Staten Island might be the city’s quietest borough, but it’s full of character and history. The free Staten Island Ferry runs all day and night, offering great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan before docking in St. George, where 19th-century architecture meets local culture. Stop by the restored St. George Theatre, the National Lighthouse Museum, or the Staten Island Museum, which mixes natural history, art, and local exhibits. Green space is everywhere here. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers miles of trails and woodlands, and in summer, the island’s beaches are popular for kayaking and relaxing by the water. For a closer look at local history, visit the Alice Austen House, once home to one of America’s first female photographers, or explore Historic Richmond Town, a preserved village with buildings and artifacts that trace island life back to the 1600s. Staten Island also has a growing food scene, especially around St. George and Stapleton, where you’ll find local breweries and waterfront restaurants worth discovering.

In Haugesund you can come close to the essence of Norway with the beautiful fjords, rivers and lakes. A variety of trails give a splendid view of the landscape that can be explored all year around.

The Old Bydgoszcz Canal is an impressive engineering work from the late eighteenth century. An important commercial route in the past, it spreads for around 25 km and connects the Vistula and Oder rivers. The boulevard alongside the canal is a favourite among locals for afternoon walks with a beautiful scenery.