Surrounded by ash fields in Iceland, an impossibly verdant valley looks like something out of a fairytale.

This replica Viking village was created for a film that was never shot and is now open to visitors.

This tiny museum's sizable collection is jammed into a former underground public toilet.

This hobbit-y little hot spring may be the oldest spring used by humans in all of Iceland.

This wrecked airplane has been sitting on a black sand beach since the 1970s.

These ominous lava formations were said to be an entrance to the netherworld so of course they inspired a famous metal band.

The oldest (maybe) swimming pool in Iceland is a stunning oasis built into the side of a lush hill.

If a glacial river suddenly diving into a sheer chasm via a dramatic, multi-stage waterfall isn't peak Iceland, it's certainly close.

A little-visited waterfall in an otherworldly landscape.

The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum explores the area's history of aquatic cryptid sightings.

Every summer local children form "pysja patrols" to save young birds that have wandered from their nests.

This valley of hot springs and boiling mud pots is home to the record-holding "Geysir," which originated the English word.

Learn about Iceland's hidden folk at this school dedicated to the study of elves.

Iceland's "Smoky Valley" is a beautiful river that is shrouded in a constant cover of steam clouds.

Climb right into the heart of this colorful Iceland volcano.

This modern monument to pagan belief looks like it was transported straight from ancient times.

Walk in the footsteps of the gods and straddle two tectonic plates.

Strange rock formations tower above the river that snakes through this enchanting Icelandic canyon.

Staves, storm-calling, and of course, necropants.

Medicinal spa created with the discharge from a geothermal energy plant.

A Hungarian pharmacy museum with a box full of mummy powder.

This 1939 grave of a British soldier now receives legions of unlikely visitors.

A secluded fortress from the days of the Crusades that offers breathtaking views.

One of only three fountains created by the iconic architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser.