Iceland News in English

Iceland assault case tests justice system after 6-year delay

Three men face trial for a 2020 assault at Gróttuvita lighthouse, but the six-year delay highlights serious problems in Iceland's court system. Unlike other Nordic countries that process similar cases in 18-24 months, Iceland's limited judicial infrastructure creates dangerous backlogs that undermine justice delivery and victim rights.

Iceland Plans Energy Tax Hike That Could Raise Power Bills

Iceland's government plans to end property tax exemptions for energy infrastructure, potentially raising electricity bills as municipalities seek compensation for hosting power plants and dams.

Red Cross Director Leads Viðreisn Campaign in Mosfellsbær

Viðreisn fields Red Cross director Gylfi Þór Þorsteinsson and professional slate in Mosfellsbær municipal election, testing whether centrist competence can challenge traditional party politics in Iceland's growing suburbs.

Iceland Health Minister's Husband Denies Hospital Conflicts

Iceland's Health Minister's husband, cardiologist Torfi Fjalar Jónasson, denies workplace conflicts at Akureyri Hospital after opposition politicians suggest disputes with the former director. The controversy highlights potential conflicts of interest in Iceland's tight-knit political and medical establishments.

Iceland Social Democrats Replace Local Party in East Fjords

Iceland's Social Democratic Alliance replaces 28-year-old local party Fjarðalisti in East Fjords municipality, signaling shift from local independence to national party politics in rural Iceland ahead of 2026 municipal elections.

Iceland Considers Automated Weather Alerts After Fagradal Incidents

A morning collision on Fagradal highlights Iceland's need for automated weather monitoring systems on dangerous routes. With Althingi reviewing a ISK 2.8 billion proposal for real-time alerts, Iceland may finally adopt the safety technology that Norway and Denmark have used successfully for years.

Iceland's Health Minister Admits Decades-Long Nursing Home Shortfall

Rósin Quits Social Democratic Council Over Candidate Snub

66% of Westman Islanders Approve Mayor Despite Party Shift

Iceland Proposes Fast-Track Deportation for Foreign Inmates

Icelandbanki Chief Won't Predict Skaga Merger Odds

Arctic Fish Forecasts 78% Salmon Output Jump in Iceland

Bakery Opens Inside Outdoor Gear Store in Reykjavik

No Answers on Keflavík Airport Currency Exchange Deal

Hackers Steal Data of Tens of Thousands at Icelandic Care Homes

Katrín Jakobsdóttir's Son Takes Helm of Iceland Youth Greens

Rósin Stays with Social Democrats, Spurns Reykjavík Left Coalition

Iceland Weather Strands 600 Passengers as Crew Rules Bite

Sisters Trapped After Westfjords Crash in Mobile Dead Zone

Iceland Business License: Complete Company Registration Guide

Complete guide to obtaining business licenses and registering companies in Iceland, covering the five business structure options, kennitala requirements, RSK registration process, sector-specific licensing authorities, and ongoing compliance obligations for domestic and international entrepreneurs.

Húsavík Students Overturn Pool Curfew Through Legal Research

Seventh-grade students in Húsavík successfully challenged swimming pool curfew rules by researching Iceland's Child Protection Act, exposing municipal misinterpretation of age-based regulations and highlighting Iceland's culture of youth civic engagement.

Iceland Party Excludes Candidate Over Trust Issues

Iceland's Social Democratic Alliance excluded Guðmundur Ingi Þóroddsson from their Reykjavik municipal election list after he threatened to join rival parties following his primary election defeat. The decision highlights how Iceland's small political landscape amplifies personal conflicts into party-defining moments.

Fire Breaks Out Near Framheimilið in Reykjavik

A grass fire broke out near Framheimilið in Úlfarsárdal, Reykjavik, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. The blaze, located just below Framvöllur, was reportedly contained within an hour.

Grass Fire Breaks Out Below Framvöllur in Úlfarsárdal

A grass fire broke out below Framvöllur in Úlfarsárdal on Sunday evening. Firefighters quickly responded and appeared to extinguish the blaze, though emergency crews remained on site.

Farmers' Leader Sees Big Potential in Icelandic Forestry

Trausti Hjálmarsson, chairman of the Icelandic Farmers' Association, says forestry offers major benefits for rural Iceland. He supports shelterbelts, agroforestry, and productive tree planting to improve farmland and protect homes and livestock.

Reykjavik Cyclist Injured After E-Scooter Obstructs Path

Helga Sigrún Sigurjónsdóttir was injured in Reykjavik after hitting an unlit e-scooter on a bike path. She avoided fractures but remains bedridden, highlighting safety issues with shared micromobility devices in public spaces.

2011 Grímsvötn Eruption Blanketed Iceland in Ash

The 2011 Grímsvötn eruption sent a massive ash cloud across Iceland, affecting South Iceland and the capital region. Residents and journalists on-site described intense ashfall and emergency measures like sealing hotel rooms and distributing masks.

Biskupsmálið: 30 Years Since Iceland's Church Abuse Scandal

Thirty years after Iceland’s Biskupsmálið scandal, media figure Elín Hirst shares her childhood memory of witnessing misconduct by Bishop Ólafur Skúlason. The case triggered national outrage, church resignations, and eventual compensation for survivors.

New Standardized Tests Launch in Icelandic Primary Schools

Iceland is rolling out new standardized tests in primary schools this March. The exams in math and reading will run over a four-week window and aim to give parents clearer insight into student progress.

Man Hospitalized After Assault in Grafarvog

A man was hospitalized after a violent assault in Grafarvog, though his injuries aren't serious. Two suspects were arrested and are also suspected of drug possession.

Cessna 180 Named Most Important Aircraft in Icelandic Aviation History

The Icelandic Aviation Museum's director names the Cessna 180 TF-HIS as its most important artifact. This small aircraft played a key role in expanding air access across Iceland during a shift away from seaplanes.