Djupigovur, Iceland

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. Ideally situated in a wondrously varied landscape, Djúpivogur is surrounded by an enchanting coastline that features black and red beaches, elegant waterfalls and the imposing mountain of Búlandstindur. A couple of hours southwest of town is the massive Vatnajökull ice cap, and boat tours are offered in the ethereal Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where floating icebergs have broken from arms of the glacier. Offshore from Djúpivogur, Papey Island is home to thousands of seabirds, including the colorful Atlantic puffin.