2 Best Sights in Reykjavík, Iceland

The University of Iceland is the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. The campus is known for a statue of Sæmundur Fróði, a symbol of learning. Legend has it that after studying abroad, Sæmundur made a pact with the devil to get himself home, promising his soul if he arrived without getting wet. The devil changed into a seal to carry him home. Just as they arrived, Sæmundur hit the seal on the head with his Psalter, got his coattails wet, and escaped with soul intact.

Many graduates from the country's oldest educational institution, established in 1846, have gone on to dominate political and social life in Iceland. Former president Vigdís Finnbogadóttir and numerous cabinet ministers, including Iceland's former prime minister, Gunnlaugsson Davíð Oddsson, are graduates, as are film producer Hrafn Gunnlaugsson and well-known author Þórarinn Eldjarn.