Trial begins in alleged stalking case
The trial of Íris Helga Jónatansdóttir began at Reykjanes District Court yesterday.
🇮🇸 Iceland News
New cancer vaccine raises hopes
A new cancer vaccine uses genetic sequencing from a patient's cancer cells after a tumor is surgically removed. This treatment aims to lower the risk of cancer returning in patients who had high-risk melanoma removed. It may lead to a substantial increase in survival chances.
Father and son detained in murder investigation: Knife recovered
An Icelandic man in his 30s and his father are among three people being held in connection with a murder investigation in Breiðholt overnight. All three are expected to be questioned today.
“I'm not allowed to keep these at home”
At the offices of Kontent, a journalist met Jón Gunnar Geirdal, a creative entrepreneur and avid book lover, among other things. The walls are lined with large bookshelves filled with books, but not just any books. These are books he read as a teenager, complete with their original covers.
Man dies following stabbing attack in Breiðholt
A man in his thirties died following an assault in Breiðholt. Police received a report of the stabbing attack shortly before 1:30 a.m.
19-year-old farmer: “This is so dangerous”
Heimir Sigurpáll Árnason is a 19-year-old sixth-generation sheep farmer. He believes that farming requires ambition and determination. He also asserts that there should be specific standards within agriculture, particularly for sheep farming.
Prices reduced on new cars
Bílabúð Benna has lowered the prices of its vehicles. Some price cuts reach up to ISK 1.5 million. These changes are already in effect.
Boeing 777-9 undergoing tests in Iceland
The first Boeing 777-9 aircraft landed at Keflavík International Airport on Tuesday. This aircraft will stay in Iceland until next week. During this time, it will undergo tests to assess how it performs in challenging weather conditions.
China signals closer cooperation with Iceland
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for closer cooperation with Iceland. These remarks were made during a press conference in Beijing. He spoke alongside Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir.
“We all benefit from keeping prices in check”
A speaker noted that the 12-month inflation rate has remained unchanged. While they view the lack of an increase as positive, they believe the current rate is still too high. The speaker argued that keeping prices in check benefits everyone.
US Embassy Issues security alert
The US Embassy in Reykjavík has issued a security alert. The embassy plans to close its doors earlier than usual today. This decision follows planned protests scheduled to take place outside the facility at Engjateigur 7.
No trace of Lúðvík Pétursson found during search
Search operations for the remains of Lúðvík Pétursson have ended. He fell into a sinkhole in Grindavík in January 2024. Suðurnes Police announced the decision to stop the search last night. This decision followed a review of the current risk assessment. No further search operations will be conducted.
Municipal debt exceeds limits in several areas
Three Icelandic municipalities exceeded debt limits at the end of last year. These limits were established by the debt rule. Several other municipalities were also close to breaching the same threshold.
“Partnership with Air China an important step”
Icelandair and Air China have entered into a codeshare agreement. This partnership is intended to strengthen the connections between Iceland and China.
Reykjavik Fibre Network to be sold
Shareholders of Reykjavik Fibre Network recently approved a proposal to begin steps toward changing the company's ownership. The company is currently fully owned by Orkuveitan. This decision still requires final approval from the owners of Orkuveitan.
Search for Lúðvík Pétursson's remains to begin tomorrow
A search operation for the remains of Lúðvík Pétursson is set to begin tomorrow. The man fell into a sinkhole while working in Grindavík in January 2024. The activity is scheduled to start around 9 a.m. at Vesturhóp 29.
Large hotel to open next to Forest Lagoon next year
A large hotel is currently being built next to the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri. The facility will cover 10,500 square metres. It is designed to include 120 rooms. The hotel is scheduled to open next year.
“The nerdiest thing I've ever done!”
Speech therapist Signý Gunnarsdóttir and her 20-year-old son Gunnar Hrafn enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles together. The university student and his mother decided to test their skills this year. They traveled to Spain in September. They participated in the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship held in Valladolid.
Ari Eldjárn takes the stage at Royal Danish Theatre
Comedian Ari Eldjárn is preparing to perform at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. He spoke with mbl.is about his excitement for the event. The performance is scheduled to take place today.
Emergency landing on highway caused by engine failure
A small aircraft suffered an engine failure in May of last year. This malfunction forced the pilot to make an emergency landing. The plane landed on Suðurlandsvegur, which is the primary highway in South Iceland.
Strike cost Icelandair half a billion ISK
A strike by aircraft mechanics in September cost Icelandair roughly $4 million. This amount is equivalent to about ISK 500 million. These figures were shared during the airline's earnings presentation. The data follows the release of third-quarter results.
Hellisheiði crash victim in stable condition
A serious traffic accident took place last night on Hellisheiði near Hveradalabrekka. The collision left one person seriously injured. This individual required transport to Landspítali, the National University Hospital of Iceland. The victim is currently in stable condition.
Experiencing rejection of transplanted arms
Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson received a double arm transplant in 2021. He is currently showing signs that his body is rejecting the transplanted limbs. He suspects that cancer treatments he received in recent months caused this reaction.
Gunnarsdóttir to visit China shortly before first Air China flight
Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir will travel to China following her visit to Vietnam. There, she will hold bilateral meetings, including with China's foreign minister and minister of commerce.
Youth unemployment on the rise
Unemployment among people aged 16–24 reached 17.3% in the second quarter of 2026.
Icelanders speechless over unrest in Paris
An Icelandic woman living in Paris says the Icelanders she has met have been left speechless by the riots that swept through France last weekend.
Icy conditions across the capital area
Temperatures dropped below freezing in the capital area overnight, and many motorists will undoubtedly need to get out their ice scrapers before heading into the morning rush hour.
Rope rescue teams to search for remains of Lúðvík Pétursson
The Police Commissioner in the Suðurnes region has ordered rescue teams to enter a fissure in Grindavík. They are searching for the remains of Lúðvík Pétursson. The man fell to his death in January 2024 while working in the Hóp neighbourhood.
Alvotech shares surge following second FDA approval
Alvotech shares increased by 7% during today's trading. This rise follows an announcement that the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new manufacturing process. The approval concerns the company's drug Simlandi.
Ministry reverses decision on publication of PISA results
The Ministry of Education and Children's Affairs has changed its previous stance regarding the PISA survey. The government now plans to share these results with specific entities. Municipalities and compulsory schools can request their individual data. This information comes from the PISA 2025 survey.
"Simply the worst we have ever seen"
An Icelander residing in Paris reports that local residents view recent protests in France as exceptionally violent. She states that those around her agree these demonstrations are among the worst the city has experienced.
I'm just standing naked in the street
Jónas Björgvinsson released a new album titled Lífsins bók. He expressed happiness with the final result and credited the contributions of professional musicians. He described the process of releasing an album as a journey.
Majority believe long-term living in Grindavík is realistic
A survey found that around 60% of respondents think long-term living in Grindavík is realistic. Nearly 22% of those asked believe it is unrealistic given the current situation.
Jón Gnarr's departure a blow to the government
Jón Gnarr has decided to leave the parliamentary group of the Reform Party. This departure is considered a setback for the government and the party.
Icelandair calls for ISK 700 million in police funding
Icelandair expressed concern over the next budget bill. The airline notes that the bill lacks additional funding for police in the Suðurnes region. It is asking the Alþingi Budget Committee for nearly ISK 700 million. This money would be used to strengthen border controls at Keflavík International Airport.
Highly pathogenic bird flu detected in wild birds
The H5N5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in wild birds. Samples were collected from North, Southwest, and Southeast Iceland. The detections occurred between mid-September and October.
Fearless Girl in Borgartún
The Fearless Girl statue is on display today at Borgartún 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The exhibit marks the success of the Women Invest initiative by Arion Bank.
Jón Gnarr quits parliamentary group but backs the government
Jón Gnarr has departed from the Reform Party parliamentary group. Despite this move, he continues to support the government.
Storm threatened a boat in Skagaströnd harbour
A boat nearly broke loose from its moorings in the Skagaströnd harbour shortly before midnight. A rescue team was called to the scene for help. Members of the Strandir rescue team responded to the call. They helped secure the boat more firmly.
German couple make a splash with Bónus pig designs
Ursula and Markus Jäger are a German couple who have gained attention in Iceland. They created knitted bags and clothing. The designs feature the Bónus pig.
Section of South Iceland Road to close on Thursday
A section of the South Iceland Road will close this Thursday. Colas plans to perform asphalt repairs between Selfoss and Hveragerði. The work is dependent on the weather.
Forecast worsens: More regions placed under orange weather warnings
The Icelandic Meteorological Office updated its weather warnings for today. South Iceland and Breiðafjörður have both been placed under orange weather warnings.
Meteorologist warns of approaching storm: "People need to be prepared"
Meteorologist Þorsteinn V. Jónsson from the Icelandic Meteorological Office warns of an approaching storm. He describes the system as deep, intense, and serious. The storm is expected to sweep across Iceland tomorrow, and he advises people to be prepared.
Ruling in favour of landowners
The Environmental and Natural Resources Appeals Board has ruled in favor of coastal property owners in Seyðisfjörður. This board twice overturned a decision by the Housing and Construction Authority. The original decision had denied owners the right to take part in administrative proceedings. These proceedings concern building permit applications from Kaldvík hf. for offshore fish farming in the fjord.
Exceptionally deep low-pressure system could cause damage
A deep low-pressure system is expected to approach Iceland on Wednesday. The system should bring severe northerly winds and significant precipitation. Snowfall is predicted for northern Iceland during the afternoon and evening.
Author Ragnar Jónasson takes on new role
Ragnar Jónasson, who works as a lawyer and also writes books, has started a new role as a special adviser at the law firm LOGOS. The move places him at one of Iceland's best-known firms while he continues his writing on the side. He has spent years combining the two professions, and the balance between them has become part of his public image. His novels have found readers well beyond Iceland, keeping his name in circulation in two very different circles. Neither Jónasson nor LOGOS has detailed what his day-to-day duties will involve. The hire still stands out, because few people move between legal practice and publishing so visibly.
Icelandic innovation company Flow signs U.S. distribution agreement
Icelandic innovation company Flow has signed a distribution agreement with the US firm USVetServe. The deal opens a route for Flow's meditation and wellbeing technology to reach American veterans. The company's offering centers on meditation tools designed to help users manage stress in everyday life. Partnering with an organisation that works with former service members gives Flow access to a group that often carries heavy stress loads. The agreement fits a wider pattern of Icelandic wellness technology finding buyers abroad. Neither side published numbers, so the scale and pace of the rollout remain unclear. Flow has yet to say whether USVetServe will carry the full range or start with a smaller selection.
Imagine Peace Tower illuminated for the twentieth time
The Imagine Peace Tower was lit up for the twentieth time during a peaceful ceremony. The event included a speech by Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir. Árný Margrét also provided a musical performance.
Anne Carson wins Nobel Prize in Literature
Canadian author and poet Anne Carson received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Ingrid Carlberg announced the decision yesterday at 11 a.m. The announcement took place at the Swedish Academy headquarters in Stockholm.
Crucial that government does not fuel inflation
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir welcomed an agreement between the government, municipalities, and labour market representatives. This deal ensures that collective agreements will not be terminated. She stated this is of great importance to the Icelandic economy.