This boat represents the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, and progress and freedom for Iceland.

This excellent museum recreates the boom days of the herring rush in the "Atlantic Klondike."

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

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

Instead of solid circles, the stoplights in this northern Icelandic town have glowing red hearts.

Inside this Icelandic greenhouse, geothermal energy keeps tomatoes warm and growing.

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.

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

This replica Viking village was created for a film that was never shot and is now open to visitors.

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 elegant arc of a waterfall marks a religious turning point.

The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

This modern monument to pagan belief looks like it was transported straight from ancient times.

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

Medicinal spa created from the mineral-rich runoff of a geothermal power plant

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

The medieval network of canals hidden underneath the city is opened to explorers each year.