Iceland is unique-rugged, remote, modern, and affluent by Nordic standards. Its capital, Reykjavik, is a diverse city blending tradition with advanced technology, and its natural beauty is unforgettable. Visit Krýsuvík's remarkable solfatara fields: steaming volcanic vents and hot springs set amid dramatic, multicolored hills.

Djúpivogur, a small coastal village in Iceland's Eastfjords, sits by Hamarsfjörður with views of Mt. Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt peak (3,507 ft) believed by many to hold mystical power. A trading center since 1589, it's home to Langabúð, a timber building from 1790 displaying sculptures by local artist Ríkarður Jónsson (1888-1977). Boat to Papey, named for Irish hermits, to see a colony of Atlantic puffins.

Cruising into Seydisfjordur, it's easy to see how this small Eastfjords town inspires such a vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by Mt. Bjólfur and Strandartindur and framed by waterfalls, it feels striking and transformative. Stroll past brightly painted wooden houses to the Bláa Kirkjan (Blue Church), the town's iconic photo spot, and watch for reindeer on the hills plus seals and porpoises in the cold waters.

The Faroe Islands (Føroyar, "Sheep Islands") are a remote, rugged archipelago of 18 volcanic islands between Norway and Iceland. Runavík is on scenic Eysturoy, home to the region's highest mountains, ancient Viking settlements, and the village of Gjógv. Tórshavn, the world's smallest capital, is on Streymoy. It is the political, cultural, and financial center of this self-governing Danish region, with top Nordic dining.

Surrounded to the north and southwest by towering mountains with dramatic landscapes, Tórshavn is a picturesque port steeped in Viking history. Main attractions include Tinganes, the oldest part of town, with small wooden houses covered in turf roofs. Explore Nordic House, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of modern Nordic architecture; and Listasavn Føroya art museum. To fully experience the Faroe Islands' ancient history, visit the ruins of Magnus Cathedral.

Explore Akureyri, a charming town on one of the world's longest fjords, framed by snow-capped mountains. Visit HOF, the new "temple of culture," with a theater, music hall, restaurant, and Tourist Information Center. See Arctic plants in the Botanical Garden, wander Arts' Alley with its museums, galleries, and studios, and browse the tax-free town center for wool knitwear, ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.

Discover the dazzling natural beauty of Isafjordur, where steep mountains rise on three sides around a stunning bay. Visit the Maritime Museum in one of the oldest buildings, dating to the 18th century, to trace local history. Enjoy a lively urban atmosphere with music schools, free concerts, and festivals. Shop for handmade wool items, nautical gifts, and arts and crafts, then relax with fresh baked goods and coffee at the many cafés.

Grundarfjörður is a charming fishing town best known for its proximity to Iceland's most photographed mountain, Mt. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain). Shaped over millions of years by two glaciers, its steeple-like peak rises above the sea, often framed by the nearby three-pronged Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Visit the town's information center for exhibits on Snæfellsnes history and photographs by Bæring Cecilsson (1923-2002).

Iceland is unique-rugged, remote, modern, and affluent by Nordic standards. Its capital, Reykjavik, is a diverse city blending tradition with advanced technology, and its natural beauty is unforgettable. Visit Krýsuvík's remarkable solfatara fields: steaming volcanic vents and hot springs set amid dramatic, multicolored hills.