Oslo, Norway — What happens when someone has traveled to every country in the world? For Guinness World Record holder Lexie Alford, the answer is perspective. Having set foot in all 195 nations, she recently unveiled her personal list of the world’s 15 most beautiful countries, celebrating landscapes that range from untouched deserts to towering mountains and rich cultural centers.
At the top of her list is Norway, a land where waterfalls tumble into fjords and winding coastal highways transform ordinary road trips into cinematic journeys. The Lofoten Islands, bathed in the glow of the Midnight Sun, further cement its place as a natural wonder.
New Zealand follows closely, where glaciers and rainforests meet in improbable harmony. Known to many through the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, its landscapes extend beyond cinema. The South Island dazzles with rugged peaks, while the North Island steams with geothermal craters and volcanic activity.
From the Southern Hemisphere to South America, Colombia captures attention with its diversity. Between Cartagena’s colorful streets, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon’s lush expanse, it is the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley that often linger in travelers’ memories.
Japan offers a contrast of seasons and scenery. Spring cherry blossoms turn entire cities into dreamscapes, while autumn ignites Kyoto with crimson hues. The enduring silhouette of Mount Fuji stands as a symbol of balance, while Hokkaido’s onsens bubble beneath blankets of snow.
Equally striking is Iceland, where black-sand beaches, luminous glaciers, and geysers define a shifting volcanic terrain. Between September and April, the Northern Lights transform its skies into canvases of vivid green and purple.
Italy’s cultural legacy is inseparable from its beauty, from the Dolomites’ jagged peaks to Venice’s surreal waterways. Along the Ligurian coast, the pastel villages of Cinque Terre cling dramatically to cliffsides, embodying both artistry and endurance.
Beyond Europe, Namibia emerges with stark, haunting beauty. The Sossusvlei dunes, painted in shades of burnt orange, tower above bleached salt pans, while Etosha National Park teems with wildlife. The desolate Skeleton Coast remains one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers.
In Argentina, Patagonia reigns with dramatic glaciers and mountains, while the northern deserts blaze with color in the Quebrada de Humahuaca. Its geographic variety ensures endless discovery.
For Switzerland, the view is never far. From the Matterhorn’s iconic peak to the Lauterbrunnen Valley’s cascading waterfalls, even train rides double as alpine showcases. Tolkien’s Rivendell is said to have been inspired by this very landscape.
Smaller nations also shine. Slovenia’s Lake Bled resembles a fairy tale with its island church, while vast cave networks and alpine ranges add layers of mystery and grandeur.
Canada’s vastness is its strength, where turquoise lakes like Moraine and Peyto defy belief and whales swim near northern shores. Its landscapes are as diverse as its wildlife, spanning coasts, forests, and glaciers.
In Morocco, the Sahara’s dunes meet the Atlas Mountains’ snowy ridges. Cities like Chefchaouen, Marrakech, and Fez blend centuries of tradition with modern vibrancy, making the nation both timeless and alive.
Croatia’s appeal stretches beyond Dubrovnik’s medieval walls. The Dalmatian Coast offers crystal waters and limestone cliffs, while Plitvice Lakes connects 16 turquoise pools with cascading waterfalls—an aquatic masterpiece.
Australia stuns with contrasts, from the Great Barrier Reef’s kaleidoscope of marine life to the barren majesty of the Outback. Skies blaze with stars above Uluru, while rainforests and coastal formations like the Twelve Apostles add to its diversity.
Finally, Indonesia earns a place on the list with its staggering 17,000 islands. Beyond Bali, destinations such as Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park—home to the world’s only dragon lizards—showcase natural wonders few places can rival.
Together, these 15 countries reflect the profound diversity of beauty that exists across the globe. For Alford, and for travelers everywhere, they stand as reminders that the world’s wonders remain as vast as they are inspiring.
