It’s well known that Norway is one of the world’s most equal societies. Yet few realise that the Scandinavian nation is also among the most beautiful places on the planet.

Think towns that look out onto majestic fjords and coastal settlements sprawled across Arctic archipelagos, not to mention dynamic cities. Here, we have selected some of the most beautiful towns to visit in Norway.

1. Ålesund

Ålesund, a port town on Norway's western coast, having a surface area of 632.4 kilometers squared is a must-visit town in the country. It's a picturesque seaside village famed for its Art Nouveau architecture, which can be found on seven different island chains. The town, which is surrounded by snowy mountains and hills, is connected by a network of streams and bridges. There are many things to do in this port town, like strolling around and admiring the architecture, sampling local cuisine, and visiting popular sights like the Atlantic Sea Park and the Ålesund Museum.

2. Bergen

Although technically not a village, Bergen has as much charm and the laidback vibe as you could hope for. It’s Norway’s second largest town and is called the Gateway to the Fjords. Plan in some time to explore the beautiful old town – it has been declared UNESCO World Heritage for a good reason.

3. Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad’s Old Town was built according to the Dutch model, with wide moats surrounding high earth ramparts, making it impossible to breach the city. Today the Old Town is filled with a bustling market square, winding, cobbled alleyways and charming, traditional shops selling unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Thanks to its unusual structure, the town is also filled with plenty of lush green spaces.

4. Geiranger

Geiranger is set right at the end of the Geiranger fjord and the base for exploring the overwhelming surroundings. Whether you’re taking on one of the many hikes or just go for a cruise through the fjord is up to you – just make sure you don’t forget your camera.

5. Henningsvær

Henningsvær, a fishing village in the Vagan Municipality of Nordland's county of Nordland, is set on one of Austvgya's small islands. The village is around 20 kilometers southwest of Svolvaer, with a surface area of 30 hectares and a 6-meter elevation. The town is known for its brightly colored cottages, which are usually reflected in the freezing waters. In addition, the town is home to the world's most famous soccer field, which is built on the island's bedrock.

6. Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the third northernmost settlement in the world and the largest on the Svalbard Islands on the North Pole. The surrounding landscape has an extraordinary, desolated kind of beauty; set in a sweeping valley with steep mountains and bordered by a sandy bay. The town is a small, colourful spot amidst the dramatic rock and snow. Longyearbyen is largely made up of rows of charming houses painted bright red, green, yellow or blue, contrasting with the sparkling snow which covers the town eight months of the year.

7. Reine

Reine is in the heart of Moskenes Municipality, which is in Nordland County and has a surface area of 29 acres and an elevation of 10 meters. It is located 300 kilometers southwest of Troms and is a fishing village. Reine, despite its small population, is a prominent tourist destination due to its colorful fishing communities dispersed around the base of a snow-capped mountain and situated near the turbulent Norwegian Sea. In addition, it has earned the title of "the most beautiful place in the world."

8. Skudeneshavn

Skudeneshavn is located in the municipality of Karmy, at the confluence of the Karmsundet and Boknafjorden straits. It has a surface area of 50 hectares and is 3 meters above sea level. The town is renowned for its annual boating festival, which draws hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes to its ancient harbor. The town's streets, on the other hand, are alive with folk music, artisan apparel, and treasures. Furthermore, the town's attractive aspect is enhanced by the white-painted fisherman huts with vibrant orange roofs.

9. Tromsø

If you have a taste for extreme places, Tromsø should be on top of your itinerary. Located deep within the Arctic Circle, this is the place to watch the famous Northern Lights. The surroundings of Tromsø are equally stunning with beautifully strange forests, fjords and mountains.

10. Trondheim

Trondheim is a spectacular city that offers some of the best architecture and history to explore. Don’t forget to take a look around at: he Nidarosdomen, Kristiansten Fortress and Ringve Museum.