richkraetsch's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Luster, Norway

Urnes Stave Church

An intricately carved Viking church overlooks a glistening fjord.
Oslo, Norway

Viking Ship Museum

Home to three historic ships from the age of Vikings.
Iceland

Diamond Beach

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

Petra's Stone and Mineral Collection

One woman's lifelong collection is on display in this unassuming house on an Icelandic fjord.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

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

Elliðaey Island Lodge

Internet rumors, often involving Icelandic singer Björk, have abounded regarding this isolated outcrop of rock.
Iceland

Skeiðará Bridge Monument

Twisted girders are all that remain of an Icelandic bridge that was wiped out by a combination of volcanic heat and glacial floods.
Iceland

Svörtuloft Lighthouse

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

Halldórsskora (Elephant Rock)

On an island south of Iceland, a large volcanic rock formation resembles an elephant.
Thingvellir, Iceland

Þingvellir

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

Stuðlagil Canyon

This canyon is comprised of gorgeous waters and magnificent basalt columns.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Harpa

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

Snæfellsjökull

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

Hengifoss

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

Búðakirkja

This black church sits alone among a field of lava rock.
Thingvellir, Iceland

Silfra

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

Icelandic Punk Museum

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

Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

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

Haukadalur Geothermal Field

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

World's Largest Puffin Colony

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

Godafoss

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

Dettifoss

The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.
Iceland

Jökulsárlón

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

Hallgrimskirkja

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