Iceland

One of Ireland’s most beautiful and best-kept secrets is the historic seaside port of Cobh. Rows of multicolored houses slope down to one of the world’s largest natural harbors as St. Colman’s Cathedral rises majestically above. After exploring the walkable town, head up the coast to lively Cork, one of Ireland’s largest and most vibrant cities. Here you’ll find another must-visit church, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, which takes your breath away with its soaring arches and grand chambers illuminated through intricate stained-glass windows.

Less than 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of the fjord that lent this former fishing mecca its name, sits the colorful town of Siglufjörður. Once the fishing capital of Iceland – and the herring capital of the world – the Siglufjörður of today is a welcoming town embraced by beautiful snowcapped peaks. The glaciated mountains and sandy black shores make for fabulous hiking, as the scenic beauty of the area is its greatest draw.

Known for its dramatic landscapes, Ísafjörður is the largest municipality in the Westfjords peninsula, a territory as rugged as it is beautiful and as dense with nature as it is sparse with people. A haven for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and birdwatching, Ísafjörður has its roots in the fishing industry, which remains an important part of the local economy. This means you’ll definitely want to stop into a local restaurant to try the day’s fresh catch.

The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður sits on on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula backed by snowcapped mountains in the distance. In the foreground just across the water stands the town’s landmark, Mount Kirkjufell, rising from the bay. The most photographed scene here is the picturesque waterfall nearby with the solitary, striated peak as a backdrop. A scenic coastal drive takes you to Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-crowned stratovolcano at its center.

The only town in Iceland that belongs to Cittaslow – an organization that emphasizes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and the promotion of local food culture – the tiny community of Djúpivogur welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Founded as a trading post in the 16th century, the town gets its name from the “deep cove” that provides excellent natural harbor conditions for fishing. Learn more in the cultural museum of Langabúð, housed in the town’s oldest building.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city and is known as the “Capital of the North,” but with a population of approximately 18,000, Akureyri feels more like a town than a city. Only 62 miles from the Arctic Circle, it surprisingly has one of warmest climates in the country. Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets, especially Hafnarstræti, a pedestrian-friendly street filled with quaint coffee shops and boutiques selling locally made wares. Also in town is a lovely botanical garden near the majestic Akureyri Church, the city’s best-known landmark.

The largest of the Westman Islands off the Icelandic coast, Heimaey is best known for a volcanic eruption in 1973 from a previously unknown fissure that rained ash and lava and changed the landscape forever. A heroic effort was made to save the town – and the valuable frozen fish stock stored at the pier – by pouring seawater on the molten lava. This slowed the red-hot lava’s march toward the sea, and all residents were able to escape. In time, residents were able to return and rebuild the community, now situated amidst the lush landscape of volcanic peaks.

Reykjavik is Europe’s most northern capital and a delight to visit. Modern public buildings of steel and glass contrast with the preserved colorful wooden houses of the old quarter. However, it is outside of Reykjavik that the rugged beauty of the country reveals itself. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa where the mineral-rich water is believed to have therapeutic benefits.

This small town of well-preserved, 150-year-old wooden warehouses, shops and homes clustered around a deep natural harbor is the jumping off point for touring and hiking the picturesque peninsula of Snæfellsnes. The town seems frozen in time, as it is home to few people and has no traffic or pollution. Visit the Volcano Museum, a tribute to native son and volcanologist Haraldur Sigurdsson, who studied volcanoes around the world for forty years. The unique Library of Water Museum features melted glaciers from the island’s five largest icecaps.