Just how picturesque can one place be? Reine, a small Norwegian fishing village on the Lofoten islands, is today’s extraordinary destination off the beaten path. (Shall we add it to this list?) Called everything from “postcard looking” to “idyllic,” Reine is visited by thousands of tourists each year who come to gaze upon its natural beauty. It’s a particularly stunning sight after a snowstorm in the winter, when fresh snow covers the mountains, or during blue hour, the time immediately after sunrise or before sunset.
For the ultimate experience, when you visit Reine, make sure to stay at the red rorbuers, or the typical fishermen’s cabins. Originally created to provide simple overnight accommodations for fishermen, today they’re used more by travelers. Modern but built in a traditional style, you can find some on wooden stilts (or poles) hanging over rocks or ones that jut out over the sea. With fantastic views of the harbour and mountains, they’re the perfect place to enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding you.