Ålesund and the rest of the Norwegian fjords are arguably home to Norway's most beautiful landscapes, with rugged mountains jutting out of the pristine clear water. It's also where you'll find the freshest seafood, quirky craft breweries and plenty of traditional dishes.

Many tourists make the trip to the cold, dark reaches of northern Norway for one thing – the Northern Lights. If you're planning your own trip, take a look at what you should be eating when you reach there, or discover the joy of hygge which brings comfort to the cold weather.

Norwegian seafood is some of the best in the world, thanks to the clarity and purity of its waters. See how Norway introduced Japan to salmon; what it takes to be a fisherman and discover skrei, the seasonal variety of cod that's only available for a few months each year.

Norwegian cuisine doesn't enjoy the same worldwide fame as French or Italian, but it's becoming more and more popular along with the rest of Scandinavia thanks to the popularity of new Nordic cuisine. Here are a few traditional dishes from the country.