The world’s most northerly capital enjoys almost 24-hour sunlight in summer, all the better to show off the city’s eclectic architecture and dazzling natural wonders. Soak in the milky Blue Lagoon, visit Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland and among the tallest structures in the country, or explore Laugavegur, the main shopping street in Reykjavík, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants and surprisingly vibrant local museum and art scene.

Witness a world still in transition. Circle Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rose from the sea in the 1960s. Next up, Heimaey, where a volcanic eruption created a modern-day Pompeii in 1973.

Seydisfjord is 11 miles of long, narrow, beautiful waterway surrounded by high mountains that ends at the town of Seydisfjordur, known for its old multi-colored wooden buildings and cascading waterfalls even in the town. This is home of the Skalanes Nature Reserve with its wide variety of wildlife including more than 45 bird species. The first high-voltage electricity in Iceland was opened here in 1913 and is still in operation today. A popular hiking path starts at the town center, following the east bank of the Fjardara River that flows through the center of town.

Akureyri is an important port and fisheries center because of its ice-free harbor so close to the Arctic Circle. It lies at the end of Iceland’s longest fjord, which is 37 miles long and sits at the base of snowcapped peaks that offer some of Iceland’s best skiing during the winter. Must-sees in Akureyri include the Listagil (art canyon) which is home to many arts and crafts galleries and shops, the beautiful church in the center of town, the botanical garden, and Hafnarstraeti, the main shopping street. This is also the perfect place to ride an Icelandic horse visit the Godafoss Waterfall, Waterfall of the Gods, or soak in the sky-blue Myvatn Nature Baths.

Small and easily walkable, Isafjordur has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. But the severe decline of the fishing industry has caused Isafjordur to look elsewhere for work. Despite its small size, this town has a school of music and has become a center for alternative music in Iceland. They host a yearly festival that provides a platform for local musicians and bands from around Iceland and the world to perform.

Beautiful Grundarfjordur is located between a mountain range and the sea. The road nearby crosses a lava field that is partially warm, so snow does not always stick there. The main attraction of the area is Snæfellsjokull National Park full of regal glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, caves, calderas, and basalt cliffs. The peninsula received the EARTHCHECK Sustainable Community Award in 2010, the first area in Iceland to win such an award.