Hlynur Pálmason’s The Love That Remains is Iceland’s 2026 Nordic Council Film Prize nominee, marking the filmmaker’s fourth nomination for the prestigious Nordic award. The post The Love That Remains Nominated for Nordic Council Film Prize appeared first on Iceland Review.

An interim government review says around 85% of Icelandic agricultural support is earmarked for specific sectors and identifies scope for a simpler, more goal-based system. The post The Biggest Slice of Cheese: Iceland Farm Support Is Tied to Specific Sectors appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík police intervened with nearly 40 young people over underage drinking during Culture Night on Saturday, pouring away alcohol and contacting their parents. Police said the evening and night passed well overall despite heavy activity in the city centre. Officers maintained extensive patrols focused on teenagers, using teams on foot and bicycles as well as [...]… The post Hustle and Bustle: Police Intervene With 40 Underage Drinkers appeared first on Iceland Review.

The helicopter landing pad on Surtsey, a protected volcanic island off Iceland’s south coast, is set to nearly triple in size. The decision followed the approval by Vestmannaeyjar Town Council of an application submitted by the Surtsey Association. The pad will be expanded from 36 to 100 square metres because the Icelandic Coast Guard specialists consider [...]… The post Surtsey Helicopter Pad Set for Major Expansion appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir has urged residents to head into the city centre for Culture Night, saying the weather is “not as bad as it looks”. Around 400 events are being held across Iceland’s capital today. Residents, businesses and artists are organising them. The festival area stretches from Langahlíð in the east to Hagatorg in [...]… The post Reykjavík Mayor Says Weather Should Not Dampen Culture Night appeared first on Iceland Review.

Preschool has reopened in Grindavík for the first time since the November 2023 evacuation, and the town's primary school is due to welcome pupils back next week. The post Surtur Is Satisfied—for Now: Children Return to School in Grindavík appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík’s primary schools begin the 2026–27 term Monday with a citywide phone-free policy covering lessons, breaks and lunchtime. The post Reykjavík Schools Go Phone-Free as New Term Begins Monday appeared first on Iceland Review.

Two veterans of Iceland’s Cod Wars find themselves on opposite sides of the EU referendum as control of the country’s fishing grounds moves to the centre of the campaign. The post The Cod Wars Episode IV: The EU Strikes Back appeared first on Iceland Review.

Two customers at Reykjavík’s Miðbakki Ferris wheel called police after the ride was switched off while they were still aboard and staff apparently left the site. The post Can you get tired of a great view? Two Riders Forgotten on Reykjavík Ferris Wheel appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland’s Central Bank will announce its next interest-rate decision at 08:30 on Wednesday, with the key rate and new Monetary Bulletin following five minutes later. The post Iceland Interest Rate Decision Due Wednesday Morning appeared first on Iceland Review.

Spanish citizens registered in Iceland increased by 6.3% since December, even as the country’s total number of foreign citizens slipped slightly. The post Spanish Population in Iceland Grows as Foreign-Resident Total Edges Down appeared first on Iceland Review.

Icelandic police intelligence is monitoring fake social-media accounts, opaque websites and possible foreign funding ahead of the August 29 referendum on reopening EU accession talks. The post Police Watch for Foreign Interference Ahead of Iceland’s EU Referendum appeared first on Iceland Review.

Owners of a café and pastry shop in Keflavík say four Israeli tourists threatened an employee and attempted to damage the premises after noticing a map of Palestine displayed on a wall. Palestine-born Farah Al-Qasem, who runs Lava Sweets on Hafnargata with her husband, Diyaa Atatri, said the men entered shortly after the business opened [...]… The post Palestine Map Sparks Confrontation at Icelandic Café appeared first on Iceland Review.

A warning sign intended to keep tourists away from a sheep farm in southeast Iceland appears to have had the opposite effect. The unusual message that reads ‘Keep out: trespassers will be prostituted’ has become a local attraction. Farmers Aðalbjörg Bjarnadóttir and Bjarni Haukur Bjarnason at Kálfafell in Suðursveit put up the sign after dealing [...]… The post ‘Trespassers Will Be Prostituted’: Farm Sign Draws Online Attention appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland’s Minister of Industry, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, has warned that it would be unwise for farmers to reject the resumption of European Union accession talks outright. The statement was made after a vote, initiated by the Icelandic Farmers Association, in which 95% of representatives opposed reopening negotiations. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV 95% of [...]… The post Iceland Minister Says Farmers Should Not Rule Out EU Talks appeared first on Iceland Review.

Vestmannaeyjar will continue laying its new subsea drinking-water pipe despite damage sustained during installation, as officials assess whether the ISK 3 billion project can still be used. The post Westman Islands to Finish Damaged New Water Pipe Despite Fears of Total Loss appeared first on Iceland Review.

Belgian rock band dEUS will play Reykjavík's Austurbæjarbíó on October 2, revisiting material from its first two albums with Icelandic band Ensími as support. The post Belgian Rock Band dEUS to Play Reykjavík in October appeared first on Iceland Review.

Íslandsbanki expects the Central Bank to raise its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points on August 19, which would take the seven-day term-deposit rate to 8%. The post Iceland’s Interest Rates Could Hit 8% Next Week appeared first on Iceland Review.

NASA-supported university teams in Iceland will launch 80 scientific balloons around today’s eclipse to measure how the sudden loss of sunlight changes the lower atmosphere. The post NASA Teams to Launch 80 Balloons During Iceland Eclipse appeared first on Iceland Review.

A total solar eclipse will sweep across western Iceland on Wednesday afternoon, with official traffic controls beginning in the morning as authorities prepare for heavy travel. The post Total Solar Eclipse to Cross Western Iceland Wednesday appeared first on Iceland Review.

You might think that Iceland’s capital gets quieter after Reykjavík Culture Night. But although we are now in the final week of calendar summer, there’s no reason for things to slow down here. The vibrant Reykjavík Jazz Festival starts tomorrow and will be joined by plenty of other events worth exploring. How about learning a [...]… The post What to Do This Week | Reykjavík Jazz Festival and Other Events appeared first on Iceland Review.

An injured person was evacuated by Coast Guard helicopter from Sólheimajökull on Sunday, weeks after authorities warned of unstable ice and rockfall near the glacier terminus. The post Helicopter Rescue at Sólheimajökull as Glacier Conditions Remain Hazardous appeared first on Iceland Review.

More than 745,000 farmed salmon died in Icelandic aquaculture operations in June, the highest monthly mortality recorded since December 2024. The figure represents about 3% of this fish species being kept at sea at the time. Karl Steinar Óskarsson, head of the aquaculture division at Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), said mortality at that [...]… The post Farmed Salmon Mortality Reaches 3% in Iceland in June appeared first on Iceland Review.

More than ISK 285 million has been raised through the Reykjavik Marathon, held during Reykjavík Culture Night today. Thousands took part in the races or supported runners along the route, while cultural events and creative activities took place across the capital throughout the day. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV The Reykjavik Marathon has raised [...]… The post Reykjavik Marathon Fundraising Tops ISK 285 Million appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík’s city centre is facing extensive traffic restrictions today as around 100,000 people are expected to attend Culture Night, one of the capital’s largest annual events. Police and public transport staff are preparing for heavy demand as visitors travel into and out of the centre. Several roads are closed, and Reykjavík’s public transport network is [...]… The post Reykjavík Culture Night Affects the Capital’s Traffic Today appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík’s newly published election handbook sets out who can vote in the August 29 EU referendum, how overseas Icelanders retain voting rights and where early ballots can be cast. The post Who Can Vote in Iceland’s EU Referendum? appeared first on Iceland Review.

The one-year operating permit for Reykjavík’s Fossvogur crematorium expired August 19 as the City completes a new permit process for the ageing facility. The post No Grave Consequence: Reykjavík Crematorium Awaits New Permit After Temporary Licence Expires appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík’s Culture Night takes over the city centre on Saturday, August 22, but the first road closure begins Thursday afternoon as preparations for the festival and Reykjavík Marathon get under way. The post Culture Night Road Closures Begin Thursday in Reykjavík appeared first on Iceland Review.

Icelandic singer Laufey has selected Michel Franco’s Dreams for a special August 23 screening at Bíó Paradís in Reykjavík as part of A Very Laufey Day. The post Iceland’s Jazz Sensation Laufey Brings “Dreams” to Reykjavík cinema appeared first on Iceland Review.

Weekday maintenance restrictions have returned to the Ring Road bridge over Jökulsá á Fjöllum, leaving only four daytime crossing windows while work is under way. The post Ring Road Bridge to Close for Hours at a Time appeared first on Iceland Review.

The Dog Days slumber comes to an end with Reykjavík Culture Night, the highlight of the August programme, packed with activities to appeal to everyone. While you get ready for Saturday (and we promise, it will be busy), don’t forget about some of the other events taking place this week. Tuesday, 18 August Sara Magnúsdóttir [...]… The post What to Do This Week | Reykjavík Culture Night, Marathon and More appeared first on Iceland Review.

Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir has accused political leaders and commentators of trying to deepen divisions over Iceland’s forthcoming referendum on whether to resume European Union membership negotiations. Speaking at a ceremonial gathering at Hólar in Hjaltadalur today, Frostadóttir said Icelanders were taking the issue seriously but were not being overwhelmed by emotion. She rejected claims [...]… The post Iceland Won’t Be Divided Over EU Referendum, PM Says appeared first on Iceland...

The Ring Road through Borgarnes, leading from Borgarbraut to the bridge over Borgarfjörður, will be closed overnight for road milling on Sunday and Monday. The closures will run from 21.00 until 7.00 the following morning. A marked diversion via Borgarfjarðarbraut will be available south of the bridge. Road users are advised to expect delays and [...]… The post Borgarfjörður Bridge to Close Overnight for Roadworks appeared first on Iceland Review.

The Federation of Icelandic Industries (Samtök iðnaðarins, also known as SI) is calling on the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to leave interest rates unchanged. As stated by SI, the economy is already under significant pressure, and further developments could affect the inflation outlook. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will announce the decision on rates on [...]… The post Industry Leaders Warn Against Another Iceland Rate Rise appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland is set for generally calm weather this weekend, with light and variable winds or sea breezes across the country. Most areas can expect dry conditions and spells of sunshine, while southern Iceland will be cloudier with occasional light showers, particularly in the afternoon. What’s the Story? Original source: RÚV Light winds and sea breezes [...]… The post Calm Conditions Expected Across Iceland This Weekend appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland’s harbour seal population remains on the national Red List after a decades-long decline, while researchers begin a new formal stock assessment this year. The post Harbour Seals Remain Endangered as Iceland Begins New National Count appeared first on Iceland Review.

Friends of poet and cultural journalist Ásgeir H. Ingólfsson will gather at Bíó Paradís on August 21 for a memorial evening of film and poetry, including the launch of his new collection Næsta stríð. The post Bíó Paradís to Honour Ásgeir H. Ingólfsson with Film, Poetry and New Book appeared first on Iceland Review.

Two suspects have been arrested in separate European countries in connection with the fatal attack in Kópavogur, as Icelandic police expand an investigation that has already led to 11 arrests at home. The post Two Suspects Arrested Abroad in Kópavogur Homicide Case appeared first on Iceland Review.

Reykjavík hotel rates have risen more than 140% around today’s total solar eclipse, averaging more than $1,000 a night, according to the Financial Times. The post Reykjavík Hotel Rates Top $1,000 Ahead of Eclipse appeared first on Iceland Review.

More than a decade after authorities set out to eradicate giant hogweed in Akureyri, the dangerous invasive plant is still growing around the North Iceland town. Municipal workers remove the plant from public land every year, but authorities say eradication has proved difficult because giant hogweed also grows on private property, where responsibility for removing [...]… The post Hornswoggled by Hogweed: The Garden Plant Akureyri Can’t Get Rid Of appeared first on Iceland Review.

Hornafjörður’s mayor is asking the government to review the ISK 1,500 toll on the new Ring Road crossing before charges begin September 1. The post Hornafjörður Mayor Calls for Review of New Ring Road Tolls appeared first on Iceland Review.

Sýn and Ásar have ended talks over the proposed sale of Vísir and a group of Icelandic web and radio brands after failing to reach a final purchase agreement. The post Ásar and Sýn Abandon Deal for Vísir and Radio Stations appeared first on Iceland Review.

Icelandic actor and broadcaster Steinn Ármann Magnússon has died at his home in Hafnarfjörður, southwest Iceland, aged 61. He died on Friday, 21 August, in his 62nd year, according to a statement from his family. Steinn became widely known in Iceland in the 1990s as one half of the comedy duo Radíusbræður, which helped pioneer [...]… The post Icelandic Actor Steinn Ármann Magnússon Dies at 61 appeared first on Iceland Review.

The residence of the Icelandic President at Bessastaðir has opened its doors to the public today as part of Reykjavík Culture Night. This special event is giving visitors an opportunity to see the historic building and parts of its art and literary collection. President Halla Tómasdóttir and her husband, Björn Skúlason, are hosting the open house [...]… The post President Welcomes Public to Bessastaðir appeared first on Iceland Review.

deCODE genetics researchers have used Iceland's first pangenome to identify genetic variation associated with Parkinson's disease, offering a broader reference than a single standard genome. The post A Better Map of Icelandic DNA Reveals Hidden Parkinson’s Risk appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland’s key interest rate has risen to 8% as the Central Bank tries to cool inflation. That means “people” need to spend less. But who exactly are those people—and what happens when they do? “Here we go again.” That was Melkorka Sigríður Magnúsdóttir’s reaction when she heard that interest rates were going up again. Melkorka [...]… The post In Focus | Interest Rates Rise Again! “People” Need to Spend Less appeared first on Iceland Review.

A small glacial outburst flood is under way in Múlakvísl in South Iceland, while hydrogen sulphide measured near the glacier has risen above health-protection limits. The post Small Glacial Flood Underway in Múlakvísl as Toxic Gas Levels Rise appeared first on Iceland Review.

European Union officials see Iceland’s August 29 referendum as potentially important far beyond the island, saying a Yes vote could strengthen the political case for EU enlargement elsewhere in Europe. The post Why Brussels is Watching Iceland’s EU Referendum appeared first on Iceland Review.

Public consultation closes today on Iceland’s proposed regional-development strategy for 2027–2041 and its first five-year action plan. The post Last Day to Comment on Iceland’s 2027–2041 Regional Development Plan appeared first on Iceland Review.

The Icelandic Met Office warns that stronger easterly winds in the far south after noon could be hazardous for vehicles vulnerable to crosswinds. The post Strong Winds This Evening Could Make South Iceland Driving Hazardous appeared first on Iceland Review.

The Icelandic Met Office says the uplift at Askja that began in 2021 has stopped, with measurements now showing the first signs of subsidence at the central-highland volcano. The post Askja Uplift Stops After Five Years, First Signs of Subsidence appeared first on Iceland Review.

Many of us spend hours in the gym getting in shape for a summer holiday. Perhaps inevitably, the story comes full circle as we return to the gym with much the same goal after a few weeks of living as we please: toning up and getting back into our training routine. Of course, you may [...]… The post Iceland Review Playlist | Music For a Workout appeared first on Iceland Review.

A group of older residents from Reykjavík’s Grafarvogur district will take part in the Reykjavik Marathon for the first time this month. 21 members of the Korpúlfar senior citizens’ association registered to raise money for the group’s social activities. What’s the Story? Original source: Vísir Twenty-one Korpúlfar members are registered for the Reykjavik Marathon. The [...]… The post Senior Citizens’ Group Raises Funds Through Reykjavík Marathon appeared first on Iceland Review.

Long queues formed at Keflavík International Airport this morning, with lines extending outside the terminal for the second time in recent days. The longest waiting time was estimated at around 45 minutes. According to Guðjón Helgason, communications officer for airport operator Isavia, the congestion is linked to the large number of visitors who travelled to [...]… The post Eclipse Exodus: Long Queues Return at Keflavík Airport appeared first on Iceland Review.

Icelandic banks expect the total solar eclipse to add temporary pressure to August prices, particularly for accommodation, rental cars and air travel. The post Eclipse Could Push Iceland’s Inflation Higher in August appeared first on Iceland Review.

Security lines at Keflavík Airport stretched outside the terminal on Thursday as large numbers of eclipse visitors began leaving Iceland, with Isavia warning similar pressure could return Friday morning. The post Eclipse Exodus Sends Keflavík Security Queue Outside Terminal appeared first on Iceland Review.

Iceland prepared for gridlock as thousands gathered for the total solar eclipse. Instead, the roads stayed remarkably clear. What happened — and what can it teach Iceland about managing tourism? My wife had woken up in a panic on Wednesday morning, worried about the traffic. We were planning to watch the eclipse with our children [...]… The post In Focus | The Traffic Jam That Never Happened appeared first on Iceland Review.

Foreign publishers can now apply for Icelandic Literature Center translation grants ahead of a September 15 deadline, with extra support available for children’s and young adult books in 2026. The post Iceland Opens Translation Grants to Foreign Publishers appeared first on Iceland Review.

Anyone who has dragged themselves over Fimmvörðuháls may be pleased to learn that the suffering has now been quantified. British gym chain PureGym has ranked the famous Icelandic trail the 10th toughest “bucket-list” hike in the world, after feeding distance, elevation, gradient, altitude and Iceland’s notoriously cooperative weather into its new Hiking Difficulty Index. What’s [...]… The post Fimmvörðuháls Named 10th Toughest Hike by Britain’s PureGym, Which Would Like You to Know This appea...

Iceland imported around ISK 41 billion more in goods than it exported in July, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Iceland. Despite the sizeable gap, the trade balance improved compared with the same month last year. Iceland exported goods worth ISK 86.5 billion in July and imported goods worth ISK 127.1 billion, producing a deficit [...]… The post Iceland Runs ISK 41 Billion Trade Deficit: A Rainbow at the End of a Rainy July appeared first on Iceland Review.