The abandoned village of Skarð aptly illustrates the idiom "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

The largest lake in the Faroe Islands seems to be held hundreds of feet above sea level thanks to an optical illusion.

This mysterious, medieval cathedral remains unbuilt but fiercely protected.

In Faroese legend, this sinister horse-shaped beast lures unsuspecting passersby only to drown them in the lake.

This isolated structure beckons adventurers with sublime views of the Faroe Islands.

This isolated island is often capped by its own fluffy cloud.

This volcanic cave lake is essentially hard proof that Iceland is the most magical place on Earth.

A Wes Anderson-esque lighthouse that boasts magnificent coastal views.

A fantastic reconstruction of a 10th-century Viking longhouse.

This secluded Iceland farm holds the collected works of one rural sculptor's creations.

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

Outlaws, hot springs, and tragedy have all left their mark on this ancient road in the Icelandic highlands.

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

This mountain fissure hides a secret path to a secluded mossy grotto within the rock itself.

This fairytale-like structure is the last turf church ever constructed in Iceland.

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

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

A little-visited waterfall in an otherworldly landscape.

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

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

The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

This elegant arc of a waterfall marks a religious turning point.

Iceland's largest lagoon is home to stunning multi-colored icebergs.

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