gazing up above as the vibrant colors light up the surrounding skies is one of a kind. It’s particularly great to view them from Lofoten islands.

9. Ferrying through Geirangerfjord

When in Norway, you can take a fantastic ferry ride through Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO world heritage site. There’s some beautiful scenery and dramatic views, all of which you can enjoy while relaxing on deck.

10.Its Explorable Geography

Norway’s geography includes 240000 islands and a coastline that stretches out for over 64000 miles. There’s so much to explore you’ll never get bored. So, what are you waiting for?

Question of the Day:

Would you like to go to Norway?

Let us know in the comments below!