Fishing village of Henningsvær with Henningsvær Idrettslag Stadion, Nordland, Norway

© Viktor Posnov/Alam

My my, it's Syttende Mai

Home to only about 500 folks, the far-flung village of Henningsvær, Norway, is recognized for its historic charm and as part of the Lofoten Archipelago's important cod fishery. And thanks to the recent boom in drone photography, the Arctic hamlet with the unlikely soccer field has come to be regarded among the most scenic on Earth. The Henningsvær Idrettslag Stadion (in our photo's lower center) lies at Henningsvær's southern tip, on flat ground hewn out of the rocky outcrop. Look closely at the hills around the stadium and you'll see wooden racks for drying cod—a reminder that even though there's space for fun on these tiny islets, the business of fishing is still very much a key part of life here.

We're visiting Norway today because it's May 17, or to Norwegians and observant Midwesterners, Syttende Mai. It's the date in 1814 when the Norwegian national assembly enacted the nation's constitution—one of Europe's earliest. Though Norway would be paired with Sweden under a common crown until 1905, the document declared the self-direction of Norway's people, many of whom now celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day's dawning with a traditional salmon-and-eggs breakfast—and maybe a glass or two of champagne.