Reykjavík, established by Viking settler Ingólfur Arnarson around 870 C.E., is the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland. The census of 1703 recorded that Reykjavík had 69 residents and consisted of a farm and a church. The impressive statue of Leif Erikson in the center of town reminds everyone of Iceland’s Viking heritage. Its name translates to ‘smoky bay’ due to the geothermal nature of the surrounding area.

Today, about 200,000 people live in the Icelandic capital, roughly 60% of the country’s population. It has evolved into a sophisticated city. The northernmost national capital in the world is also one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest on Earth. Walking Reykjavik streets, one will find rich culture, history, music, shopping, and vibrant nightlife in the late hours. Colorful rooftops and the elegant spire of Hallgrímskirkja Church dominate Reykjavik’s skyline. Known for its arts, Reykjavik hosts several internationally recognized festivals, notably the Iceland Air Music Festival, the Reykjavik Arts Festival, and the Reykjavik International Film Festival.

The charming small fishing village of Grundarfjörður is located in the middle of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and thus provides easy access to Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsbær and the Snæfellsnes National Park. Its best-known landmark is undoubtedly the peak of Mt. Kirkjufell. Translated as ‘church mountain,’ Kirkjufell is the most easily recognizable peak and one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. During summer, a Viking Village is built in the center of town, where Viking re-enactments occur pretty regularly. During the Á góðri stund town festival in July, the 900 residents decorate their houses in red, blue, yellow, and green, transforming the town into a spinning kaleidoscope of color.

The town first began trade in 1786, and around 1800, French merchants came to Iceland and settled in Grundarfjörður, where they constructed a church and a hospital. The town has prospered through the fishing industry for a long time. The surrounding sea is rich with birdlife and marine life throughout the year.

The small village of Patreksfjörður serves as a gateway to the Westfjords peninsula in northeastern Iceland and some of the country's most spectacular attractions. Fishing is the primary industry here, although tourism is quickly growing thanks to Patreksfjörður's proximity to such natural wonders as Dynjandi waterfalls. Dynjandi—which translates as "thunderous"—rivals Gullfoss in sheer spectacle, cascading more than 325 feet down a series of increasingly more comprehensive steps; the rocky footpath to the top passes seven more minor falls. Látrabjarg, a rocky promontory that marks the westernmost point of Europe (not counting the Azores), is recognized as one of the best birdwatching spots on the planet. Látrabjarg's four rugged, wind-battered cliffs—stretching for nearly nine miles and reaching close to 1,500 feet in height—are home to more than 1 million birds, including massive colonies of colorful puffins and around 40 percent of the world's nesting razorbills. The red sands of Rauðasandur beach are a stark contrast to most of the country's black volcanic beaches, while the wreck of Gardar BA 64, Iceland's oldest steel whaling ship, lies in rusting ruins along Patreksfjörður's shore.

Sauðárkrókur is a picturesque town nestled on the southwest shore of Skagafjörður Fjord. With a bustling local community, Sauðárkrókur is the largest population center and services the municipality. The town's charming old quarter is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, with its numerous museums, interactive exhibitions, and quaint shops selling locally-made goods. The town boasts excellent restaurants specializing in fresh, local ingredients and a renowned bakery.

Siglufjörður is the northernmost town on the Icelandic mainland, a small fishing village of 1,200 people. Founded in 1918, it was, in the past, the capital of the North Atlantic herring fishing industry. The Síldarminjasafnið Herring Era Museum, one of Iceland's largest seafaring and industrial museums, houses three different areas where one can learn about both the traditional and the modern herring industry. A collection of many historic fishing vessels and artifacts is proudly displayed by the people of Siglufjörður, detailing how herring was salted, processed, and collected. The small harbor with its colorful fishing boats and the red-roofed steeple of the Lutheran church dominate the villagescape.

The area's natural beauty includes high mountains that rim the fjord, freshwater lakes, the Hólsá River, black sand beaches, and a wealth of birdlife all around. This northernmost region of Iceland is renowned for some of the country's largest and most dramatic waterfalls.

Lying 20 miles off Iceland’s northern coast, the tiny island of Grímsey is the only part of the country to straddle the Arctic Circle. Many visitors travel here to step across the imaginary line, marked by a 10-foot spherical stone monument that is moved annually with the circle’s ever-shifting edge. Others observe the island’s rich birdlife, with over a million Atlantic puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, and other species nesting along its high basalt cliffs. Abundant marine life, including seals and humpback whales, feeds in the icy, nutrient-rich waters offshore. Sturlunga, one of the Icelandic sagas, mentions a Viking battle on Grimsey in 1222, and a Catholic church was established here in the 11th century. (A small wooden church, built on the site in 1867, burned to the ground in 2021.)

Sandvik, the island’s only settlement, is home to fewer than 100 people, mostly fishermen who harvest the island’s fertile fishing grounds.

Husavik curls around the semi-circular Skjalfardi Bay on Iceland’s northern coast. It was the first Norse settlement in Iceland, founded in 870 A.D. The name means ‘bay of houses,’ no doubt referring to the first farmstead on the island. The town’s skyline is dominated by the tall steeple of its picturesque, gingerbread-style church, built in 1907. Tourism has become increasingly important, and the bay has a well-deserved reputation for terrific whale-watching as several species frequent its waters. The Whale Museum capitalizes on that aspect. Other museums tout the history, including some ancient boats, and the history of human exploration, including a monument to astronauts. Nearby natural features include the horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi and several waterfalls.

Husavik curls around the semi-circular Skjalfardi Bay on Iceland’s northern coast. It was the first Norse settlement in Iceland, founded in 870 A.D. The name means ‘bay of houses,’ no doubt referring to the first farmstead on the island. The town’s skyline is dominated by the tall steeple of its picturesque, gingerbread-style church, built in 1907. Tourism has become increasingly important, and the bay has a well-deserved reputation for terrific whale-watching as several species frequent its waters. The Whale Museum capitalizes on that aspect. Other museums tout the history, including some ancient boats, and the history of human exploration, including a monument to astronauts. Nearby natural features include the horseshoe-shaped canyon Asbyrgi and several waterfalls.

Borgarfjörður is a stunning fjord located in western Iceland, near Borgarnes. Despite its calm appearance, the fjord is known for its strong undercurrents and shallows. The fjord is dotted with several flat islands, most uninhabited and offering a serene and peaceful oasis amidst the rugged landscape. The name Borgarfjörður is believed to have originated from the farm Borg, founded by Skallagrímur, the father of Egill, as per the sagas. Skallagrímur claimed the land around the fjord and accordingly named it Borgarfjörður.

In the profoundly serrated Eastern Fjords of Iceland's east coast, the fishing village of Eskifjordur is scattered along the shore under a looming peak. Founded as a trading post in 1789, it thrives today in the fishing industry. The townsfolk proudly claim the striated peak of Hólmatindur as their landmark, although the town takes its name from the other peak, Mt. Eskja. The Maritime Museum, housed in a building dating from 1816, traces the town's history and its linkage to the sea, as does the moving statue of lost mariners on the main road. Helgustadaman was once renowned for the crystalline spar mineral mined there, and a couple in the town have spent a lifetime collecting and cutting beautiful minerals and crystals from all over Iceland. Their display of over a thousand specimens is in their home but open to visitors. The town's church also has displays of art.

Papey, Celtic for 'Friar's' Island, is 5 kilometers (3 miles) off the eastern coast of Iceland. Although the largest island in Eastern Iceland, it is only 2 square kilometers (0.77 sq mi) in area. Its windswept, grassy slopes rise to 58 meters (190'), culminating in a rock formation called the Castle. Rocky sea cliffs surround much of the island, providing excellent habitat for nesting sea birds. Guillemots occupy Papey until mid-summer, while Atlantic puffins abound until mid-September. Seals and eider ducks can be found here during breeding season.

Although there is evidence of early Norse settlement, the island takes its name from Irish monks known as 'papar' who presumably occupied it. The medieval Icelandic' Book of Settlements' mentions this as inhabited by these 'Vestmen' (men of the west).

Today, a lighthouse, a dwelling, and a church are on the island. The small church, with its white picket fence and red roof, is the oldest wooden church in Iceland, built-in 1902.

Heimaey Island is the largest in the Westman Islands, located four miles off the southwest coast of Iceland. One of Iceland's most visually impressive islands, it is ringed by tall, vertical sea cliffs many hundreds of feet high. Heimaey is also home to over eight million Atlantic puffins—more nesting puffins than anywhere else on Earth. A local story tells that puffin chicks, taking their first flights at night, often become stranded in the village streets, where the local children rescue them and set them free the next day.

In January of 1973, the island received the nickname 'Pompeii of the North' when a volcanic eruption and lava flow destroyed half the town. This caused a crisis when the town's only harbor was nearly blocked by advancing lava. Nowadays, it is a lively place with a vibrant culture and over 4,000 residents. Archaeological excavations suggest that people lived on Heimaey as early as the 10th century.

Reykjavík, established by Viking settler Ingólfur Arnarson around 870 C.E., is the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland. The census of 1703 recorded that Reykjavík had 69 residents and consisted of a farm and a church. The impressive statue of Leif Erikson in the center of town reminds everyone of Iceland’s Viking heritage. Its name translates to ‘smoky bay’ due to the geothermal nature of the surrounding area.

Today, about 200.000 people live in the Icelandic capital, roughly 60% of the country’s population. It has evolved into a sophisticated city. The northernmost national capital in the world is also one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest on Earth.  Walking Reykjavik streets, one will find rich culture, history, music, shopping, and vibrant nightlife in the late hours. Colorful rooftops and the elegant spire of Hallgrímskirkja Church dominate Reykjavik’s skyline. Known for its arts, Reykjavik hosts several internationally recognized festivals, notably the Iceland Air Music Festival, the Reykjavik Arts Festival, and the Reykjavik International Film Festival.