From the puffins to Hotel Union Øye, seen in the distance, the Sunnmøre region is full of wonders.

Norse Code

The spectacular fjords and luscious chill of Norway offer the perfect escape from physical—and political—discomfort

By Ashley Baker

When the world feels ruined, there’s always Norway.

Turn off MSNBC, silence notifications, and book a flight to Ålesund, 300-ish miles northwest of Oslo on Norway’s wild western coast. Visitors from all over the world come to this gateway to the Sunnmøre region to cruise the fjords.