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15 Reasons to Visit the World's Happiest Country
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  4. Norway

15 Reasons to Visit the World's Happiest Country

The Geiranger fjord is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Ladiras/Getty Images

Visit the land of happiness.

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Jess McHugh
March 20, 2017

If a lingering winter is giving you some seasonal blues, try visiting the land of happiness: Norway.

The northern European country landed at the top of the World Happiness Index, a list of the happiest countries in the world as ranked by research scientists.

The economists polled thousands of people using a combination of metrics, including average GDP and feelings of freedom and security, to rank the countries.

Norway has something to offer to travelers of all kinds. From the vibrant contemporary art and theater scene of Oslo to the coziness of remote fishing villages, Norway contains a spectrum of attractions.

Many tourists flock to Norway for an unobstructed view of natural phenomenon such as the northern lights and the midnight sun, and one of the best places to glimpse the Aurora Borealis is the Lofoten Islands, in northwestern Norway.

Stunning natural beauty abounds throughout the country, including the Geiranger and Hardanger fjords, as well as the Preikestolen, a 2,000-foot rock face.

With airfares expected to drop to clearance levels, there’s never been a better time to visit Norway.

1 of 15 Leonardo Patrizi/Getty Images

Oslo

The capital city of Oslo offers cutting edge architecture and daring contemporary art.

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2 of 15 sara_winter/Getty Images

Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands attract visitors for their fishing and views of such natural phenomenon as the northern lights and the midnight sun.

3 of 15 Jorg Greuel/Getty Images

Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House was designed to accommodate plenty of roof visitors — perfect for a view of the water.

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4 of 15 Tim E White/Getty Images

Bodo

Bird watch in Bodo, a city with the densest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world, according to Visit Norway.

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5 of 15 Hallestrandsfoto/Getty Images

Trollstigen

Trollstigen is perfect for nature trekking and striking panoramic views.

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6 of 15 TPopova/Getty Images

Preikestolen

Preikestolen, also known as "the pulpit rock," stands nearly 2,000 feet tall.

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7 of 15 AGF/Getty Images

Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral is located in Tromso, northern Norway.

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Port Bergen

Port Bergen is one of the most popular stops for Arctic cruises.

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9 of 15 MuYeeTing/Getty Images

Northern Lights

Travelers flock to Norway for its spectacular views of the natural phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights.

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10 of 15 marco wong/Getty Images

Stavanger

Explore the medieval history of this 12th century city.

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11 of 15 Ladiras/Getty Images

Geiranger Fjord

The Geiranger fjord is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

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12 of 15 Cn0ra/Getty Images

Flam

No trip to Norway is complete without a visit to some of its cozy fishing villages, such as Flam.

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13 of 15 Antony Spencer/Getty Images

Hamnoy Harbor

Hamnoy Harbor welcomes visitors to the Lofoten Islands.

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14 of 15 Peter Adams/Getty Images

Hardangerfjorden

Hardangerfjorden is the second largest fjord in Norway.

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15 of 15 Sindre Ellingsen/ArcaidImages/Getty Images

Kilden Performing Arts Centre

The striking contemporary architecture of the Kilden Performing Arts Centre in Kristiansand welcomes visitors to operas and a diverse array of concerts.

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