The Swedish flag over this small naval fort signals that the nation is at peace.

The world's only above water sand volcano, believed to once be the bathtub of a priest.

Stone carvings record the Norse myth of Sigurd, providing a glimpse into Scandinavia's transition from paganism to Christianity.

This small museum nestled inside a souvenir shop is dedicated to Sweden's most well-known toy.

Visit the home of Sweden's beloved fictional character, Pippi Longstocking.

An otherworldly, fossil-rich cobble beach holds Viking graves, cairns, and other remains.

When this 18th-century observatory's meridian was moved, it set Sweden's time back by 0.04 seconds.

The world's oldest individual clonal tree looks like a wimp despite standing tall for 9,550 years.

One of the world's few mounted blue whales, its jaws are hinged open allowing visitors to descend into a lounge.

According to legend, this boat-shaped henge is built over the grave of a mythic king.

Sweden's "good old days" painstakingly re-created in a model village.

A rare surviving Victorian greenhouse designed specifically to house giant water lilies.

This ancient mountain monastery welcomes all manner of faith in an effort to keep Christians in Syria.

This ornate mosque is said to hold the remains of Muhammad's granddaughter beneath its dome of pure gold.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world is a key pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians.

Only a handful of these gorgeous historic waterwheels remain but even those are in danger from local unrest.

Amid the rubble of Aleppo's Old Quarter, part of a historic market has been restored and re-opened.

One of the oldest and largest castles in the world.

Ruins of the Crusaders' headquarters.

Mysterious lost empire of the Silk Road.

The last operating synagogue in Afghanistan is run by Zablon Simintov, the last remaining Jew in Afghanistan.

200-foot-high minaret and only remnant of Afghanistan's lost city of the Turquoise Mountain.

Rock-cut chamber at top of an outcroup, reached by a mountain stairway of forty steps.

Despite a history of destruction, this former citadel survives to document Afghanistan's oft overlooked history.