Smögen, Sweden
© Martin Wahlborg/Getty Images Plu
Smögen gets fishy. It’s surströmming time
The historic wooden pier of Smögen, Sweden will be busy - and pungent - today. The third Thursday in August means one thing: surströmming season has arrived and all over Sweden, brave residents stand at the ready with can-openers in hand. If you've never taken part in a surströmmingsskiva, the Swedish word for this particular event, you're going to need a bucket of water, some side dishes, and a strong constitution.In April and May, freshly caught herring from the Baltic Sea is quickly brined in just enough salt to keep the fish from rotting. In July, the rapidly fermenting fish is canned and then, come this day every year, the cans are opened - outdoors and often submerged in a bucket of water to reduce the smell - and eaten with flat bread, potatoes, and usually a chaser of strong alcohol or beer. Some say sour herring, aka surströmming, is one of the most putrid smelling foods on Earth. Others say it's delicious.
Barren-ground caribou in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Bright Eye sea cave, Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Lake Pinatubo, Zambales, Philippines
Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Rio Grande river, Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
Sea stacks on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica
