VERY INTERESTING: ICELAND

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

ICELAND

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has become a popular travel destination over the past few years. From the country’s magnificent glaciers, thundering waterfalls and epic natural nighttime displays, it’s easy to see why travellers are escaping to the edge of the world. There are many characteristics that make this country so unique, but these strange and interesting facts about Iceland may surprise you

1. More than 60% of the Icelandic population live in the capital city, Reykjavik

Although very small, Reykjavik is the most northern capital city in the world and is home to more than half of the Icelandic population. This colourful and quirky city is packed with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and museums and is extremely walkable, making it a perfect destination to explore by foot.

2. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans

Save the best for last? Iceland is known as one of the youngest landmasses on the planet and was one of the last places on earth to be settled by humans. Surprisingly, over 1,100 years ago Vikings from Norway discovered Iceland by accident.

3. Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls

The belief in elves, trolls and other mystical creatures traces back to the Viking age. The stories are plentiful so be sure to set some time aside to speak to an Icelander to hear a tale or two! 

4. You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round

An Icelandic experience is not complete without a dip in a hot spring! The outdoor experience of bathing outdoors in volcanically heated pools dates back to Viking times. Hot springs can be found all around the country and come in all sizes and shapes. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your bathing suit in close reach. You don’t want to miss this experience!

5. Penis Museum

"Collecting penises is like collecting anything. You can never stop, you can never catch up, you can always get a new one, a better one."

Fear not, these are not the words of some deranged, goolie-obsessed serial killer, but of Sigurður Hjartarson, founder of the Icelandic Phallological Museum. Now retired,  Sigurður has been collecting penises throughout the entirety of his adult life, accepting donations from friends and slaughterhouses, harvesting roadkill and beached animals, and even recruiting his own family members to collect potential specimens. 

Having worked for over 26 years as a historian and teacher in Reykjavík,  Sigurður initially stored this strangely morbid collection in his office, though later relocated it to a designated space. Ever since then, Iceland has become the go-to location for amateur phallology enthusiasts.  

and as always have a chilled day from the Viking