Grandeur, 10 Nights Magical Midnight Sun ex Reykjavik Return

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Djupivogur, Iceland
Amongst the endless majesty of sheer-sided mountains etched with waterfalls in Iceland’s sparsely populated Eastfjords, the small coastal village of Djúpivogur offers something magical: Mt. Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt mountain peaking at 3,507 feet that’s widely believed to be a focus of mystical forces. Nestled by the picturesque fjord of Hamarsfjörður, the town was a trading center as far back as 1589. Visit a historic timber building called Langabúð, constructed in 1790, to admire the sculptures of Djúpivogur’s own Ríkarður Jónsson (1888-1977). Take a boat tour to the island of Papey – named after Irish hermits who sailed to Iceland in the 7th and 8th centuries – to see a colony of Atlantic Puffins.

Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Cruising the fjord that ends with picturesque Seydisfjordur, it’s easy to understand how its small populace produces such a thriving artistic community. Surrounded by soaring Mt. Bjólfur (3,560 feet) to the west and Strandartindur (3,314 feet) to the east, with waterfalls cascading in every direction, you’ll undoubtedly feel the transformative powers of this Eastfjords town. A leisurely stroll past smartly painted wooden houses reveals small charms like the Bláa Kirkjan (Blue Church), the quaint star of many a Seydisfjordur photo, that perfectly embody this city’s unique style. Watch for reindeer on hillsides and seals and porpoises in the cold waters.

Runavik (Faroe Islands), Denmark
The remote, rugged and immensely beautiful Faroe Islands (from ‘Føroyar’, which translates to ‘Sheep Islands’) are an archipelago of 18 volcanic islands halfway between Norway and Iceland. The port city of Runavík lies on the south side of the extraordinarily scenic Eysturoy (East Island), where you’ll find the region’s highest mountains, ancient Viking settlements and the stunning, remote village of Gjógv. Tórshavn, the smallest capital city in the world, is located on Streymoy (‘Stream Island’ due to the currents in the sound between Streymoy and Eysturoy). It is the political, cultural and financial center of this self-governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark, and home to restaurants serving the best of Nordic gastronomy.

Tórshavn (Faroe Islands), Denmark
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.

Akureyri, Iceland
Explore the big city amenities and small village charm of Akureyri, on the shores of one of the world’s longest fjords encircled by dramatic snow-capped mountains. As you stroll into town visit the newly built “temple of culture,” HOF, which houses a theater, music hall, restaurant as well as the Tourist Information Center. Marvel at the variety of Arctic plants in the Botanical Garden of Akureyri. Stroll along Arts’ Alley meandering through the museum, galleries and artists’ studios. Enjoy the tax-free shop in the town center. Look for fine woolen knitwear, handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.

Isafjordur, Iceland
Discover the dazzling natural beauty of Isafjordur. With its striking steep mountains on three sides rising dramatically around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Trace the area’s history with a visit to the Maritime Museum in one of the oldest buildings dating back to the 18th century. A delightfully urban atmosphere prevails with major music schools, free concerts and festivals. Bring home fine handmade woolen items, nautical-themed articles, as well as arts and crafts. Feast on fresh baked goods and coffee at one of the many cafés.

Grundarfjordur, Iceland
While the small fishing town of Grundarfjörður is itself a charming place to peruse, it’s perhaps most well-known due its proximity to the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland. Mt. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) was shaped across millions of years by the force of two glaciers, and today its steeple-like peak casts dramatic shadows at the edge of the sea. A three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss (Church Mountain Falls), often favored as a foreground, completes the epic scene. Visit the town’s information center for exhibits celebrating Grundarfjörður’s importance to Snæfellsnes Peninsula history, as well as photographs by Icelander Bæring Cecilsson (1923-2002).