19 Reasons Why Norway is the Greatest Place on Earth

Norway ranked second in a 2013 world happiness report conducted by the United Nations. They looked at various factors, like life expectancy, prosperity, health, and social support, all indicating that Norway is a great place to live in. Residents have also been known to have high satisfaction with their standards of living and feel they can choose the direction of their lives. Clearly, Norwegians have got it good.

Reasons why Norway is amongst the greatest place

1. The Allemannsrett Law

Norway employs the law of Allemannsrett which, essentially, is the freedom to roam wherever one chooses. It's a right of access law, which provides people with almost unlimited opportunities for using their outdoor surroundings. As long as the land is unfenced and far enough from a house, you can have a picnic, explore by foot or ski or anything else, sleep under the sky, have a campout, pick some flowers - really anything you want.

2. Trolltunga Is A Picture Perfect Spot

How would you like to step out onto this huge piece of rock? Trolltunga, translating to Troll's Tongue in English, hangs out horizontally from the rock face at about 700 meters high. It's pretty spectacular, but just remember to leave your fear of heights behind.

3. And So Is Kjeragbolten

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Kjeragbolten Boulder is yet another spectacular spot in Norway that you can easily visit. Located in the Kjerag Mountains in Rogaland, a large glacial deposit is wedged between a mountain crevice over an abyss that's 984 meters deep. While stunning from afar, how would you like to stand atop it and gaze down at the drop below? If you're gutsy enough you can (Allemannstret, remember?), just be sure not to slip!

4. Its Breathtaking Fjords

Norway is famous for its beautiful fjords. These deep sea inlets are easily accessible and just waiting to be explored, surrounded by stunning views and other natural wonders.

5. The Midnight Sun

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For anyone who's ever resented twilight's darkness for putting a crimp on their fun day plans, you'll love Norway's midnight sun. The reason behind it: Norway is situated above the Arctic Circle, during the summer, the country has 24-hours of daylight. Yep, the Sun is out all day (and night) long. This leaves plenty of time for fun things to do, and you'll never have to worry about the night preventing you from participating in any great activities. Well, at least until winter rolls around.

6. It Has More Lakes Than You Think

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Sure, Finland may be the country known for its many lakes, giving that it's nicknamed the land of 1000 lakes and all. However, with about half a million lakes within its borders, Norway beats out Finland for a total number of these bodies of water (the latter of which has about 188000). Norway also has some of the deepest lakes in Europe. So, sorry Finland, but, when it comes to lakes, Norway got you beat. These things make Norway the greatest place on Earth!

7. You can see the Northern Lights

Norway is home to the magnificent northern lights or Aurora Borealis. You can see the magnificent natural light show at certain times during the year, and you can see the vibrant colors rising above the top. It is especially a great sight to behold from Lofoten islands.

8. Ferrying through Geirangerfjord

When in Norway, you can have a spectacular boat ride in Geirangerfjord, which is UNESCO's World Heritage Site. There are some beautiful and captivating scenes, all of which you can enjoy while relaxing on the deck.

9. Its Geography to explore

Geography of Norway covers 240000 islands and a beach which extends to 64000 miles. There is not enough to explore, which you'll never get bored of. So, what are you waiting for?

10. It's really safe.

Crime rates in Norway are incredibly low. The rate of murder is low. The imprisonment rate is low. As an intelligent law student once said, "Happy people just don't shoot their husbands."

11. urban spaces are lush.

Like the capital of Oslo, Norway, the lush forest hills rise above the city and there is an abundance of green areas within Oslo - this is certainly not any concrete jungle.

12. Fredrikstad Fortress, an ancient wonderland.

Fredrikstad Castle is considered to be one of the best preserved old cities in Scandinavia.

13. Alluring fisherman's cabins.

They are everywhere! You can stay in one if your heart wants it.

14.  It's known to be the birthplace of skiing.

The earliest evidence of modern skiing has been found in Norway. The word "ski" actually comes from Old Norse and somewhere around translates to "split piece of wood."

15. The deepest lake in Europe, Hornindalsvatnet

16. Norway also features the world's longest tunnel.

The Lærdal road tunnel is 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) long. Three colored caves divide the tunnel into four sections so that the driver is less stressful. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes to drive through the tunnel.

17. The top-view of Mount Fløyen in Bergen.

You can take Fløibanen specifically to the top of the mountain. Epic sightseeing is guaranteed.

18. The national drink is Aquavit.

It's a potato-base, flavored with herbs. It's very powerful. Most people use beer as a chaser. It's hardcore.

19. Enjoy skiing in the middle of the summer.

The Stryne Summer Ski Center opens at the end of May and welcomes the skiers in late July or mid-August, depending on the snow conditions. If you have a strong desire for skiing during the hot months, then you know where to go.