Iceland Monitor
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000Unnecessary secrecy surrounds the results
There is unnecessary secrecy surrounding the PISA results of individual schools, according to Jón Pétur Zimsen, an MP for the Independence Party and first vice-chairman of Parliament’s General Affairs and Education Committee. Schools and munic...
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000Artists and designers bring new life to Laugavegur 114
The former headquarters of Iceland’s Social Insurance Administration at Laugavegur 114 has certainly taken on a new role, with a diverse group of artists and designers now celebrating creativity within its walls.
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000Strike could deal a major blow to tourism
“We have already heard from our members across the country that cancellations have begun coming in, along with inquiries about whether stays can be cancelled and refunded or trips possibly postponed.”
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000Cancellations are increasing dramatically every day
Sævar Sævarsson, assistant managing director of Blue Car Rental, says he has noticed considerable concern among customers following reports of the looming strike by Icelandair aircraft mechanics.
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000Land allocation to Muslim Association of Iceland to be revoked
A proposal will be submitted to Reykjavík City Council’s Executive Committee tomorrow to revoke land allocations to the Muslim Association of Iceland and the Russian Orthodox Church.
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:16:00 +0000Sky Lagoon beats Hallgrímskirkja on both lists
Sky Lagoon tops the rankings both for Google search interest and for visibility in AI-generated responses.
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000No talks planned as aircraft mechanics strike nears
No negotiating meeting has been called in the wage dispute between aircraft mechanics and Icelandair, according to State Mediator Ástráður Haraldsson, who says the dispute centres on wages and how large a pay increase the aircraft mechanics sho...
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Earthquake swarm on the Reykjanes Ridge
An earthquake swarm began on the Reykjanes Ridge at around 9 p.m. yesterday, approximately 50 km southwest of Eldey.
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000Governments goal will not be met
The government’s goal of ensuring that every person in Iceland has a designated family doctor will not be achieved given the current situation.
Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:08:00 +0000Considers the demands a crazy approach
“This is a crazy approach,” says Jón Karl Ólafsson, former CEO of Icelandair, referring to demands by Icelandair aircraft mechanics, who have voted to call an indefinite strike beginning September 23.
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:25:00 +0000All available crews called out to Elliðaárdalur
A fire has broken out at Toppstöðin in Elliðaárdalur, with thick smoke visible rising into the air.
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000Main hearing postponed once again
The main hearing in the Kársnes homicide case has been postponed by two weeks and is now scheduled to begin on September 29. It had previously been scheduled to begin today and last four days.
Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:04:00 +0000Important business ties between the two countries on the horizon
Ville Cantell, Finland’s ambassador to Iceland, says he is excited about greater cooperation with Iceland in the field of defense and stronger trade ties between the two countries.
Sun, 13 Sep 2026 14:14:00 +0000Oh, I thought it was a bit silly seeing myself
“It was a good experience at the cinema,” says eider farmer Ólafur Aðalsteinsson, who this week attended the premiere of the documentary Birds (and Men), in which he plays a major role alongside his close friend Albert Haukur Gunnarsson, who...
Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +0000Optise heading to the worlds biggest Startup stage
Optise has become the first Icelandic company to be selected for Startup Battlefield, the startup competition run by technology publication TechCrunch, in the competition’s 20-year history.
Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:33:00 +0000Three-car collision: Hellisheiði reopened
Hellisheiði has been reopened. The road was closed to eastbound traffic this morning following a three-car collision on the mountain pass.
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000Memorial service for Hannah Jane
A memorial service celebrating the life of Hannah Jane Large will be held at Áskirkja church on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000Received benefits without having worked in Iceland
Morgunblaðið has obtained documents showing that a number of foreign nationals come to Iceland and receive municipal financial assistance for years at a time. The assistance is intended as an emergency measure for people who are unable to suppor...
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000New swimming pool opens in Garðabær
The Urriðaholt Sports Centre and its new swimming pool will open to the public tomorrow, according to an announcement from the municipality of Garðabær.
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000Serious concerns over budget bill
The board of the VR trade union has expressed serious concerns over the government’s budget bill, saying it significantly reduces the chances that collective agreements in the private sector will remain in force.