NEUR

Surrounded by fjords and the high peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, Ålesund is famous for its unique art nouveau architecture, constructed when the city was rebuilt following a fire in 1904. This combination of natural splendor and rich heritage have solidified Ålesund’s place as a memorable Nordic destination. With its fairytale towers, turrets and gables, the picture-perfect heart of Ålesund begs to be explored on foot. A good place to start is Jugendstilsenteret, a museum celebrating art nouveau design with its interiors, displays and interactive exhibits.

Also known as Derry, Londonderry is one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities and the only one in Ireland completely intact. Within the 400-year-old walls stand landmarks like the 17th-century St. Columb’s Cathedral, the imposing neo-Gothic Guildhall and the Tower Museum, which illuminates over 14 centuries of history. Evocative murals in the Bogside neighborhood acknowledge the turbulent period of the Troubles in the past, while the modern Peace Bridge symbolizes hope for a harmonious future.

A melting pot of cultures, Latvia’s capital of Riga is a delight to explore. A glance up from the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town reveals the finest collection of art nouveau architecture in all of Europe. Riga Cathedral’s grand exterior dominates the cityscape in this area, and one of the world’s largest pipe organs stands inside.

Building on its historic roots and traditions, modern-day Dublin has grown into one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in Europe. Once the muse of literary legends like Joyce, Beckett, Shaw and Wilde, Dublin has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature. The city’s ties to great manuscripts far predate those authors, as you can witness in the Old Library of Trinity College where the hand-illuminated 9th-century Book of Kells is displayed. Countless other icons of literature and history are housed in the National Library and National Museums, and the city’s spirituality comes alive in St.

One of Ireland’s most beautiful and best-kept secrets is the historic seaside port of Cobh. Rows of multicolored houses slope down to one of the world’s largest natural harbors as St. Colman’s Cathedral rises majestically above. After exploring the walkable town, head up the coast to lively Cork, one of Ireland’s largest and most vibrant cities. Here you’ll find another must-visit church, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, which takes your breath away with its soaring arches and grand chambers illuminated through intricate stained-glass windows.

Less than 25 miles from the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of the fjord that lent this former fishing mecca its name, sits the colorful town of Siglufjörður. Once the fishing capital of Iceland – and the herring capital of the world – the Siglufjörður of today is a welcoming town embraced by beautiful snowcapped peaks. The glaciated mountains and sandy black shores make for fabulous hiking, as the scenic beauty of the area is its greatest draw.

Known for its dramatic landscapes, Ísafjörður is the largest municipality in the Westfjords peninsula, a territory as rugged as it is beautiful and as dense with nature as it is sparse with people. A haven for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and birdwatching, Ísafjörður has its roots in the fishing industry, which remains an important part of the local economy. This means you’ll definitely want to stop into a local restaurant to try the day’s fresh catch.

The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður sits on on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula backed by snowcapped mountains in the distance. In the foreground just across the water stands the town’s landmark, Mount Kirkjufell, rising from the bay. The most photographed scene here is the picturesque waterfall nearby with the solitary, striated peak as a backdrop. A scenic coastal drive takes you to Snæfellsjökull National Park, named for the glacier-crowned stratovolcano at its center.

The only town in Iceland that belongs to Cittaslow – an organization that emphasizes the preservation of natural and cultural heritage and the promotion of local food culture – the tiny community of Djúpivogur welcomes visitors with warm hospitality. Founded as a trading post in the 16th century, the town gets its name from the “deep cove” that provides excellent natural harbor conditions for fishing. Learn more in the cultural museum of Langabúð, housed in the town’s oldest building.

A cable car ride to the top of Mont Faron provides the perfect orientation to Toulon with 360-degree views of the city and its environs. Then descend to the scenic waterfront for a stroll along La Rade, where palm-fringed sidewalks are lined with brasseries and bistros serving classics like mussels and fries or ratatouille, each dish paired perfectly with a local Provence rosé.