The severe wildfires sweeping southern Europe are a direct consequence of climate change, according to an Icelandic Meteorological Office expert, who says rising temperatures are also increasing the risk of vegetation fires in Iceland. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes as wildfires burn in France and Spain, with blazes approaching [...]… The post Climate Change Driving Longer Wildfire Seasons, Iceland Meteorologist Warns appeared first on Iceland Review.

Security will be significantly increased at Eina með öllu (“One With Everything”), Akureyri’s annual family festival, with organisers doubling security staffing and saying they are prepared for a wide range of scenarios as record crowds are expected over the upcoming Commerce Day holiday weekend. Ticket sales for Saturday night’s headline concert suggest this year’s event [...]… The post Organisers Expand Safety Measures for Akureyri Holiday Festival appeared first on Iceland Review.

Sólheimajökull have forced some tour operators to cancel glacier hikes, with authorities warning that unstable ice, newly formed glacier lagoons and an increased risk of rockfall have made access to one of Iceland’s most visited glaciers increasingly hazardous. The Icelandic Meteorological Office says conditions at the outlet glacier have changed dramatically in recent weeks, prompting [...]… The post Sólheimajökull Tours Suspended as Rapid Glacier Changes Create Safety Risks appeared first o...

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir says Iceland would enter any renewed European Union accession negotiations from a stronger position than before, arguing that shifts in global politics have increased the country’s strategic importance. Speaking to RÚV, Kristrún said the international landscape had changed significantly since Iceland’s previous accession talks, pointing to Europe’s renewed focus on security, [...]… The post Iceland in Stronger Position for EU Talks Amid Global Upheaval, PM...

The experimental version of Heart Aerospace’s ES-30 hybrid-electric aircraft has been cleared for flight testing by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a significant step towards commercial electric aviation. The airworthiness certificate allows the company’s X1 prototype to begin test flights. Once airborne, it is expected to become the world’s largest electric aircraft to [...]… The post Icelandair-Backed Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Moves Into Flight Testing appeared first on...

Passengers arriving at Keflavík International Airport from outside the Schengen area are facing significantly longer waits at border control. Processing times are reported to have increased by as much as sixfold following the introduction of a new entry system. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV Border checks for non-Schengen arrivals now take more than a [...]… The post Non-Schengen Passengers Face Longer Border Queues in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

Families of young athletes selected to represent Iceland are paying hundreds of thousands of krónur to take part in national team programmes. This has caused another wave of calls for greater public funding to ensure talented players are not excluded on financial grounds. The issue was highlighted by Björgvin Þór Rúnarsson, whose son plays for [...]… The post Parents Raise Youth Team Cost Concerns appeared first on Iceland Review.

A nursing home in Selfoss is operating with less than half the recommended proportion of professionally qualified staff, according to a review by Iceland’s Directorate of Health, which also identified shortcomings in facilities, communication and workplace culture. The inspection found that professionally qualified employees make up just 27% of Hraunbúðir’s workforce, compared with a recommended [...]… The post Hraunbúðir Nursing Home Falls Well Short of Staffing Standards, Report Finds appea...

Direct flights between Iceland and China will begin on 26 October, according to an announcement by the Chinese Embassy in Iceland. The new service, operated by Air China, will connect Keflavík Airport with Beijing, with a scheduled two-and-a-half-hour stopover in Copenhagen. The total journey time is expected to be just over 14½ hours. What’s the [...]… The post Air China to Launch Iceland–China Flights in October appeared first on Iceland Review.

Around 60% of residential property transactions in Iceland were completed at prices below ISK 80 million during the latest reporting period, according to a new monthly report from the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS). The report also found that the share of high-value transactions has remained largely unchanged, with just over 4% of home sales [...]… The post Most Icelandic Home Sales Now Close Below ISK 80 Million appeared first on Iceland Review.

Police in North Iceland are preparing for larger-than-usual crowds at Akureyri’s annual Ein með öllu (“One With Everything”) town festival over the upcoming Merchants’ Weekend holiday, as signs suggest more domestic travellers are heading north this year. The expected increase follows indications that fewer people may travel to the popular Þjóðhátíð festival in the Westman [...]… The post Akureyri Prepares for Bigger Crowds at One With Everything Festival appeared first on Iceland Review.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment in Iceland stood at 5.0% in June, up 1.7 percentage points from the same month last year, according to new figures from Statistics Iceland. The Labour Force Survey estimated that around 9,200 people aged 16 to 74 were unemployed during the month. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the number was approximately 11,500. [...]… The post Iceland’s Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rises to 5% in June appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland’s Coast Guard has responded to around 40% more helicopter callouts so far this July than during the same period last year, with crews handling up to four missions a day amid a busy summer season. While overall callout numbers for 2026 remain broadly in line with last year, July has seen a marked increase [...]… The post Iceland Coast Guard Helicopter Callouts Up 40% In July appeared first on Iceland Review.

More young adults in Iceland are moving out of their parents’ homes and into rented accommodation, according to a new housing survey by the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS). The survey found that 29% of adults now live in rented housing, up from 28% last year. HMS says the figures suggest an increasing number of [...]… The post Rental Market Expands as Young Icelanders Move Out of Family Homes appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík experienced its wettest first half of July since records began, according to new weather data, while much of North and East Iceland enjoyed warmer and sunnier conditions than average. The capital also recorded below-average temperatures and significantly fewer hours of sunshine during the first half of the month, highlighting the sharp regional contrast in [...]… The post Wettest Start to July on Record in Reykjavík appeared first on Iceland Review.

South Iceland’s campsites and public facilities have seen an exceptional surge in visitors as warm, dry weather in the east and south contrasts with persistent rain in the southwest, prompting many Icelanders to head for sunnier parts of the country. The swimming pool in Kirkjubæjarklaustur temporarily stopped admitting visitors for one-hour periods after reaching capacity, [...]… The post Warm Spell Brings Exceptional Crowds to South Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

Heavy rainfall made the first half of July the wettest on record in Reykjavík, according to meteorologist Trausti Jónsson. A total of 65.6mm of rain was recorded in the Icelandic capital during the first half of the month, more than double the average for the same period between 1992 and 2020. What’s the Story? Original [...]… The post Reykjavík Sees More Than Double Average July Rainfall appeared first on Iceland Review.

Drangsnes has expanded its campsite ahead of this weekend’s Bryggjuhátíð (Harbour Festival), celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Festival director Ísabella Benediktsdóttir Petersen said the site had been enlarged and additional electrical hook-ups installed to accommodate guests. According to Petersen, “there is room for everyone who wants to come”. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV [...]… The post Expanded Campsite Welcomes Guests to Anniversary Festival in Drangsnes appeared fi...

The European Commission and the Icelandic government have agreed in principle to extend Iceland’s special exemption under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for international flights by three years, keeping the arrangement in place until 2030. The proposal forms part of the European Commission’s wider review of the ETS, which must still be approved by [...]… The post EU Backs Extension of Iceland’s Aviation Emissions Exemption appeared first on Iceland Review.

SCS Software has released a new look at the upcoming Iceland expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2, highlighting the country’s distinctive bridges and the role they play in recreating Iceland’s road network. The latest developer update focuses on the wide variety of bridge designs players will encounter, from modern concrete crossings to older steel structures [...]… The post Euro Truck Simulator 2 Showcases Iceland’s Iconic Bridges in New DLC Preview appeared first on Iceland Review.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has urged voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric ahead of Iceland’s referendum on resuming European Union accession talks, arguing that the public is capable of making an informed decision. Kristrún said now is a favourable time for Iceland to consider reopening EU membership negotiations because of shifting international circumstances. She cited [...]… The post Referendum Is About Negotiations, Not EU Membership, PM Says appeared first on Iceland Review.

Icelandic police are reviewing security arrangements for this year’s Reykjavík Pride festival following the deadly attack at Berlin Pride over the weekend, though organisers say there is no indication of a heightened threat in Iceland. The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police is reassessing its risk evaluation in light of the attack, in which a [...]… The post Berlin Attack Prompts Security Review Ahead of Iceland Pride Festival appeared first on Iceland Review.

Residents and business owners in Reykjavík are being invited to a public meeting next week as authorities respond to a recent rise in burglaries across the capital. The meeting, organised by the City of Reykjavík in cooperation with the Capital Area Police and industry representatives, aims to discuss safety concerns, review the current situation and [...]… The post Reykjavík Residents Invited to Security Meeting After Burglary Surge appeared first on Iceland Review.

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake that shook southwest Iceland just after midnight on Monday occurred on a well-known fault near Nesjavellir, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The quake was widely felt across the capital area and much of southwest Iceland, but experts say it was a typical tectonic earthquake rather than a sign of renewed [...]… The post Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Near Nesjavellir Struck Along Known Fault appeared first on Iceland Review.

This week, we’re casting our net wider, venturing beyond Reykjavík and highlighting events across Iceland — from the Westfjords to Hveragerði in South Iceland and Laugarbakki in the northwest. There’s plenty to discover, from the vibrant DIY music festival Norðanpaunk to a thought-provoking folk art exhibition in Selárdalur. Keep your eyes and mind open, and [...]… The post What to Do This Week | Piknikk Concert, Norðanpaunk and More appeared first on Iceland Review.

On 12 August, Iceland will once again turn its eyes to the sky as it celebrates one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles: a total solar eclipse. The rare celestial event is expected to draw visitors and locals alike, with celebrations taking place across the country. From large-scale music festivals and outdoor performances to intimate community [...]… The post Iceland Review Playlist | Music For Total Eclipse appeared first on Iceland Review.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Southeast Iceland and the Eastfjords. Strong northwesterly winds are expected to last till midday on Saturday. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV Strong northwesterly winds are forecast to affect southeast and eastern Iceland this morning. Wind gusts could exceed 30 metres per second in exposed [...]… The post Strong Winds Prompt Yellow Alerts in Southeast and East Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

A pale yellow haze that settled over the Capital Region on Thursday evening was most likely caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada, according to meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson. After a sunny afternoon, residents noticed the sky taking on a whitish-yellow tint as an unusual haze spread across the area. Writing on his Blika weather blog, [...]… The post Meteorologist Links Reykjavík Haze to Canadian Wildfires appeared first on Iceland Review.

This article is brought to you in partnership with HI Hostel Over the years, Reykjavík’s accommodation scene has evolved alongside the city itself. What was once a largely hotel-driven market now offers a broader mix of stays, reflecting the diverse needs of modern travellers. Among these, Loft and Dalur stand out due to a shared [...]… The post Affordable Stays in Reykjavík | A Guide to Loft and Dalur Hostels appeared first on Iceland Review.

Icelandair says it expects a stronger third quarter than last year despite posting a loss of ISK 4 billion in the second quarter, as higher fuel prices outweighed rising revenues. The airline’s revenue increased by 7% year-on-year during the quarter, but operating costs also climbed sharply, driven primarily by fuel. What’s the Story? Original source: [...]… The post Icelandair Expects Stronger Summer Despite ISK 4bn Quarterly Loss appeared first on Iceland Review.

Self-service kiosks installed at passport control in Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport last October have yet to enter service after failing operational tests, despite reports of long queues during the busy summer travel season. Police say the machines, intended to speed up processing for non-European arrivals, did not perform reliably during testing and have therefore been [...]… The post Self-Service Border Kiosks Still Offline at Keflavík Airport appeared first on Iceland Review.

As Iceland prepares for its national referendum at the end of August, the media literacy organisation Netvís has launched a new online reporting portal to help identify suspected attempts to manipulate public opinion. The organisation says it expects reports of disinformation and coordinated online activity to increase as the vote approaches, even though no major [...]… The post Netvís Warns of Growing Disinformation Risk before August Referendum appeared first on Iceland Review.

Early voting for Iceland’s referendum on whether to continue European Union accession talks will begin on 27 July, one month before polling day on 29 August. The National Electoral Commission is overseeing preparations for the vote, with early voting available at district commissioners’ offices across Iceland as well as at Icelandic embassies and consulates abroad. [...]… The post Early Voting Opens Next Week Ahead Of Iceland’s EU Referendum appeared first on Iceland Review.

Two people remain in police custody after a serious stabbing in central Reykjavík, while officers also arrested a man carrying multiple weapons and suspected drugs during a busy night in the capital. Police said recent days have brought an unusually high number of incidents in downtown Reykjavík, with several violent offences requiring officers’ attention overnight. [...]… The post Serious Assaults and Weapons Arrest Keep Reykjavík Police Busy appeared first on Iceland Review.

A brood of protected long-eared owl chicks has been documented in woodland near Breiðholt, a residential district of Reykjavík, offering a rare glimpse of one of Iceland’s least conspicuous breeding birds. Nature photographer Ásta Magnúsdóttir captured video of one of the chicks perched on a branch on 17 July after tracking reports of a nest [...]… The post Protected Owl Brood Recorded in Woodland Near Breiðholt appeared first on Iceland Review.

A persistent high-pressure system south of Iceland is expected to keep weather conditions largely unchanged until the middle of next week, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The system will continue to drive prevailing westerly winds across the country, bringing occasional rain to western Iceland while eastern areas remain mostly dry and significantly warmer. Temperatures [...]… The post Meteorologists Forecast Heat in the East and Rain in the West appeared first on Iceland Rev...

Iceland’s fisheries policy remains one of the most contentious issues in debates over possible European Union membership, with disagreement persisting over whether Iceland could negotiate exemptions from the bloc’s Common Fisheries Policy. According to Gunnar Þór Pétursson, a professor of law at Reykjavík University, there are several historical examples of countries securing permanent exemptions within [...]… The post Fisheries Remain at Heart of Iceland’s EU Membership Debate appeared first...

Grindavík has established four specialist working groups to carry out a new risk-based assessment intended to support the gradual rebuilding of the town and the return of displaced residents. Mayor Pétur G. Markan said the revised approach is designed to better reflect current conditions in Grindavík after previous risk assessments left little scope for reconstruction [...]… The post Grindavík Forms New Risk Assessment Groups To Support Town’s Recovery appeared first on Iceland Review.

Owners and admirers of the Icelandic Sheepdog will celebrate the breed this Saturday as Iceland marks the 11th annual Icelandic Sheepdog Day with events in Reykjavík, Skagafjörður, and online. The celebration brings together dog owners, breeders, and visitors to highlight Iceland’s only native dog breed through demonstrations, educational activities, and public gatherings. Most events take [...]… The post Icelandic Sheepdog Day Returns With Events Across Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

The commercial whaling industry in Iceland stands at a critical operational and legislative crossroads. While public debates often frame the issue around cultural preservation, a financial and historical analysis reveals a highly consolidated corporate operation undergoing severe market degradation. As the current hunting season progresses under a recommended quota of 150 fin whales, the industry [...]… The post Commercial Whaling in Iceland | An Industry at a Crossroads appeared first on Ice...

Icelanders casting their ballots ahead of next month’s referendum on resuming European Union accession talks expressed sharply differing views, highlighting the divisions already emerging in the campaign. Early voting for the 29 August referendum opened on Monday. Voters interviewed after casting their ballots said some had voted “yes” while others had voted “no”, reflecting contrasting [...]… The post Early Voters Divided as Iceland’s EU Referendum Campaign Begins appeared first on Iceland R...

Most tourism operators and public authorities have agreed that access to Sólheimajökull should remain open despite changing glacier conditions, instead prioritising clearer safety information and stronger public warnings for visitors. The conclusion emerged from a follow-up safety meeting on 21 July, organised by the Icelandic Tourist Board under the Chatham House Rule after some glacier [...]… The post Officials Agree on New Warnings for Sólheimajökull Visitors appeared first on Iceland Review.

Early voting has begun in Iceland ahead of the 29 August referendum on whether the country should reopen accession negotiations with the European Union, giving eligible voters a month to cast their ballots before polling day. Voters who are unable to vote on referendum day can now vote at designated district commissioner offices across the [...]… The post Early Voting Opens for Iceland’s EU Referendum appeared first on Iceland Review.

A psychologist specialising in gambling addiction has warned that Iceland could see a significant increase in gambling-related problems in the coming years. The expert cited growing exposure to online betting and advertising, particularly among young people. Páll Heiðar Jónsson, a psychologist with the gambling treatment team at SÁÁ, Iceland’s National Centre of Addiction Medicine, said [...]… The post Psychologist Warns Gambling Addiction Could Rise in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

Much of Iceland will remain dry on Sunday, with the warmest conditions expected in the south despite cooler weather along the northern coast, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. A large low-pressure system near Norway is directing northerly and northwesterly winds across the country. Stronger winds are forecast in eastern Iceland, while lighter winds are [...]… The post Dry and Warm Weather to Continue Across Most of Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

The transformation of the road network in Iceland’s southern Westfjords is continuing, with new bridges at Djúpifjörður and Gufufjörður taking shape. The region’s last unpaved stretch across Dynjandisheiði is steadily disappearing. The infrastructure upgrades are expected to make journeys through the remote region safer and more reliable for both residents and visitors. For local communities, [...]… The post Easier Access to the Westfjords Prompts Mixed Reactions appeared first on Iceland Rev...

An animal welfare expert has called on Icelandic authorities to impose administrative fines on whaling company Hvalur hf., arguing that recent findings on the prolonged death of a fin whale demonstrate that the hunt cannot comply with Iceland’s animal welfare legislation. Katrín, a member of Iceland’s Animal Welfare Council, criticised the Icelandic Food and Veterinary [...]… The post Animal Welfare Council Member Calls for Sanctions Over Whaling Practices appeared first on Iceland Review.

The Baldur ferry resumed services across Breiðafjörður today after spending recent weeks operating between mainland Iceland and the Westman Islands. Jakob Björgvin Sigríðarson Jakobsson, mayor of Stykkishólmur, welcomed the vessel’s return, saying local tourism operators had struggled during its absence. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV Baldur has resumed its regular Breiðafjörður service. Stykkishólmur says [...]… The post Breiðafjörður Ferry Back in Service After Weeks on Westman Isla...

Inflation in Iceland edged higher in July, remaining well above the Central Bank’s target and increasing the likelihood that recently negotiated wage agreements could come under renewed scrutiny later this summer. Statistics Iceland measured 12-month inflation at 5.3% in July, up from 5.2% in June. Inflation excluding housing stood at 4.8%. Inflation has remained above [...]… The post Iceland Inflation Climbs to 5.3% in July appeared first on Iceland Review.

This op-ed responds to Þórður Snær Júlíusson’s opinion piece, “Let us be saved from those who intend to save the nation from itself,” published on Vísir on the 14th of July, 2026.  Þórður Snær, the Managing Director of Samfylkingin (The Social Democratic Alliance), recently published a scathing critique seemingly aimed at virtually anyone daring to [...]… The post Who Exactly is the Pessimist Here? appeared first on Iceland Review.

Nearly half of Icelanders aged 18 to 24 are now renting their homes, according to a new survey by the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS), in what officials say could be an early sign that the country’s rental market is expanding. The survey found that 45% of people in the age group were renting this [...]… The post Iceland House Price Growth Slows as Rental Sector Expands appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland and France have signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation across defence, trade, investment, climate action and scientific research during the first official working visit to Iceland by a French foreign minister in more than two decades. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, with the two [...]… The post Iceland And France Sign Agreement To Deepen Bilateral Cooperation appeared first on Iceland R...

Twenty thousand fewer Americans visited Iceland in June than during the same month last year, according to new figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board, marking a year-on-year decline of around 21%. While tourism industry representatives caution against drawing firm conclusions from a single month’s data, they say the figures may reflect a modest softening in [...]… The post US Visitor Numbers To Iceland Fall 21% In June appeared first on Iceland Review.

July is typically a quiet month in Iceland. Much of the country heads off on holiday, and those who stay tend to escape to the countryside. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a calmer side of Reykjavík before the capital springs back to life in August. That doesn’t mean nothing is happening, though. From kayaking [...]… The post What to Do This Week | Hiking, Open Water Swimming, Jazz and More appeared first on Iceland Review.

Cases of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and related bacteria have more than tripled in Iceland over the past decade, according to the country’s latest annual infectious disease report. The data raises concerns that the country is losing ground against antimicrobial resistance. The report recorded 650 detections of multidrug-resistant E. coli and related bacteria in 2025, compared with around 200 [...]… The post Iceland Reports Sharp Rise in Antibiotic-Resistant E. Coli Cases appeared first on I...

Icelandic writers are receiving a wave of unsolicited emails from purported foreign literary agents that appear to demonstrate detailed knowledge of their books. This prompts concerns that copyrighted works may have been uploaded to artificial intelligence tools without permission. Margrét Tryggvadóttir, chair of the Writers’ Union of Iceland, said the messages are convincing because they [...]… The post AI ‘agents’ Target Icelandic Authors With Promo Pitches appeared first on Iceland Review.

Ragnar Þór Pétursson, a teacher and former chair of the Icelandic Teachers’ Union, has criticised plans to make mathematics a priority area in Iceland’s education system. The Ministry of Education and Children recently identified mathematics teaching materials as a primary focus for the next three years following an assessment of their current state. Meanwhile, according [...]… The post Education Policy Criticised as Language Concerns Grow in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.

Direct flights between China and Iceland could significantly increase visitor numbers and strengthen tourism outside the summer peak, although the industry says authorities should remain alert to potential regulatory challenges. The comments come as Air China prepares to launch scheduled services to Iceland, with the Chinese Embassy expected to announce the inaugural flight date and [...]… The post Air China Service Could Double Chinese Visitor Numbers To Iceland appeared first on Iceland Rev...

Iceland’s Young Farmers Association has unanimously voted to oppose both Iceland joining the European Union and the upcoming referendum on whether to resume accession negotiations, arguing that membership would harm the country’s agricultural sector. The organisation reached the decision during an extraordinary general meeting held online on Wednesday, convened following calls from members ahead of [...]… The post Young Farmers Oppose Iceland’s EU Membership Talks Referendum appeared first on...

A year after the most recent eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula began, scientists say the conditions that fuelled it remain in place, with continued magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi making another magma intrusion—and possibly another eruption—the most likely scenario. The eruption, which began shortly before 4:00 AM on July 16, 2025, was the ninth in the [...]… The post One Year After Last Eruption, Iceland Still Expects More Volcanic Activity appeared first on Iceland Review.