Iceland: home to volcanoes, waterfalls and, apparently, Santa?

It houses a menagerie of wondrous taxidermy specimens from around the world, including the remains of a famous gorilla.

The Bristol Camera Obscura housed in an ancient windmill.

Eighteenth-century home, where Herschel discovered the planet Uranus.

This picturesque horseshoe weir was first built in the 1600s to prevent flooding in the town of Bath.

Created by one of England's most prolific labyrinth designers, inspired by Bath city history.

Don't be fooled by this fake medieval facade even if it is almost 300 years old.

A copy of the famous statue can be found in this Florence piazza, along with one of the most breathtaking views of the city below.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.

In Northeastern Iceland lies something of an oxymoron: a steaming desert.

A sulfuric martian landscape that looks far better than it smells.

This volcanic cave lake is essentially hard proof that Iceland is the most magical place on Earth.

These ominous lava formations were said to be an entrance to the netherworld so of course they inspired a famous metal band.

Largest private bird collection in Iceland, formed from a tragic accident.

This tumultuous Icelandic lava field looks so alien European researchers want to use it as a stand-in for Mars.

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

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

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

A man-made slag heap that you can "ski" down, and is home to the world sandboarding championships.

The largest bell in the world has been swinging high above a Cologne cathedral for almost a century.

Thousands of tourists and residents in Cologne affix "love padlocks" on the Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge to symbolize their affections.

This Dresden church was purposely rebuilt Protestant after being demolished in World War II.