A modern Nordic Pompeii on the Icelandic island of Heimaey.

In Northeastern Iceland lies something of an oxymoron: a steaming desert.

Iceland's first pagan temple in 1,000 years is underway in Reykjavík.

Climbing Iceland's highest peak on the rim of the Oræfajökull volcano.

This museum dedicated to divination also honors a local 10th-century prophetess.

This rusting remnant of the local herring industry is being given a second life.

This scenic Icelandic lava flow is named for a pair of Berserkers who were murdered, according to a famous Saga.

Eerie ruins of an abandoned medieval fishing village crumble atop an unforgiving stretch of earth.

The bright red stripes streaking across the rocks are the star feature at this Icelandic waterfall.

Two volcanic lakes in an enormous crater formed in a prehistoric eruption.

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

A sulfuric martian landscape that looks far better than it smells.

This tumultuous Icelandic lava field looks so alien European researchers want to use it as a stand-in for Mars.

A trio of hidden hot tubs takes advantage of Iceland's natural geothermal vents.

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

This natural Icelandic fissure allows divers to swim right between two volatile tectonic plates.

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

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.

A winding, blood-red tunnel of hardened lava navigable by foot.

This eye-popping Icelandic crater lake is surrounded by red volcanic rock.

The unique waterfall in Iceland's south features a backdrop of geometric black lava columns.

This fantastical waterfall is hidden in a cave located in a cracked cliff.

Climb right into the heart of this colorful Iceland volcano.