the capital and chief port of Denmark, a city that occupies the eastern part of Zealand and northern part of the island of Amager; population 518,574 (2009).

Skjolden is a small, picturesque village in western Norway, located at the very end of the longest fjord in Europe — the Sognefjord. This place is especially valued for its seclusion, natural tranquility, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Skjolden lies at the foot of the Jotunheimen National Park and near the Nigardsbreen glacier, making it an ideal starting point for glacier hikes, trekking, and wildlife observation.

Despite its modest size, Skjolden has a unique charm: visitors can stay in cozy family-run hotels with views of the water, try local cuisine, and enjoy the unhurried atmosphere of a Norwegian village. The region is popular among travelers seeking an authentic connection with northern nature rather than mass tourism. During the summer, cruise ships stop here, allowing tourists to spend a day in the very heart of the Norwegian fjords.

Nestled between majestic fjords and the open sea, Ålesund captivates visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and distinctive architecture. Known for its stunning Art Nouveau style, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904, the town offers a charming atmosphere where colorful buildings line the waterfront, creating a picturesque setting unlike any other in Norway.

Adventurers and culture lovers alike find plenty to enjoy in Ålesund. From hiking up the viewpoint at Aksla Hill for panoramic views of the archipelago to exploring local museums and fresh seafood markets, this coastal town invites travelers to immerse themselves in Norway’s maritime heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Whether cruising the nearby fjords or wandering the narrow streets, every moment in Ålesund promises memorable discoveries.

Stavanger is a city and municipality in Norway. It is the third largest city and metropolitan area in Norway (through conurbation with neighbouring Sandnes) and the administrative centre of Rogaland county. The municipality is the fourth most populous in Norway. Located on the Stavanger Peninsula in Southwest Norway, Stavanger counts its official founding year as 1125, the year the Stavanger Cathedral was completed. Stavanger's core is to a large degree 18th- and 19th-century wooden houses that are protected and considered part of the city's cultural heritage. This has caused the town centre and inner city to retain a small-town character with an unusually high ratio of detached houses, and has contributed significantly to spreading the city's population growth to outlying parts of Greater Stavanger.

Nestled along the southern coast of Norway, Arendal charms with its cozy maritime atmosphere and historic Scandinavian appeal. This picturesque port town, famous for its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets, is perfect for leisurely strolls and discovering the Norwegian way of life. The Trefoldigheten district, one of the oldest residential areas, features houses dating back to the 18th century.

Arendal also draws visitors with its maritime festivals, museums, and opportunities to explore the nearby archipelago by boat. During summer, the city comes alive with yachts, outdoor cafes, and open-air exhibitions, creating a warm and welcoming vibe. It is a place where nature, history, and modern life blend harmoniously, offering tourists a genuine cultural experience.
 

Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden, fifth-largest in the Nordic countries, and capital of the Västra Götaland County. It is situated by Kattegat, on the west coast of Sweden, and has a population of approximately 570,000 in the city center and about 1 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area.

Gothenburg was founded as a heavily fortified, primarily Dutch, trading colony, by royal charter in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus. In addition to the generous privileges (e.g. tax relaxation) given to his Dutch allies from the then-ongoing Thirty Years' War, the king also attracted significant numbers of his German and Scottish allies to populate his only town on the western coast. At a key strategic location at the mouth of the Göta älv, where Scandinavia's largest drainage basin enters the sea, the Port of Gothenburg is now the largest port in the Nordic countries.

Gothenburg is home to many students, as the city includes the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology. Volvo was founded in Gothenburg in 1927. The original parent Volvo Group and the now separate Volvo Car Corporation are still headquartered on the island of Hisingen in the city. Other key companies are SKF and Astra Zeneca.

The city hosts the Gothia Cup, the world's largest youth football tournament, alongside some of the largest annual events in Scandinavia. The Gothenburg Film Festival, held in January since 1979, is the leading Scandinavian film festival with over 155,000 visitors each year. In summer, a wide variety of music festivals are held in the city, including the popular Way Out West Festival.

the capital and chief port of Denmark, a city that occupies the eastern part of Zealand and northern part of the island of Amager; population 518,574 (2009).