These historic defenses ensured the city within would survive hundreds of years of occupations, sieges, and invasions.

A curious little museum dedicated to the furry feline in the cat haven that is Old Town Kotor.

The only museum with its curator—and her pets—buried inside.

Two stone columns flank the grand Venice square, but there were supposed to be three.

The picturesque birthplace of Icelandic democracy is drenched in the blood of its brutal past.

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

The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This natural rock formation features seemingly unnatural vertical ridges that have been blamed on elves.

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

Cairns built to bring travelers good luck stretch across the land like miniature stone mountains.

Three columns of volcanic rock shoot out of the ocean.

A modern Nordic Pompeii on the Icelandic island of Heimaey.

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

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

One of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and perhaps, the most visually impressive.

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

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

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