This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

Flamboyant architecture from the turn of 20th century.

The oldest housing complex in Riga is a mini timeline of architectural trends.

An abstract monument to a symphonic composer.

It houses the remains of a 17th-century version of the Titanic.

Stockholm's decidedly unique public transit system has doubled as the world's longest art gallery for decades.

An impressive museum dedicated to the resource that made the Scandinavian country rich.

The former home of Norway's greatest romantic composer.

This functioning parish church is also the site of many concert performances due to its wonderful acoustics.

Norway's oldest cathedral still in use.

Longest road tunnel in the world features an air treatment plant and the illusion of daylight.

The design of this beautifully crafted building was inspired by Norwegian glaciers.

One of the most breathtaking railways in Europe also takes one of the steepest climbs, from fjord to mountain plateau.

This "preacher's pulpit" once used for pagan ritual, is home to a new, and dangerous ritual.

One man's exploration of the human form, including the bizarre and delightful "Man Attacked by Babies."

The burning of this 12th-century church kicked off a campaign of Norwegian Black Metal terror.

This beautiful, historic church looks like something out of a simpler past.

A black sand beach where glacial fragments wash ashore and look like sparkling diamonds.

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

One of the oldest family businesses in Reykjavík serves lamb-based hot dogs.

This stunning concert hall has become a symbol of Iceland's national recovery.

A formerly glacier-tipped volcano that inspired none other than Jules Verne.