This week in Iceland
Iceland's news this week was largely focused on intense domestic sports competitions, with numerous headlines detailing decisive playoff games and finals in both men's and women's basketball and handball, featuring teams like Njarðvík, Valur, and FH. In national news, Icelandair's CEO expressed hopes to avert flight cancellations amid ongoing labor negotiations, while reports highlighted significant construction delays, averaging seven years, for traffic infrastructure projects in the capital region.
About Iceland
Iceland, a captivating island nation in the North Atlantic, is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, vast glaciers, and abundant geothermal activity, offering a unique blend of natural wonders. Despite its small population, the country maintains a vibrant and independent media market, consistently ranking among the top globally for press freedom. This strong commitment to open information ensures a diverse and critical news environment, reflecting the nation's democratic values.
Visiting Iceland
Media landscape
Iceland boasts a highly free and independent media environment, characterized by a small but diverse market. The press plays a crucial role in public discourse, with both traditional and digital outlets providing comprehensive coverage.
For a comprehensive understanding, consult both Icelandic-language news for local depth and English-language publications like The Reykjavík Grapevine for cultural and political insights.
Sources we track 1
“Those decisions will be made in Brussels”
- Iceland sees no indication that joining the European Union would improve its position compared to 2013. - The article suggests current discussions with the EU do not offer a better outcome for Icela…
Icelandic government website removes incorrect solar eclipse glasses instructions
- Incorrect instructions on using solar eclipse glasses were published on the Icelandic government's website, island.is. - The erroneous section has since been removed, but responsibility for the inac…
EU talks could begin by New Year's, says Iceland's foreign minister
- Iceland's Foreign Minister stated that EU accession talks could begin around New Year's if a referendum favors negotiations. - A vote on whether to pursue talks with the EU is scheduled for August 2…
Icelandic Footballer Rescues Man from Burning Car in South Korea
- Icelandic footballer Hólmbert Aron Friðjónsson rescued a man from a burning car in South Korea over the weekend. - Friðjónsson and a teammate noticed the car engulfed in flames after a match and, de…
Iceland's Tidal Geothermal Pool on Drápskeri Offers a Fleeting, Challenging Experience
- A unique geothermal pool on Drápskeri in Breiðafjörður, Iceland, is submerged by the sea during high tide and reappears at low tide. - Accessing the pool involves a challenging boat journey due to t…
Mink farmer declares 'total loss' after animals released
- A mink farm in Mosfellsdalur, Iceland, suffered "total loss" after unknown individuals released most of the animals. - The farmer stated that the released mink have mixed, destroying their lineage a…
Over 1,200 participants in NATO exercise Northern Viking in Iceland
- Over 1,200 people from 12 countries are participating in the NATO defense exercise "Northern Viking" in Iceland. - The exercise, held from August 21 to September 4, requires accommodation for approx…
Iceland to Implement EU Packaging Rules Amidst Concerns
- The EU's new Packaging and Packing Waste Regulation (PPWR) will be implemented in Iceland starting mid-week. - The regulation, which is still evolving, will significantly impact Icelandic businesses…
Morgunblaðið Reports on Trump's Secret Flights Based on Data and Official Sources
- The newspaper's report on Trump's secret flights is based on data it possesses. - The information also comes from an American official familiar with the operation and another source aware of the pre…
EU debate divides Icelandic families, politicians say
- Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party, states that the Icelandic nation is deeply divided over potential EU membership, causing family rifts. - Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadótti…
EU's power system overlooked in membership debate, says ex-president
- Former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson argues that the European Union's power structures have been overlooked in discussions about potential EU membership talks for Iceland. - He emphasiz…
Reykjavik Secures Stations and Paving Materials for First Phase of Borgarlína Bus System
- Reykjavik's public transport company has signed two material purchase agreements for the first phase of the Borgarlína bus rapid transit system. - The agreements cover the acquisition of stations an…
Football confederations discuss new tournament, call for Infantino's resignation
- European, Asian, and North/Central American football confederations are discussing a new international tournament as an alternative to FIFA competitions. - The confederations have publicly called fo…
111 dead after powerful earthquake in Colombia
- A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 magnitude struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87. - The President of Colombia has declared a state of emergency in the country. - Th…
Fram vs. KR: The score is 0-2
- Fram and KR are competing in the 18th round of the Best League men's football championship at Fram's home ground in Úlfarsárdalur. - Fram is currently second in the standings with 37 points, while K…
Mink no longer entering traps after Iceland release, officials say
- Trapped mink released from Dalsbúi in Iceland are no longer being caught in traps, indicating a calming situation. - Mosfellsbær's mayor reports that no mink have been caught in traps for two days, …
European Court of Justice lacks control, says former EFTA president
- Carl Baudenbacher, former president of the EFTA Court, criticized the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for its composition and lack of transparency. - Baudenbacher stated that a significant portion o…
Record Private Jet Arrivals at Reykjavik Airport for Solar Eclipse
- Reykjavik's airport is experiencing a significant influx of private jets due to the solar eclipse. - The airport is handling an unusually high number of large aircraft carrying passengers who are ei…
Barcelona's Roony Bardghji out for 6-7 months with torn cruciate ligament
- Swedish footballer Roony Bardghji will be sidelined for six to seven months after tearing his cruciate ligament. - The 20-year-old player, who joined Barcelona last summer, suffered the injury recen…
Icelandic Mackerel Fishing Season Begins with Strong Catches
- The mackerel fishing season has started promisingly, according to reports. - The vessel Börkur NK returned to port with 860 tons of mackerel caught in the Smugunni area. - Russian fishermen report s…
Astronomer disputes Directorate of Health's solar eclipse glasses guidance
- A prominent Icelandic astronomer, Sævar Helgi Bragason, disputes information provided by the Directorate of Health regarding solar eclipse glasses. - Bragason, known as Stjörnu-Sævar, claims the dir…
Majority of Icelandic businesses oppose EU membership: Survey
- A survey shows a majority of member companies in the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise (SA) oppose EU membership. - Opposition has increased since the last poll, with 66% now against joining. - …
Rescue Teams Called Out for Recreational Boat
- A recreational boat that the Icelandic Coast Guard began searching for has not yet been found, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. - The boat departed around 10 a.m. and was expected to report…
Challenging rescue operation for injured tourist near Háafoss
- Rescue teams and a helicopter from the Icelandic Coast Guard responded to a call about an injured tourist near Háafoss waterfall. - The man was alone and had sustained a leg injury in a ravine below…
Poor roads cause widespread vehicle damage in Iceland
- Many Icelanders are experiencing vehicle damage due to poorly maintained, unpaved roads. - A citizen criticizes the government for not addressing the issue, despite promises to reduce unpaved roads.…
Netanyahu rejects US-backed Gaza plan, defying Trump
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-brokered plan for the future of the Gaza Strip. - The plan, which Hamas had accepted, was opposed by Netanyahu due to pressure from his right-…
Mold forces closure of Icelandic agency serving disabled children
- The State Agency for Advisory and Analysis (RGR) in Iceland will close for the week, possibly longer, due to a mold problem. - Mold was discovered in restrooms and a ventilation shaft, raising conce…
Icelandic Farm's Anti-EU Sticker Vandalized Ahead of Referendum
- An "EU, no thanks" sticker on a hay bale at a farm in Iceland was altered to read "Yes to seeing." - The incident occurred at Kambakot farm in Húnaþing, ahead of a national referendum on Iceland's E…
Multiple individuals detained in Iceland in connection with suspicious death
- Icelandic police have detained multiple individuals in connection with a death that occurred on a residential street in Kársnes. - Authorities are treating the death as suspicious and are in the ear…
“I love driving around Iceland and I enjoy talking”
- Denis Phoenix, an Indian author living in Iceland, has published his eleventh book, "Five Star Iceland." Phoenix came to Iceland in 2015 on a grant for writers and has since become a member of the W…
Couple Cycles 25,000km From Norway to South Africa in 797 Days
- Annabelle Golden and Alex Ohtea cycled over 25,000 kilometers from Norway to South Africa, completing the first leg of their goal to cycle around the world. - The journey took 797 days, during which…
Football: Four Besta deild karla matches conclude
- Four matches in Iceland's Besta deild karla football league concluded on Sunday evening. - Stjarnan defeated Keflavík 1-0, while ÍA beat Þór 2-0. - Víkingur and ÍBV drew 2-2, and KA lost to FH 0-1.
NASA aircraft to photograph solar eclipse off Iceland coast
- NASA is sending a research aircraft to Iceland to photograph a solar eclipse from high altitude. - The Martin WB-57 Canberra plane will fly near Iceland's coast to capture images of solar phenomena …
US must meet Tehran's conditions for Hormuz opening
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated they will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Tehran's conditions are met, including war reparations. - The Guard previously imposed a blockade on the strait foll…
No one thinks about who is speaking
- Events have been held at the University of Iceland featuring political figures, according to the university's rector. - Rector Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir confirmed instances where political actors have …
"He Took My Joy Away"
- Linda Sigríður Baldvinsdóttir discusses difficult years in an abusive relationship. - She is embarking on a new chapter in her life and career. - The article explores her experiences and future ende…
EU Parliament Majority Insufficient for Online Monitoring Regulation
- A majority in the European Parliament did not suffice to pass a regulation on monitoring online communications, sparking debate about democratic deficits within the EU. - The regulation, known as Ch…
Drunk Driver Stopped on Hopp Scooter
- A driver was stopped by police in Iceland for operating a "Hopp" electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. - This incident was part of a busy night for the police, with multiple other d…
Consequences of delegated authority in agriculture
- A report on Icelandic agriculture highlights concerns over the delegation of decision-making power. - Sigurbjörg Ottesen, chair of the cattle farmers' division at the Farmers' Association, emphasize…
State of emergency declared in British Columbia as wildfires rage
- British Columbia has declared a state of emergency as aggressive wildfires spread rapidly, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. - The Bald Range fires have doubled in size, burning approximate…
Messi received most death threats during World Cup
- Lionel Messi received the most death threats of any footballer during the World Cup, according to a police report reviewed by Spanish newspaper Marca. - The report detailed threats including a man p…
Icelandic Starlet Scores Second Hat-Trick in Two Games for Dortmund U19s
- Icelandic player Bjarki Hrafn Garðarsson scored his second hat-trick in two games for Dortmund's U19 team. - He scored three goals in the first 19 minutes of Dortmund's 4-2 victory over Oberhausen. …
Turkey Calls for Black Sea Attack Truce Amid Escalating Strikes
- Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for a temporary ceasefire in the Black Sea due to repeated attacks on ships. - Fidan noted that attacks have expanded beyond ports and warships to indisc…
Icelandic energy company to boost production by 67% with new hydropower plant
- Orkubú Vestfjarða (OV) received a permit for a new 9.9 MW hydropower plant in Kvíslatungur, Iceland. - The plant is expected to increase OV's annual production capacity by 67% and significantly impr…
Professors demand University of Iceland uphold lecture agreement
- Two emeritus professors from the University of Iceland have demanded that the university uphold a lecture agreement for a talk on Iceland, the European Economic Area, and the European Union. - The p…
Reykjavík Police Report Relatively Calm Day with Diverse Incidents
- Reykjavík police handled a relatively calm day with 56 registered cases between morning and afternoon. - Incidents included car break-ins, vandalism, assault, and a storage unit fire. - Police also …
Travelers warned of landslide risk in Ströndur, Iceland
- Heavy rainfall in Ströndur, Iceland, has led to warnings of landslides and falling rocks on roads. - Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially when near cliffs and steep slopes. - …
Áfram Ísland Holds Public Meeting in Sauðárkrókur
- The political movement Áfram Ísland is holding an open meeting in Sauðárkrókur, Iceland, on Saturday afternoon. - The event will feature speeches from Hólmsteinn Orri Þorleifsson, Stefanía Hjördís L…
Women prove tougher in Rauðavatn Ultra as participation dips
- The Rauðavatn Ultra endurance race in Iceland faced challenging conditions, including heavy rain throughout the night, which led to many participants dropping out. - Despite the difficult weather, f…
Girls' N1 Tournament Underway in Akureyri
- The N1 girls' football tournament is underway in Akureyri, Iceland, with 700 players aged 9-10 from 24 teams nationwide. - The event, now in its second year for girls, aims to provide a comprehensiv…
Spain imposes border controls on Italy amid migrant dispute
- Spain has temporarily implemented border controls on all air and sea travel from Italy due to a dispute over migrant issues. - The measure, effective for one month, follows Italy's similar action ta…
Agricultural product prices are falling
- Iceland's agricultural product prices are falling, causing concern among farmers. - Farmers are hesitant to accept EU membership if it leads to a significant drop in product prices, citing Finland's…
No Signs of Organized Disinformation Ahead of EU Referendum, Despite Public Perception
- Despite public perception of widespread disinformation before the EU accession referendum, experts see no signs of organized campaigns. - A specialist from Netvís stated that while many feel disinfo…
Professor Criticizes University Rector for Hindering Public Information on EU
- A professor emeritus criticized the University of Iceland's rector for hindering public information dissemination about the EU. - The professor believes the rector's actions impede the university's …
Reykjavik's Pride Parade Takes Place Today
- Reykjavik's annual Pride parade, Gleðigangan, is scheduled for today at 2 PM, starting from Hallgrímskirkja church. - The parade route will proceed through central Reykjavik, ending near Sóleyjargat…
Trump's Former Lawyer Confirmed as Attorney General After Tight Vote
- Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, was narrowly confirmed as Attorney General by the U.S. Senate. - The vote was 50-49, with two Republican senators voting against him. - Democrat…
The 60+ Group Strengthens Pride Parade
- Iceland's Hinsegin Days (Pride) featured diverse events including golf, baking, and youth quizzes. - A special discussion panel focused on the history of educational work within the organization Sam…
Sunny Spells Expected in Iceland's South and West Amid Varied Conditions
- Iceland will experience varied weather today, with sunny spells expected in the south and west as the day progresses. - A northerly wind will prevail, bringing rain to parts of the north and east, p…
Icelandic ophthalmology patients face year-long waits for appointments
- Patients in Iceland face waiting times of six months to a year for appointments with ophthalmologists. - Some clinics are only accepting existing patients due to high demand, with new patients poten…
Trump's White House ballroom project stalled
- An appeals court ordered a halt to construction on Donald Trump's new White House ballroom. - The court ruled that such a project requires congressional approval, as a president is a temporary tenan…
Star Candidate El-Sayed Rides Icelandic Bike to Senate Nomination
- Abdul El-Sayed, a prominent figure in the U.S. Democratic Party's progressive wing, has secured the nomination for the Michigan Senate race. - El-Sayed gained attention for featuring an Icelandic-ma…
Icelandic Mountain Road Faces Scrutiny After Accident, Tourist Popularity
- A road leading to Bolafjall mountain in Iceland's Westfjords has become a topic of discussion following a recent car accident. - Local officials are concerned about the cost of maintaining the road …
Three Injured, One Detained After Violent Brawl in Norway
- Three men in their 30s were involved in a severe altercation in Fredrikstad, Norway. - Two of the men are hospitalized, while the third is in police custody. - Police are investigating the roles of …
Spain imposes border controls on Italy
- Spain has implemented temporary border controls on travelers from Italy in response to Italy's suspension of the Schengen agreement. - The dispute arose after a large influx of migrants from Morocco…
Valur wins relegation battle against Víkingur
- Valur defeated Víkingur 1-0 in a women's football match in Iceland's Besta deild. - Emma Hawkins scored the winning goal in the 6th minute, lifting Valur to ninth place and above Víkingur. - The vic…
Valur and Víkingur R. face off in crucial bottom-of-the-league clash
- Valur and Víkingur R. are facing off in a crucial match at the bottom of the Bestu deild women's football league. - Valur is currently in last place with ten points, while Víkingur R. is one point a…
Icelandic partners sign declaration to boost LGBTQ+ workplace equality
- A joint declaration was signed by the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Social Affairs, the LGBTQ+ organization Samtökin '78, the Confederation of Icelandic Employers, and labor union organizatio…
UK observatory closely monitors growing space debris threat
- UK space monitoring is tracking an increasing number of objects in orbit, including defunct satellites and rocket parts. - Experts warn that the growing density of space debris could trigger a Kessl…
Liverpool Faces Huge Valuation Gap for PSG Winger Barcola
- Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing French winger Bradley Barcola, with Paris Saint-Germain valuing him at up to £145 million. - PSG acquired Barcola from Lyon in 2023, and he has since pl…
Iceland Warns of Strong Winds and Challenging River Crossings
- Strong northeasterly winds with gusts up to 25 m/s are expected in the Westfjords and on the Snæfellsnes peninsula today. - Winds will decrease in these areas after noon tomorrow, but increase under…
Six acquitted in Iceland over flawed police investigation
- Six young men were acquitted of charges including aggravated assault, trespassing, and property damage in a Reykjavik District Court ruling. - The court criticized the police's investigation methods…
Judge Appointed to North Iceland District Court
- The Minister of Justice has appointed Margrét Helga Kristínar Stefánsdóttir as a judge for the District Court of North Iceland, effective October 1.
Trump moves to restrict birthright citizenship
- U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizens. - The orders target
Healthcare needs drive immigration, economist suggests
- New figures show a significant influx of foreign nationals into Iceland in the first half of the year, with 1,150 more arrivals than departures. - An economist suggests this trend indicates that tou…
Trump and Kushner look loved-up during Iceland trip
- Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner visited Iceland in late June, enjoying the country's natural landscapes. - The couple appeared affectionate in photos shared by Ivanka Trump on social media from their…
Student recounts terror in Thai school shooting that killed eight
- A 14-year-old boy killed eight people, including three teachers and three students, in a school shooting in Thailand. - The student reportedly heard gunshots from above and bullets hitting the floor…
Antonio Banderas calls heart attack 'best thing that happened to me'
- Actor Antonio Banderas stated his 2017 heart attack was the best thing that happened to him. - The health scare prompted him to quit smoking, move back to his hometown of Malaga, Spain, and focus on…
Call for Comprehensive System Assessment
- Economist Erna Bjarnadóttir advocates for a comprehensive assessment of Iceland's animal health system. - Her work covers animal welfare, food safety, and antibiotic resistance, linking animal healt…
Iceland must demand exemption for live animal imports in EU talks, says vet
- Iceland's government must demand an unconditional exemption for live animal imports in potential EU accession talks, according to a veterinarian. - New infectious diseases could severely impact Icel…
Great Adventure at Handball Championships: Icelandic U18 Team Excels in Belgrade
- Around 30 Icelanders are in Belgrade, Serbia, supporting the U18 men's national handball team at the European Championship. - The Icelandic team has won its first five games, most by a large margin,…
A look back at Dorrit Moussaieff's notable fashion moments
- The article highlights the distinctive fashion sense of Dorrit Moussaieff, former First Lady of Iceland. - Moussaieff was known for incorporating Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa) into her formal …
New Website Guides Icelanders on Solar Eclipse Travel Rules
- Iceland's Civil Aviation Administration has launched a new website to provide information about the upcoming solar eclipse. - Regulations for commercial passenger transport by sea and air, including…
Unexplained Reindeer Deaths Under Investigation in Svalbard
- Norwegian authorities are investigating 13 unexplained and unusual reindeer deaths on Svalbard. - The deaths of adult reindeer during the summer are highly unusual, and the causes remain unknown. - …
Tourist Isolated in Spain With Hantavirus
- A French-Argentine tourist in France was diagnosed with Hantavirus and is now in isolation in Spain. - The tourist showed mild symptoms and is currently asymptomatic. - Health authorities are tracin…
Iceland town's new risk assessment includes residents' values
- A revised risk assessment for the town of Grindavík, Iceland, now incorporates the experiences and values of residents living with long-term uncertainty. - The new approach balances scientific risk …
Unexpected U-turn from the best player
- Rodri, captain of the Spanish national team, reportedly wishes to join Barcelona, despite recent links to Real Madrid. - The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder has won four Premier League titles…
Iceland Warns of High Aluminum Levels in Matcha Green Tea Batch
- Iceland's Food and Veterinary Authority is warning consumers about a batch of Shan Wai Shan matcha green tea. - The product, imported by Kina Panda ehf., contains excessively high levels of aluminum…
Why isn't there a solar eclipse every month?
- The Moon orbits Earth approximately once a month, creating a New Moon phase when it passes between the Sun and Earth. - However, the Moon's orbital plane is tilted about 5 degrees relative to Earth'…
Farmers' Association: EU membership poses significant risk to Icelandic agriculture
- Icelandic farmers' organizations are likely to oppose EU membership due to concerns about the agricultural sector. - A new report suggests Iceland cannot secure significant permanent exemptions from…
AI Companies Buy Rare Books for Data, Not Literature
- Artificial intelligence companies are actively purchasing rare books in large quantities worldwide. - The primary motivation for these acquisitions is not literary interest but rather the data conta…
Bubbi: 'I am not running away from anything'
- Musician Bubbi Morthens states he composes and writes songs daily, having created 80 songs in the past eleven months. - He describes his creative process as driven by joy and purpose, not by any des…
Prague Zoo animals beat the heat with ice treats
- Polar bears and gorillas at the Prague Zoo are cooling off during a heatwave by eating ice and playing in snow. - Temperatures in Prague have reached 41.5 degrees Celsius, nearing a record high. - T…
Iran claims deal with Oman on Hormuz shipping route, cites U.S. threats
- Iran claims to have reached an agreement with Oman regarding a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian officials. - The reopening of the strait has been a key point in nego…
Clearest Sun Images Ever Reveal Solar Flares and Surface Dynamics
- New, clearer images of the sun's surface captured by the Inouye Solar Telescope reveal solar flares and turbulent gas movements. - These images provide unprecedented insight into the sun's energy fl…
DNA on electric scooter leads to prison sentence for Swedish bombing suspect
- A nearly 20-year-old man received a seven-year, eight-month sentence in Sweden for detonating a powerful bomb outside an apartment building. - The explosion caused millions of Swedish kronor in dama…
Doctor responds to 'misinformation' on Swedish economy and salaries
- A Swedish-based doctor criticized a video by the organization Já til að sjá for spreading misinformation about the Swedish krona and interest rates. - The doctor stated that her base salary as a neu…
Illegal Salmon Fishing Condemned in Iceland
- Illegal salmon fishing using nets occurred in Gvendarbás near Húsavík, Iceland. - The nets caught three birds, one dead, and a dead salmon, which is illegal to catch in the sea with nets. - Local fi…
Icelandic Group Denies Censorship of Social Media Content Amid Accuracy Concerns
- Jónas Hagan Magnússon, a key spokesperson for "Já til að sjá" (Yes to seeing), asserts that the organization's social media content is not subject to censorship. - This statement follows reports of …
Icelandic champion after only eight training sessions
- Kristófer Snær Kaldal became the Icelandic champion in high jump after only eight training sessions. - He also plays handball for Víking, contributing to their promotion to the top league. - Kaldal,…
Garbage collectors find lost million-euro lottery ticket in trash
- Italian sanitation workers found a winning lottery ticket worth one million euros in a garbage truck. - The ticket owner had thrown it away after a shop could not validate her winnings. - The discov…