
New Poll Shows Narrow Lead for EU Talks in Iceland Referendum
A new poll in Iceland indicates a narrow lead for those supporting EU talks in an upcoming August referendum. More respondents are now planning to vote 'yes' in the referendum.

A new poll in Iceland indicates a narrow lead for those supporting EU talks in an upcoming August referendum. More respondents are now planning to vote 'yes' in the referendum.

Motorists in Iceland are experiencing a sharp rise in parking costs, prompting concern from the Industry and Trade Minister who has called for stronger consumer protection.
A new study suggests that a mysterious 'cold blob' in the Atlantic Ocean, which has puzzled scientists, could be an ominous sign of future climate scenarios. Researchers believe it may indicate a significant shift in ocean currents and temperatures.
The maternity ward at Akureyri Hospital in Iceland has recorded a sharp rise in births, with 56 more children born in the first part of 2026 compared to the same period last year, totaling 210 babies.

Readers have shared their most memorable adventures behind the wheel across Europe, from Iceland to Italy. The Guardian is also inviting submissions for favorite European hikes, with a £200 holiday voucher for the best tip.
Iceland faces ongoing economic uncertainty, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioning that inflation could remain high even as economic growth is projected to slow in the coming years.

The Global Peace Index for 2026 has been released, ranking Iceland as the most peaceful country and Russia at the bottom of the list. The Netherlands placed 17th in an increasingly unsafe world, highlighting global shifts in peace and security.

New figures from Statistics Iceland reveal that immigrants constituted nearly 20% of Iceland's population at the beginning of 2025, with 77,226 immigrants residing in the country.
A man has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for the rape of two sisters. This conviction also includes a separate two-year sentence for traffic offenses.
Halldóra Mogensen, an Icelandic technology advocate and former MP, has been appointed to a scientific panel advising the European Union on its artificial intelligence legislation. The panel was established to guide the implementation of the landmark AI law.

Ariana Grande launched her 'Eternal Sunshine' tour in Oakland, California, marking her first concert tour in seven years. The opening night featured a full setlist and received reactions from fans and critics alike.

Iceland's national weather service has predicted a mixed day, with rain and drizzle expected in the eastern parts of the country.

The Icelandic government and Ministry of Infrastructure are enhancing mobile network coverage and performance near Látrabjarg to improve public safety and telecom security ahead of the total solar eclipse on August 12.

Iceland is reportedly once again considering EU membership, with the issue of fisheries remaining a central concern. The Nordic nation's concerns over Trump's designs on Greenland and NATO's fears could potentially expedite its entry.
Violence is reaching younger age groups, say both Unnar Þór Bjarnason, a community police officer, and Soffía Ámundadóttir, a teacher and expert in youth behavioral problems, who was the subject of the coverage...
Natasha S. receives the May Star, the poetry book award of the Writers' Union of Iceland and the National Library of Iceland, for the work Mara comes to visit.
Scientists funded by NASA will use the total solar eclipse in Iceland in August 2026 to investigate how the atmosphere responds when daylight briefly disappears, with research teams from the University of Idaho and the University of Montana participating.

'I am just full of anticipation. I have, of course, been in this city councilor position for eight years and am very ready to tackle these complex tasks that lie ahead,' says Hildur...
Opinion pieces discuss the implications of Canada's Bill C-22, urging Parliament not to allow it to break encryption, emphasizing the need for legislation without weakening privacy protections and cybersecurity.

Reykjavík Record Shop has released 'Phonetically Ayen,' the third studio album by Icelandic electronic musician AAIIEENN (Hallmar Gauti Halldórsson), available on vinyl and digital platforms.

The Directorate of Labour received four notifications of mass layoffs in May, and a total of 370 employees were laid off from these four locations.
The Hellisheiði area in Iceland continues to experience significant seismic activity, with over 400 earthquakes recorded in recent days, indicating an ongoing seismic swarm in the region.

The Reykjavík Arts Festival is underway, with major cultural venues hosting events. This article highlights the festival and other activities available in the city.

The board of Brim hf. has approved the purchase of all shares in Lýsi hf. for 20 billion ISK. This is 10 billion ISK lower than originally agreed.

Drivers traveling north on Vesturlandsvegur in Iceland will face overnight diversions for the next two evenings due to road improvement work on a section of Route 1 from Eastern Reykjavík to Borgarnes.

The popular geothermal baths at Lake Mývatn in north-east Iceland are scheduled to reopen on June 30, following extensive redevelopment and upgrade work.

While Iceland is close to fulfilling most of the EU's economic criteria, its potential EU membership could lead to longer-term price stability but also push up housing prices.

Iceland is considering a draft regulation that would restrict phone use in primary schools. While some believe it won't solve issues outside of school, the measure aims to address concerns within the educational environment.

Apartment prices in Iceland rose by 166% nominally and by 103% in real terms between 2015-2025.

Editor’s Column #11 Notes From a Cold Country Not so long ago, I had deluded myself to such a point as to suggest that I preferred winter in Iceland to summer. I can only apologise.

The number of foreign passengers departing Iceland through Keflavík International Airport in May remained largely unchanged compared to the previous year, according to new figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board.

Iceland has once again been named the most peaceful country in the world, marking its 19th consecutive year at the top of the global index. This consistent ranking highlights Iceland's enduring stability and low levels of conflict.
Staff at swimming pools in Akureyri, Iceland, are frequently intervening with guests who wear underwear beneath their swimming trunks, a trend that has become increasingly common.

Icelandic police are urging parents to ensure children follow electric scooter regulations after new figures revealed several underage riders were injured in traffic accidents last year.

A review of 'Time and Water,' a study focusing on author Andri Snær Magnason, which uses Iceland's doomed glaciers to tell a story of climate disaster, though it is noted for its indulgent musings.

The Reykjavík Arts Festival, Listahátíð, is in its final week, offering various activities such as kayaking, art workshops, and other events, encouraging participants to try new things in June.

Icelandic musician Bubbi Morthens celebrated his 70th birthday with well-attended concerts, drawing large crowds and streams from his fans.

The University of Iceland and Hólar University are set to merge, combining their institutions into a single entity. This consolidation aims to streamline operations and enhance academic offerings.

The nuclear-powered submarine USS Oregon has arrived in Iceland for a service visit. This marks a notable visit by a nuclear submarine to the country.

Residents and visitors in Reykjavík will celebrate Iceland's maritime heritage this weekend with Fishermen’s Day festivities, including a parade and various events across the city on Sunday, June 7.
Drivers in Iceland aged 65 and older will no longer be automatically required to provide a medical certificate when renewing their driving licence, following new regulatory changes introduced by Infrastructure Minister Eyjólfur Ármannsson.

Weather forecasts indicate a light northeasterly wind with showers and fog in Iceland, while Greece expects temperatures up to 34°C today, with a deterioration in weather conditions anticipated from Thursday.

The Icelandic government has appointed a working group to review the country's citizenship granting process and consider revisions to existing laws and procedures, prompted by a significant increase in applications.

A new documentary titled 'Above Iceland,' which explores the country's landscapes, history, and relationship with nature, is scheduled for its Icelandic premiere at Bíó Paradís on June 10.
An earthquake measuring 4.5 shook the southwest corner just before two o'clock today. The earthquake was sharp and felt widely.

An Icelandair flight was canceled due to a staffing shortage, impacting passengers. This incident highlights ongoing operational challenges for the airline.

Experts in Iceland are advocating for expanded marine protection to meet international biodiversity targets, noting that the country lags behind its land-based conservation efforts.

The population of Arctic foxes in Iceland has decreased by 40% over the past 14 years, with an estimated 4,700 adult animals remaining compared to 7,800 in 2011. Despite the significant decline, a new conservation assessment indicates the species is not currently considered endangered.
A star-studded concert event is scheduled to take place at Þingvellir, Iceland, promising a major cultural gathering.

Iceland's parliament has approved a new transport plan for 2026-2040, the first since 2020, which includes proposals to reduce single-lane bridges on the Ring Road.

A murder trial in Reykjavik has revealed details of a family's collective suicide plan. During the proceedings, the accused reportedly could not explain injuries found on their daughter's neck.
Iceland's Marine and Freshwater Research Institute has recommended reductions in catch limits for several major fish stocks for the upcoming fishing year, while also proposing a significant increase in capelin catches.

The city of Reykjavík has rejected a proposed gift of a dinosaur bone, with city officials declining to accept the prehistoric artifact. The reasons for the refusal were not immediately clear.

Temperatures in South and West Iceland are forecast to reach up to 20°C, with partly cloudy skies expected. This warm weather is a notable event for the region.

A new discussion paper by the Icelandic Competition Authority reveals that Iceland has some of the highest food prices in Europe, as part of its ongoing review of the country’s grocery market.

A dispute regarding drone permits in Iceland's protected areas has been referred to the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate after an appeal by a photographer and workshop operator.

A rare collection of historical maps of Iceland in Akureyri has expanded with a donation from German collector Karl-Werner Schulte, who contributed the final items from his personal collection on his 80th birthday.
Icelandic authorities and industry organizations have signed a new agreement to safeguard the use of the country's name in international markets and prevent its misuse in trademarks and branding.

A Mercedes driver was caught speeding at 240 km/h on the A2 highway in the Netherlands, while another driver was apprehended for driving at 175 km/h in Reykjavík, Iceland. These incidents highlight severe speeding violations in different countries.

Iceland is celebrating its annual Seafarers' Day with various events across the country. Observed since 1938, the day honors Icelandic seafarers, commemorates those lost at sea, and highlights the ongoing contributions of the maritime industry.

Scott Pelley expressed deep gratitude to his supporters following his departure from '60 Minutes.' Meanwhile, Bill Maher dismissed the tumult at CBS and rejected the idea of Pelley being a 'national treasure'.
Iceland is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential benefits of adopting the Euro, as a vote on commencing talks for European Union membership approaches.

Reports indicate a rise in violence and behavioral issues among children in Iceland, extending to primary schools and kindergartens. Experts, educators, and police are advocating for a national strategy to address this growing concern.

A new poll by Maskína indicates that more than half of Icelanders, specifically 54% of respondents, are satisfied with the performance of President Halla Tómasdóttir, marking an increase in her approval.

Iceland's financial system is well-positioned to withstand economic shocks, according to the Financial Stability Committee, though lenders are advised to monitor risks in the construction industry.

The new majority of the Independence Party, Viðreisn, and the Progressive Party in Reykjavík has launched a website where one can follow the progress of the parties' projects during the term.
Tourism in Northern Iceland is expanding due to increased international air connections, rising visitor numbers, and significant investment in the region, as discussed at a recent industry conference.

Iceland's Ministry of Education and Children has launched a new national online portal, providing students, parents, and educators with comprehensive information on recognized upper secondary school programs.
Employees of municipal health supervision are concerned about the planned organizational changes that are to take effect at the New Year.

A new report commissioned by Iceland's Ministry of Finance emphasizes tourism's importance to the economy as the country prepares for an August referendum on resuming euro negotiations.
A man named Sigurður Fannar has died at Hólmsheiði Prison in Iceland. Authorities have released his name following the incident.

Icelandair has canceled nearly 40 flights, including a recent one to Zurich, due to an ongoing pay dispute with its pilots and crew shortages. Negotiations between the airline and pilots remain far from a resolution.
An inmate at Hólmsheiði prison in Iceland died overnight in a suspected suicide. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.