If you've picked up this month's issue of Viking, you know there are some great reasons to visit Norway. But don't take our word for it. CNN.com recently named Norway among nine top travel destinations for 2011. In addition, the travel blog Wild Junket named Spitsbergen, on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, as one of the Europe's top five adventure destinations.Nellie Huang of Wild Junket says: "For hard-core adventurers, head to Spitsbergen, located just some 900 km south of the North Pole. The exhilaration of sighting polar bear as they roam the ice in search of food, watching the playful activities of grey seals or observing a group of walrus are just some of the highlights of the area."
Intrigued? For more inspiration, check out the current issue of Viking. Canadian travel writer Colleen Friesen's feature, "Of Sled Dogs and King Crabs," will convince you to get off out of your comfort zone and experience winter in Norway's Arctic regions.
Need some help to get your planning underway? Viking writer Fran Howard interviewed Scandinavian travel guru Linda McCormick of Borton Overseas for her article, "Next Stop: Scandinavia." Check it out to discover Linda's top five Nordic destinations in addition to expert advice and insider's tips.
Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.