6. Lofoten Islands, Norway – Arctic Beauty Beyond Compare
Though Norway is famous for its fjords, the Lofoten Islands remain a hidden gem even for many Europeans. Located above the Arctic Circle, these islands offer rugged peaks, deep fjords, and remote fishing villages with colorful cabins (called “rorbuer”) perched by the sea. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in golden light, while winter brings the aurora borealis. It’s a photographer’s dream, and a hiker’s paradise—without the heavy tourism you might expect.