Alesund, Norway

This is a picturesque town on a row of islands with the Sunnmore Alps in the background. After a devastating fire in 1904, substantial international aid flowed in, including large amounts from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who loved to take holidays in Ålesund.

This allowed for the town to be rebuilt in the best modern style of the time. Enter Art Nouveau architecture, the style the town was rebuilt in, making this festive town a picture of the trend that dominated this era.

The colors of these fascinating buildings can be enjoyed nearly all day from May to July when the sun doesn’t set for about 20 hours.