The Lofoten archipelago is located north of the Arctic Circle in the county of Nordland, Norway. The archipelago is known for its exceptional natural beauty, the picturesque Fishing settlements, the Rorbu (Fishermen’s cottages) and the stockfish. The Lofoten Islands are draped across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle. Between the mainland and the Lofoten lies the open Vestfjord. This rare wilderness outpost offers an untrammelled landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabird colonies and long, surf-swept beaches. he island offers several locations for surfing and wildlife safaris, plus a well-marked cycling route. Go whale watching, mountain hiking, or rock climbing. Old fishermen’s cabins equipped with modern utilities offer lodging to travelers.

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Kerama Islands offer spectacular dive/snorkeling sites, which are world famous for its magnificent coral reefs and abundant sea life. It include some 20 small and large islands and are located 30-40 kilometers north of Naha, the prefectural capital located on the island of Okinawa.

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Aland is the smallest of the three Nordic autonomous territories with a population of 28,000. One third of the population lives in the capital, Mariehamn. The glorious Åland archipelago is a geopolitical anomaly: the islands belong to Finland, speak Swedish, but have their own parliament, fly their own blue-gold-and-red flag, issue their own stamps and have their own web suffix. Their special relationship with the EU means they can sell duty free and make their own gambling laws.

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