The Leif Eriksson Monument in Reykjavik is a 50-ton statue gifted by the US to Iceland in 1930, commemorating the 1000-year anniversary of Althingi (the supreme national parliament of Iceland, one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world). It stands on Skólavörðuholt hill, near Hallgrímskirkja church. Who was Leif/Leifur? Leif Erikson, also known as Leif the Lucky (c. 970s – c. 1018 to 1025), was a Norse-Icelandic explorer who is thought to have been the first European to set foot on continental America. Leif's place of birth is unknown, although it is assumed to have been in Iceland where is father was in exile for manslaughter in Norway. Later, he was also banished from Iceland - agin for murder. Ah, the good old days.

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A statue of Leifur Eikíksson, a Norse-Icelandic explorer.

• Best season: Any.

• Best time of day: Any.

• Nice to know: This isn't necessarily an attraction you need to make a special trip for (unless you're very interested in the subject), but it is located in a beautiful area in down town Reykjavík, next to Hallgrímskirkja church and Skólavörðustígur (rainbow street).