News from Iceland


A proposed cable car on Eyrarfjall mountain above Ísafjörður would represent a first for Iceland, according to the Icelandic Planning Agency. As reported by mbl.is, the agency responded to the environmental assessment plan submitted by Eyrarkláfur ehf., the company behind the project. According to their ambitions, the cable car route and related infrastructure would be […] more


Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV),       19 May 2025 2:22 PM
Dog dies of heatstroke – several others treated by vets

In recent days, temperatures across Iceland have exceeded 20°C, posing a serious risk to animals. One dog died near the capital area, and several more required treatment after showing signs of heatstroke.

Animals are particularly vulnerable to overheating when left in closed vehicles. However, experts warn that heatstroke can also occur when pets are exposed to direct sunlight.

Eygló Anna Ottsesen, a volunteer […] more


SagaGarðarsdóttir, Hlynur Pálmason, Sverrir Guðnason and Pálmason's three children at the front. [Credit: AFP] Director Hlynur Pálmason premiered his latest film Ástin sem eftir er (The Love That Remains) at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 18. more


Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV),       19 May 2025 12:45 PM
Products from online shops found to contain harmful substances

A recent Nordic study has found that as many as 71% of low-cost products purchased from popular online marketplaces such as Shein and Temu contain hazardous substances banned in the European Economic Area (EEA). The growing popularity of these “virtual shops” presents a serious challenge for regulatory authorities.

A chemist at Iceland’s Environment and Energy Agency (Umhverfis- og orkustofnun) notes that the biggest issue facing market […] more


Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV),       19 May 2025 12:16 PM
Three suspects at the youth detention centre fire

The fire broke out in the early hours of 19 October 2024. 17-year-old Geir Örn died as a result of the incident, and a staff member was injured and taken to the emergency department. The investigation has been ongoing for seven months.

Elín Agnes Eide Kristínardóttir, senior officer at the investigative division of the Reykjavík Metropolitan Police, confirmed in an interview that the case is nearing completion. Police are awaiting […] more


Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV),       19 May 2025 10:08 AM
Mýrdalsjökull glacier losing over a meter of ice thickness each year

On average, Mýrdalsjökull loses just over one meter of thickness each year. Yesterday, researchers measured the glacier’s winter mass balance, finding that less snow fell this season compared to previous years.

Yearly measurements provide crucial data

Glacier mass balance is measured twice a year, in spring and autumn, by comparing the amount of snow accumulated over winter with the amount of ice melted […] more


Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV),       19 May 2025 9:11 AM
Landsbankinn puts former headquarters up for sale

Landsbankinn has announced the sale of its former headquarters on Austurstræti in Reykjavík, along with adjacent properties at Hafnarstræti 10, 12, and 14.

The historic Austurstræti building, constructed in 1898, served as the bank’s main office until early 2023, when operations moved to a new headquarters at Austurhöfn.

The Austurstræti property spans nearly 5,900 square metres and is valued at […] more


Children in Reykjavík's western part of town took advantage of the good weather. Although May is only halfway through, Reykjavík has already seen temperatures surpass last summer’s highest reading. Last year was notably cooler, with the capital’s peak temperature reaching just 17.4°C. Yesterday, however, the mercury climbed to 19°C, setting a new early-season high. more