Norway is one of the richest countries in the world, not just in terms of financial wealth - with the second highest GDP per capita in the world just after Luxembourg - but also in wealth of natural wonders. Indeed, Norway is blessed with astounding natural beauty, which sums up all the reasons to visit Norway. Still, here are the top five reasons in detail.

The Land of the Midnight Sun

Norway is called the Land of the Midnight Sun for a reason - it is one of the rare places on earth where, during the summer months, you can see the sun continuously for 24 hours. Visit Norway from April to July or even in late August and enjoy some activities that you won't get to do at midnight anywhere else, such as playing golf, hiking and fishing - all in the light of the midnight sun.

Arctic Adventures

Because of its location, Norway is also a great place for Arctic Adventures. Enjoy the magical white plains of northern Norway on a sled pulled by a pack of dogs or a reindeer herd. Catch a glimpse of the magnificent sperm whales off the coast of Vesteralen or swim in the midst of killer whales. You can get your shot at hauling in the largest cod fish on the Arctic, too, or the largest red king crab, which can grow up to two metres long.

You can also simply sit still by a fire and wait patiently for the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights to appear. These lights, which are a combination of green, purple and red shades, are easiest to see in places where there is little moonlight during the months of October, February and March. They are also considered the oldest and grandest shows on earth, appearing in different shapes and forms each time and inspiring legends which live on to this day, and which you are sure to hear if you stop by a Sami village in Karasjok.

The Famous Fjords of Norway

Norway is also famous for its fjords - U-shaped valleys filled with seawater which were formed when the glaciers melted after the ice age. In fact, it has more fjords than any other country in the world. Most of these fjords can be found in western Norway, and some of them have even been designated as World Heritage Sites, like the Geirangerfjord and the Naeroyfjord. The Sognefjord is the longest in the country, stretching for more than a hundred miles. It is also the second longest fjord in the world.

Aside from fjords, there are also many parks that offer scenic hiking trails and camping grounds for you to go to when you visit Norway. There are also opportunities for you to climb and walk on glaciers, like Austfonna, the largest in Europe, as well as many stunning waterfalls for you to admire, such as the Voringsfossen. A trip to the Vega Islands is recommended, as well, especially for those who want to be surrounded by various species of rare birds, dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Skiing

With six months of winter, great slopes and heaps of good snow, it is no wonder many visit Norway just to ski. Here, there are opportunities for all types of skiing, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and even telemark skiing. You can also go snowboarding and snowkiting. Popular ski resorts in Norway include Hemsedal, with nearly fifty slopes, Oppdal, which is perfect for advanced skiers, Norefjell, which is just a short drive from Oslo and Trysil, the largest in the country.

The Land of the Vikings

One of the most prosperous ages in the history of Norway is the Viking Age. Although the country has clearly come a long way from being a kingdom of the Vikings, who were excellent traders as well as feared pirates, you can still learn about Norse traditions when you visit Norway and learn more about the Vikings in museums such as the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo and the Lofotr Museum, where you can see a reconstructed farm of a Viking chieftain - the only one still in existence - and authentic Viking costumes.