Astronaut Karen Nyberg Ludzhin made a series of stunning images from the ISS. She is an engineer by profession and this is her second trip into space.

ISS solar antenna, 18 September 2013

It is exhilarating to stand on top of the world admiring the natural beauty of our planetspread beneath us. Bone-chilling ravines, steep cliffs, thundering waterfalls, snow-clad peaks or serene rivers, nature has been very kind to us. You need not be a rock climber or a mountaineer to experience planet Earth in all its glory. We have here, the most amazing viewing platforms that help us do just that. So climb atop one, and take a deep breath as you savor the view.


1. Ørnesvingen Viewing Platform, Norway
 Ørnesvingen has for centuries been widely used by travellers as a place to stop and enjoy the view. The location offers a magnificent view of Geiranger town and Geiranger fjord, and the spot attracts more than 400 000 visitors every year.