Discover this fascinating land where the forces of nature hold sway as you visit the modern capital with its thermally heated outdoor swimming pool, remarkable botanic gardens and folk museum. Explore the starkly beautiful countryside of lava formations, glaciers and incredible waterfalls and the site where the first parliament sat in 930 A.D.

This Icelandic fishing community is set amidst the spectacular scenery of a dramatic bay embraced by soaring cliffs and plunging waterfalls. The town’s most famous landmark is the striking Kirkjufell, an isolated mountain that juts out of the sea. Stroll along the surrounding beaches and hiking trails, enjoy a boat trip to observe the local seals and puffins, or take a guided walk to Kirkjufell Waterfall.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest city and a center of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums and art festivals, hike along the extraordinary vistas, or explore the botanical gardens. Also of interest is the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world.

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. The capital of the Westfjords has long been a cultured oasis in the midst of this haunting beauty, fueled by the rewards of being one of Iceland’s largest fishing centers. The first merchants lived in wooden houses now preserved in the Neöstikaupstaöur section of town, which is alive with shops and restaurants. Two museums are of particular interest – the West Fjords Folk Museum for tools and heritage items and the Maritime Museum for a look at the 19th century fishing industry.

Fall in love with the colorful charm of this remote outpost, which perches near the mouth of the spectacular Tasermiut Fjord and was founded in the late 18th century by Scandinavian settlers on land long inhabited by Inuit hunters and fishermen. The Nanotarlik Museum provides insight into the area’s history, with fascinating exhibits ranging from traditional Viking attire and the world’s oldest sealskin boat to the tale of a mysterious 1959 shipwreck. Beyond the quaint town, a rugged landscape of soaring mountains, winding fjords and tundra-sheathed valleys invites exploration. After a day of discovery, find tranquility at the Uunartoq Hot Springs, where geothermically heated water will soothe your muscles while icebergs glide past.

This charming, colorful town has a pleasant center with a small square featuring Greenland’s oldest fountain. The culture project Stone and Man can be seen as an open invitation to explore the town to find the 30 different motifs that are chiseled into rocks and stones by local and Scandinavian artists. The Church of Our Savior from 1832 and the town’s two museums are also well worth a visit.

One of the most stunning agricultural locales in Greenland, Narsaq offers a rich blend of Norse history and gorgeous South Greenlandic landscapes. The valleys, mountains and surrounding fjord system offer great hiking trails and other opportunities for outdoor exploration. Spend the afternoon kayaking or take a boat tour to explore nearby glaciers, waterfalls and arctic wildlife. The Narsaq Museum in the historic harbor offers a deeper understanding of the Norse period, with exhibitions covering Norse settlers and local history.

Discover this fascinating land where the forces of nature hold sway as you visit the modern capital with its thermally heated outdoor swimming pool, remarkable botanic gardens and folk museum. Explore the starkly beautiful countryside of lava formations, glaciers and incredible waterfalls and the site where the first parliament sat in 930 A.D.