Bad weather prompts holiday home booking changes in Iceland

Unfavorable weather in Iceland's capital region and southern areas is prompting vacationers to seek cancellations or rescheduling of their holiday home bookings. This trend contrasts sharply with the high demand for properties in the northern and eastern parts of the country, which have experienced pleasant weather conditions.

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It is difficult to turn back once people have received apartments in the capital region or in the south.

Aðalsteinn Árni Baldursson, chairman of the Framsýn trade union for Þingeyingar, described the situation as challenging for union members. Once holiday home assignments are finalized in the spring, changing a booking becomes difficult. He noted that while people booked homes in the capital or south, they now face challenges in altering their plans due to the adverse weather.

Meanwhile, the north and east are experiencing a surge in interest. Baldursson mentioned a waiting list for properties in Egilsstaðir and a high volume of inquiries from southern Iceland for homes in Húsavík. This has led to intense competition for the limited available holiday accommodations in these more desirable, weather-friendly regions.

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We have three houses in Egilsstaðir and they are being fought over. We are also getting many calls from the south because we have three holiday apartments in Húsavík to check if there is anything available with us here in Húsavík.

Halla Gunnarsdóttir, chairwoman of the VR trade union, confirmed high utilization rates for their holiday properties, which is typical during the summer when schools are closed. She stated that the current situation is largely similar to previous years, with most accommodations assigned well in advance. The preference for certain locations based on weather patterns appears to be a consistent factor in holiday booking behavior.

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In itself, this is very similar to what has been. It is of course the case that the cottages are very densely occupied at this time and most have been assigned with very short notice.