The country ranks 15th in the world in terms of legal per capita gun ownership. The only officers permitted to carry firearms are on a special force called the Viking Squad, and they are seldom called out. In addition, there are, comparatively speaking, few hard drugs in Iceland.

Hearty is the name of the game when it comes to breakfast: One of the items most central to an Icelandic breakfast is hafragrautur, or oatmeal, according to Serious Eats. Another popular breakfast is skyr, which is the protein-packed yogurt-cheese that is beloved by the nation (think Greek yogurt, but Icelandic).

They generally serve sandwiches and fast food from around 11am to 9pm or 10pm. Some also offer hearty set meals at lunchtime, such as meat soup, fish of the day or plates of lamb.

Swedes are a spirited bunch. Historically, Sweden is part of the ‘Vodka belt’ so it is no surprise that Absolut Vodka is one of the most successful Swedish spirit exports. Brännvin, which translates to ‘burn wine’, is a Swedish speciality made from fermented grains or potatoes. Vodka is the highest grade of brännvin.

Offers in Spirits

• 70cl. ASDA Extra Special Lemon Sherbet Gin.
• 1l. The Famous Grouse Finest Blended Scotch Whisky.
• 1l. Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin.
• 70cl. Smirnoff Premium Vodka.
• 70cl. Haig Club Clubman Single Grain Scotch Whisky.
• 70cl. ASDA Extra Special Parma Violet Gin.
• 70cl. Jameson Irish Whiskey.
• 1l.

The craziest fact about the Icelandic Fermented Shark is that the Greenlands shark which is the prime meat used to produce it is actually poisonous while fresh! This is due to a high content of urea and trimethylamine oxide in the shark’s system caused by its utter lack of a urinary system.

Fermented shark is readily available in Icelandic stores and may be eaten year-round, but is most often served as part of a þorramatur, a selection of traditional Icelandic food served at the midwinter festival þorrablót.