Ålesund Named Top Destination

National Geographic has named the Norwegian city of Ålesund  one of Europe's best small ports in the February/March issue of Traveler. The city was chosen for its lovely Art Nouveau architecture, thriving food scene, historic harbor and stunning scenery. "Ålesund could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairy tale—with a modern plot twist," the article says. The other ports that made the list are Tallin (Estonia), Zadar (Croatia), Gdansk (Poland) Ajaccio  (France) and Valetta (Malta).

Want the scoop on visiting Ålesund? Viking writer Carter Walker visited the city and shared her impressions in last year's January travel issue. To read it, check out "Norway's Enchanting City"  in our January 2012 issue.

And if you love to travel, don't miss this year's travel issue, where we feature Hurtigruten, Norway's coastal steamer, along with recommended outings in Oslo neighborhoods and alternative lodging ideas.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.