Latest society & culture news and updates from Iceland in English.
Iceland's housing market requires strategic searching beyond Reykjavik center. Use local websites and Facebook groups while considering suburbs. Prepare documents in advance and understand tenant rights thoroughly.
Iceland's National Audit Office faces bullying allegations with nearly half of staff witnessing misconduct. Three department directors are on extended sick leave as workplace culture concerns mount. The Auditor General now personally oversees HR matters amid the crisis.
Icelandic authorities have issued yellow weather warnings for eastern regions as a snowstorm approaches. Wind speeds up to 20 m/s with blowing snow may cause travel disruptions through Thursday morning. Travelers are advised to check conditions before departing.
A new stargazing shelter opened in Heiðmörk nature reserve near Reykjavík. The facility offers protection from light pollution and harsh winds, making it ideal for viewing stars and northern lights. Experts recommend visiting during the current clear weather conditions.
Icelandic air traffic controller strike talks postponed until Thursday morning, though three work stoppages remain scheduled. The labor dispute could disrupt flights at Keflavík and Reykjavík airports through Saturday, affecting international travel.
Iceland's Justice Minister proposes opening the gambling market to foreign websites as billions flow abroad annually. Current laws from 2005 fail to address online betting. The government seeks Nordic-inspired regulations rather than maintaining ineffective bans.
An Icelandic priest argues confirmation classes should prioritize religious fundamentals over sex education. The comments follow a controversy in Akureyri where a parent withdrew a child from classes after sex education instruction. The debate reflects broader questions about religious education in modern Iceland.
Iceland's Recycling Fund pushes back against Sorpa's waste fee increases, claiming the waste management company should have known drink carton processing wasn't covered. The dispute centers on 75 million ISK in retroactive costs for specialized recycling that Sorpa began without proper approval. Sorpa now says it will stop sorting drink cartons, calling the process ineffective and too expensive.
Iceland's Hellisheiði Power Station fast charging station will convert to standard charging after equipment failure. ON Power says it will review area charging needs before making permanent upgrades. The change creates longer wait times for electric vehicle drivers traveling through this key geothermal area.
A Delta Airlines flight from Dublin to New York diverted to Keflavik Airport after experiencing engine trouble. The plane landed safely with no injuries reported. Emergency crews responded as standard procedure.
A child was hospitalized after being trapped under a delivery van in Reykjavik's Mjódd district. The boy is not seriously injured but was taken for medical checks. Emergency crews needed several minutes to free him from beneath the vehicle.
An Icelandic confirmation class faces backlash over controversial sex education content that politicians call blasphemous. Parents divided as some withdraw children while educator defends empowerment approach. The incident highlights Nordic cultural tensions between religious traditions and modern sex education.
An Icelandic father removed his daughter from confirmation classes after objecting to sex education content. The educator defended her approach while the incident sparked debate about appropriate religious instruction. This reflects broader tensions between traditional values and modern education in Nordic societies.
Two young tourists were seriously injured when their vehicle left Iceland's Ring Road near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Emergency services airlifted both patients to Reykjavík hospitals. Investigations continue into the cause of the single-vehicle crash.
Reykjavík bans large vehicles from Laugardalsvöllur stadium parking to free up spaces for event attendees. The new rules target contractors and businesses storing oversized vehicles long-term. Delivery vehicles and buses serving the stadium remain exempt from restrictions.
Iceland's Equality Complaints Committee ruled that energy company Ísor could legally deny paid leave to a male employee during a women's strike. The decision states that allowing only women and queer employees paid time off constituted legitimate positive action for equality. This case highlights Iceland's ongoing gender equality efforts despite the country's top global ranking.
Mosquitoes have reached Iceland for the first time, ending the country's status as one of the few mosquito-free places on Earth. Scientists confirm three cold-resistant mosquitoes were discovered near Reykjavík, likely due to climate change. This development could have implications for Iceland's ecosystem and tourism industry.
An Icelandic couple has stopped supporting the Cancer Society after claiming the organization provided no support during the wife's cancer treatment. Their story has sparked discussions about charity transparency and donor expectations in Iceland's tight-knit community.
A man fights for his life after a stabbing incident in Grindavík, Iceland. Police initially thought the injuries were self-inflicted but now investigate a possible assault. The victim remains in critical condition at Landspítali University Hospital.
Iceland's Meteorological Office forecasts mixed precipitation across the country with northeast winds strengthening in the Westfjords. Northern and eastern regions will see snow showers while the southwest gets rain and sleet. Temperatures will drop to near freezing nationwide, signaling an early winter arrival.
Icelandic police arrested a man who boarded the Coast Guard ship Þór without authorization while docked in Reykjavik. The incident was among 55 cases handled overnight in the capital region. Four individuals remained in custody following various incidents across the greater Reykjavik area.
Reykjavik police removed partying guests from a hotel in the 105 neighborhood. The incident was one of 28 police responses recorded during a 12-hour period. Authorities also addressed multiple traffic violations across the city.
105-year-old Ingveldur Valdimarsdottir lives independently in Reykjavik, plays boccia weekly, and stays current with world news. She ranks as Iceland's third-oldest person and maintains her own apartment without assistance. Her longevity and active lifestyle defy typical expectations of aging.
Reykjavik unveils its first urban design strategy, setting quality standards for city development. The plan comes amid personal controversy for the environment council chair. Public consultation runs until October 23 before city council debate.