Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains and glaciers. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.

For those seeking backcountry adventures and scenic cruises, this rugged, remote town offers endless pursuits in nature with a touch of urban cool. Wildlife enthusiasts can search for reindeer and muskox while learning about Greenland’s sustainable practices, and fly fisherman can hook a bounty of Arctic char from its mountain rivers. Hiking the top of Palasip Qaqqaa or Nasaasaaq offer peerless vistas while a local skate park welcomes BMX stunts day and night.

As the capital of Greenland, Nuuk is the center of its trade, shipping, industry and administration. Nuuk, also known as "the promontory," is located at the tip of a large peninsula by the mouth of the gigantic Nuuk Fjord. The town is the oldest in Greenland, built by the Danish missionary Hans Egede in 1728. With a population of more than 13,000 people, Nuuk is considered Greenland's largest town. Humpback whales at play in the ocean, seals swimming through the great waters and sea eagles flying through the sky are just some of the fascinating wildlife found outside the city limits. Northern lights, striking mountains, breathtaking fjords and colorful sunsets light up the skies of Nuuk.

To encounter one of the most iconic elements of this Greenlandic town, one must simply look up. The white-tailed eagle, known as Nattoralik, is abundant amid the foggy skies. While exploring scenic hiking trails amid fields of angelica, sailing passed the old villages dotting the fjord, or being inspired by the area’s architecture, those seeking an experience off the beaten path will find it here.

The largest town in East Greenland, Tasiilaq is known for its calving glacier and immense floating icebergs. The Sermilik Fjord, the second largest in all of Greenland, is best explored by boat tour, kayak, or by hiking the mountains where the famed Valley of Flowers is blooming with arctic thyme, dandelion and the broad-leafed willow. Whale watching, dog sledding, skiing and snow shoeing are favorite pastimes here.

Ringed by dramatic mountains and perched on a narrow fjord-side spit of land, this old trading post’s as remote as they come – yet boasts a trending arts scene. Walk among tin-roofed homes built by salt fish merchants, admire seagoing artifacts and – for some reason – a world-class accordion collection at the Maritime Museum. Discoveries further afield might include splendid Icelandic waterfalls, a pint-sized botanic garden in the tundra, and tiny villages dwarfed by their surrounding peaks.

Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains and glaciers. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication.