4 Hours in Reykjavik

For those willing to brave the climate, Iceland's thriving capital offers a generous helping of Nordic culture, aquatic cuisine and Viking history. Just don't forget your jacket.

Bathe in the therapeutic waters of the Blue Lagoon, conveniently located near the airport, or one of the city's prevalent "hot pots"—outdoor tubs heated to withstand the cold.

Eat at Seafood Cellar and sample a native dish: lundi (puffin) or hakarl, rotten shark meat buried underground for three months and served with a necessary shot of brennivin, strong Icelandic liquor (sjavark jallarinn.is).

Ascend the tower of the Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's largest church, which offers spectacular bird's-eye views of the city.

Shop for hundreds of luxe Scandinavian design labels like Marimekko, Iittala and Filippa K along chic Laugavegur, the city's main stretch.