Ålesund, Norway

When a tragic fire destroyed the whole port city of Ålesund in 1904, the tragedy was saved by the combination of an economic downturn and a new exciting artistic and architectural style that was sweeping over Europe. As a result, Ålesund offered job opportunities for newly graduated architects who were unemployed.

With no late Art Nouveau excess flourishes, but rather graceful Nordic interpretations of the early movement, the result is Europe's only entirely Art Nouveau town. The location on two islands at the entrance of a mountain-ringed fjord fulfills the scene and gives an air of laid-back friendliness. Locals stop to point out amusing details you might have missed, while chefs in waterfront restaurants make great dishes using fish from local waters. The outstanding museum offers a look inside an Art Nouveau home as well as explorations of history, art, and architecture.