A photo of a man with a "cell phone" in 1943 gave rise to theories about time travel

By TravelWiseOct 24, 2023 16:17 PMNews
Share:
Time travel is being discussed online through a ''mobile phone'' shot. Source: Pexels

An archival footage taken during World War II in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik has been circulating online. The picture shows an ordinary street, shops, and soldiers, but there is one nuance that gave rise to theories about time travel.

Netizens noticed that one of the characters in the picture seems to be talking on the phone, which simply cannot be true. The photo, which sparked conspiracy theories about time travel, was shared by its owner Christian Hoffman in the Facebook group Gamlar ljósmyndir, Indy100 reports.

The first-ever mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, was sold in 1973, 30 years after the photo was taken. However, the photo shows a man in a coat leaning against a storefront window holding something to his ear.

Netizens noticed that one of the characters in the footage was allegedly talking on the phone. Source: Kristján Hoffman
Netizens noticed that one of the characters in the footage was allegedly talking on the phone. Source: Kristján Hoffman

If the photo was taken in our time, talking on the phone would be the first explanation that would come to mind. However, mobile devices did not exist at the time, and so the image gave rise to various theories.

Some netizens suggested that the man in the photo was scratching his ear, while another suggested that he had picked up his watch to check if it was working. However, there were also theories about time travel, as the man's pose and facial expression are similar to that of a person talking on the phone.

Top Articles

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News

Emirates Adjusts Gulf Travel with New Aircraft on Key Route

Jul 9, 2025 09:29 AM

Planned Rail Works to Impact Night Trains Between Llandudno and Holyhead

Jul 9, 2025 07:36 AM

Manila Sapporo Air Route Restored This Winter Boosting Winter Travel Choices

Jul 8, 2025 20:42 PM

Ipswich Train Services Updated to Handle Large Crowds During Ed Sheeran Concerts

Jul 8, 2025 18:37 PM

WestJet Expands Winter Flights, Unlocking New Warm-Weather Destinations for Travelers

Jul 8, 2025 16:24 PM

Transavia opens early booking for popular summer 2026 routes

Jul 8, 2025 14:41 PM

Severn Estuary Rail Closure to Disrupt Summer Travel to Key Outdoor Spots

Jul 8, 2025 10:38 AM

Central Turin Gains New Accommodation Option in Historic Setting

Jul 7, 2025 23:29 PM

New Nonstop Route Links UAE and Southern Germany

Jul 7, 2025 19:33 PM

Italy Faces Rail Disruptions Amid Nationwide Strike in July

Jul 7, 2025 17:44 PM

Nonstop Flights Between Hanoi and Xi’an Make Cultural Journeys Easier for Travelers

Jul 7, 2025 16:27 PM

New Hotel Project Near Berliner Tor Set to Expand Hamburg Accommodation

Jul 7, 2025 15:51 PM

Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Jul 6, 2025 19:42 PM

Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Munich Offer Direct Access to Active Public Zones

Jul 6, 2025 17:35 PM

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM