The picturesque seaside town of Hanioti boasts clear waters and a long white sand beach. The town's natural beauty may be its defining characteristic, but it also has a lively nightlife scene; the main square offers cafes, bars and restaurants.

From its snow-capped mountains to its mighty fjords, from grand valleys to tranquil lakes and lovely archipelagos, the county of Troms is bursting with natural wonders. To cap it off, it also plays host to the northern lights. Tromso, the capital, is the gateway to the region's rugged beauty, but with 65,000 people it's also a surprisingly rich city culturally, with many interesting museums and sites (including the world's northernmost botanical garden) and even a pulsing nightlife.

The 1000-year-old Norwegian capital sits at the head of Oslo Fjord. This stunning setting gives hints of the wild wonders that lie just beyond the city. From taking in visual delights at Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and Holmenkollen, to the challenging content within the new Nobel Peace Centre and the Holocaust Centre, Oslo offers plenty of food for thought. The Oslo Pass allows free travel on public transport, free parking and many museum and sight admissions.