Despite its numerous mountains and rugged coastline

There's no better way to see Norway's stunning countryside than by train. Perhaps surprisingly for such a mountainous country, Norway's rail lines stretch more than 3,218 kilometers, encountering along the way some 775 tunnels and more than 3,000 bridges.

The best scenic routes begin in Oslo, including the Bergen Railway, which runs over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Other routes of note are the Dovre Railway from Oslo to Trondheim with its sideline, the Rauma Railway, between Dombås and Åndalsnes, and the famous Flåm Railway, the world's steepest.

Norway's rail network also offers a number of other interesting diversions, such as classic steam trains, gourmet train excursions, and pedal-powered rail tricycles (draisines) for use on abandoned rail lines.

Part of the spectacular Fjord Norway network and regularly topping the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, the Geirangerfjord region north of Ålesund offers some of the finest scenery anywhere in Norway.

The eastward continuation of the Sunnylvsfjord, the Geirangerfjord boasts some of the country's most spectacular views. One of the best is from the summit of Dalsnibba.

Located above Lake Mjøsa at the south end of the Gudbrandsdal valley, Lillehammer is one of Norway's best-known year-round tourist destinations. In summer, it's all about attractions such as Maihaugen, an open-air museum consisting of more than 100 historic buildings, including 18th-century farmhouses, workshops, and a stave church.

Another notable landmark is Peer Gynt's Cottage. Dating from the early 1700s, it's said to have been the home of the prototype of Ibsen's famed hero.

The Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning) is a medieval castle commissioned by king Håkon V in 1299. It was later turned into a Renaissance royal residence by king Christian IV in the early 17th century.

It sits on a promontory overlooking the Oslofjord, and the grounds have spectacular views over the harbor. Guided tours are available during the summer, and you can also find the Museum of the Norwegian Resistance (Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum) ) on the castle grounds.

The Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of Oslo's top tourist attractions, and is home to 650 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. These sculptures, which are formed out of wrought iron, bronze, and granite, are arranged in five themed groups.

The most famous of these are in the fountain group, which depicts the cycle of human life, culminating in a 16-meter monolith. This collection is found within the large Frogner Park, which also houses the Vigeland Museum and the Oslo City Museum. Also located here are numerous recreational facilities, including Norway's largest playground and an expansive rose garden.

Tromsø is home to several fantastic museums, two of which are dedicated to studying life in the far north. Polaria is the newest of these, and is home to exhibits about the aurora borealis (northern lights), the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, and Arctic wildlife, including an Arctic aquarium.

The Polar Museum focuses on the area's long history as a fishing community and its more recent status as a primary research base for polar studies. Exhibits include the findings of more recent expeditions and scientific studies, which delve into the world of the dark and cold deep sea of the Arctic.

One of the most popular sightseeing opportunities in Bergen is the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. This vibrantly painted area was once the city's center of trade and was dominated by Hanseatic merchants. Today, tourists can find several historic buildings that portray life during the Middle Ages, as well as boutiques, restaurants, and the Bryggen Museum.

Learn even more at the Hanseatic Museum, which has been open since 1872. This fascinating museum is housed in Finnegård, a 1704 home that was owned by one of the merchants. While in Bergen, visitors will also want to visit Troldhaugen, the former home and workspace of composer Edvard Grieg, as well as the Open Air Market.

Oslo's Bygdoy Peninsula is a suburb located only four miles west of the city, and is easily reached by car or public transportation. It is home to several of Oslo's top tourist attractions and also known for its many natural spaces including beaches, parks, and forests.

Among its numerous museums, the Bygdoy Peninsula is home to the Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in Norway located in Villa Grande. Another top museum is the Fram Museum, which houses the ships Fram, known for its Polar voyages, and Gjøa, the latter famous for being the first ship to navigate the Northwest Passage. The popular Kon-Tiki Museum is just next door.

The magnificent Lofoten Islands form an archipelago off the coast of northwestern Norway and are a popular tourist destination for Norwegians and foreigners alike. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the weather here is mild despite its location in the Arctic Circle.

Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, explore traditional fishing villages, as well as to kayak and hike. Many also come here to see the wildlife, a diverse array of characters, including everything from eagles to moose, as well as whales. The islands are also one of the best places to visit for a glimpse of the northern lights.

Situated 349 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is best known for its important role as the base for many major Arctic expeditions since the mid 1800s. The Tromsø area was first settled in the 13th century as a fishing village, and the industry has been an integral part of life here ever since, contributing to the area's maritime charm.

Also a result of its northerly position, Tromsø is one of the top destinations in the world for seeing the spectacular northern lights. Tourists will find multiple attractions that explain and explore the phenomenon, including Polaria, the most northerly aquarium in the world, and the Polar Museum, with its interesting exhibits on Arctic exploration.