See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.

A centuries-old fishing village, Skagen is perched along the windswept sand dunes at the northernmost point of Denmark, where the North Sea and the Baltic merge in a frenzy of crashing currents. The town has long been depicted by painters because of its spectacular scenery, charming communities and the remarkable quality of its light, inspiring a group of artists known as the Skagen Painters. See their work at the Skagen Museum, and then learn the science behind the region’s natural wonders at the nature center, housed in a striking building designed by architect Jørn Utzon of Sydney Opera House fame.

Founded in 1641 near the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand once claimed the world’s largest fleet of sailing ships. Today the proud city exudes an energy that peaks in summer, when your ship calls. The Posebyen old quarter boasts a collection of historic wooden houses surrounded by shops and restaurants. Museums abound and include the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, which opened in 1828. Kristiansand Zoo, said to be Norway’s most visited attraction, covers 150 acres of Nordic terrain where animals like red pandas, moose and Bactrian camels roam in wide-open spaces.

Situated on the southeastern coast of the island of Vågsøy, Måløy is a fetching coastal village graced by silvery beaches, lighthouses and a long history in fishing. A major port for exporting Norway’s prized seafood, Måløy is an ideal place to sample the local cod and chips, fish soup, crab-stuffed sandwiches and other fruits of the sea. History buffs will enjoy the Måløy Raid Center, which focuses on an allied full-scale operation that went on to become an important and strategic victory for the Allies during World War II. Also of note is the 10-foot-tall Kannesteinen rock, which has been carved by the sea over thousands of years and now resembles the tail of a whale.

Enjoy a taste of the Highlands here in the rugged landscape and heathered moors, the ruined castles, steep cliffs and sea air. Drive through beautiful valleys and flower-filled meadows with romping Shetland ponies to quaint villages like Scalloway with its ruined castle, or explore the fascinating Jarlshof prehistoric site, occupied for more than 4,000 years.

If under-the-radar destinations are on your wanderlust list, the mysterious Faroe Islands are a dream come true. A world unto itself, this Scandinavian volcanic island chain is composed of 18 islands with Runavík situated on the island of Eysturoy. While Runavík may be the third largest settlement in the Faroe Islands, the phrase is certainly relative in this far corner of the North Atlantic Ocean – the village’s population hovers just below 4,000. The capital of Tórshavn is easily accessible by tunnel and Runavík is an ideal gateway to trails lacing the green-cladded peaks, Lake Toftavatn, kayaking on Skalafjord and the Forni historical museum in Glyvrar.

At Sea

Squarely in the middle of the Eastfjords and literally located at the base of a long and narrow fjord, picturesque Seydisfjordur quickly makes an impression on visitors upon arrival. It’s at the heart of some of Iceland’s most unsung treasures. Waterfalls, mountains, fjords and peaceful hiking trails stretch out all around. Discover the local flora and fauna at Skalanes Nature Reserve, which is home to diverse wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes and more than 40 different species of birds, or soak in soothing geothermal waters at Vok Nature Baths. Seydisfjordur features ornate wooden architecture with a Scandinavian influence and boasts a flourishing arts scene too. You won’t want to miss two iconic photo opportunities – the quaint Blue Church and the Rainbow Road that leads there.

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.

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.