Latest society & culture news and updates from Iceland in English.
A significant cold front is crossing Iceland, bringing strong winds, precipitation, and hazardous travel conditions. The Icelandic Met Office warns of gusts up to 18 m/s, especially in mountainous regions. The system highlights the rapid weather changes that define life on this North Atlantic island.
Iceland's centrist Progress Party posted a near 80-million ISK profit in 2024, a year it suffered a devastating election loss. The windfall, fueled by public funds and a headquarters sale, masks a severe political crisis as the party loses six seats. This financial paradox puts Iceland's party funding model under scrutiny.
Business executive Ásgeir Elvar Garðarsson is challenging for leadership of the Independence Party in Reykjanesbær, Iceland. He promises to run the municipality 'more like an efficient company,' setting up a clash over governance style ahead of 2026 elections. The primary vote on January 31, 2026, will test the appetite for political outsiders.
Iceland's elite police special forces raided a home in Selfoss, arresting one individual. The rare deployment of the armed tactical unit in the quiet southern town has raised questions about the nature of the threat and police secrecy. The community awaits answers as the case enters the judicial system.
A serious two-car collision on Reykjavik's Breiðholtsbraut sent one person to the hospital, disrupting traffic and highlighting ongoing urban road safety challenges. Iceland's overall traffic injury rate has improved, but experts say intersections and driver behavior require constant scrutiny. The incident will feed into broader Nordic efforts to eliminate serious traffic accidents.
Iceland's top-tier healthcare system can be complex for newcomers. Our guide breaks down the essential steps for expats, from mandatory registration and understanding costs to finding English-speaking doctors and navigating emergencies.
A residential fire in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, hospitalized one person with smoke inhalation. The swift emergency response highlights Iceland's safety infrastructure but raises questions about building standards in growing suburbs. The incident renews focus on fire prevention and Nordic cooperation in crisis management.
An Icelandair flight bound for Egilsstaðir was forced to turn back over East Iceland due to severe turbulence, highlighting the constant battle between Iceland's essential air network and its volatile weather. The cancellation, along with another to Ísafjörður, stranded passengers and cut vital links to remote regions.
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.