Author: Erik Pomrenke

The most recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula began the night of August 22, around 9:26 PM. Shortly after, both the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon were evacuated. The eruption, which began after a powerful earthquake swarm, is the fifth this year. Despite the eruption, authorities believe the lava is unlikely to reach Grindavík, and local infrastructure remains safe. Around 1,300 guests and staff were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon, and only 23 houses in Grindavík were occupied at the time. The eruption has been localized, with activity mainly concentrated on the northern end of the fissure, reducing……

Coast Guard surveillance plane TF-SIF was grounded all summer due to serious engine problems. Morgunblaðið reports. Repaired by November During a routine inspection in Malta last spring, corrosion was found on the outer surface of the aircraft’s engine gearbox. After further examination and consultation with the engine manufacturer, it was decided to remove the engines and send them to Canada for repair and overhaul. Repairs are expected to be completed by this November at a cost of ISK 300 million [$2.19 million; €1.97 million]. An important asset In total, the Icelandic Coast Guard owns four aircraft: TF-SIF and three helicopters.……

Skyr has enjoyed growing popularity abroad in the past decade, with brands available across Europe and North America. And while it’s eaten as yogurt – and many may believe it’s simply “Icelandic yogurt” – because it’s curdled with rennet, it is technically a cheese. We’re sure that many of these kinds of Skyr are indeed tasty, but the truth is, as with many dairy products, so much depends on the local environment. Even Skyr brands abroad that follow authentic recipes may not be quite the same, given the diet of the cows and the particular microbial environment. So if you……

Government ministers held a press conference this week to present an updated transport plan for the Reykjavík capital area until the year 2040. The updated transportation agreement for the capital area focuses on improving travel efficiency, reducing delays, increasing safety, and lowering carbon emissions. It includes the development of infrastructure, enhanced public transportation, and more bike and pedestrian paths through to 2040. A new agreement also establishes a joint company for managing public transport operations, aiming to boost public transit with additional state support. New tunnel under Miklabraut One of the most significant projects outlined in the plan is the……

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Climate Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson has established a working group to begin assessing the costs of founding a national park in Þórsmörk and surrounding areas. Þórsmörk is a popular nature area for outdoor recreation in South Iceland. A highland area surrounded by striking mountains, glaciers, rivers, and forests, it also serves as a terminus for the popular Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls hiking trails. Iceland currently has three national parks: Þingvellir, Snæfellsjökull, and Vatnajökull. Notably, Iceland also has two former national parks, which were absorbed into Vatnajökull National Park after its establishment in 2008. Among other effects,……

The latest report from the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS) shows that average rental prices have increased 15% year over year. This is the largest such increase in seven years. Ask Iceland Review: How much is average rent in Reykjavík? Market rent continued to rise rapidly in July, outpacing both property prices and inflation, as it has in previous months. One has to go back to 2017 to find a comparable increase in market rent relative to inflation. The rental price index increased by 2% from June to July. Between July 2023 and July 2024, the index rose by 15.1%,……

Strætó has released the schedule for Culture Night, one of the largest events of the year in Reykjavík. Notably, normal public transport tariffs will be in effect during the day. Traditionally, public transport has been free on Culture Night. Shuttle service offered Culture Night, which will be this Saturday, is a major event in the capital region. It includes special events, concerts, the Reykjavík marathon, and a fireworks display to end the evening. Given the many road closures, residents and visitors are asked not to park or drive near downtown during the event. Instead, they are asked to park near……

In their annual publication of Icelanders with the highest incomes, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Haraldur Þorleifsson, better known as Halli, was named by the industry journal Frjáls Verslun once again as the highest-earning Icelander. Giving back According to Haraldur’s reported taxable income, he earned over ISK 108 million [$788,000; €710,000] per month in 2023. The person with the second-highest income earned around ISK 75 million per month. The tech entrepreneur became well known in Iceland when in 2021 he sold his company, Ueno, to Twitter. During the sale process, he was advised how to avoid paying taxes on the profit……

Authorities are warning against a scam in which online criminals are impersonating KLAPP, the payment system used by public transport system Strætó. Advertisements have been seen on social media that direct users to a payment system that looks like the official KLAPP app but is actually a phishing scam aimed at stealing credit card information. An ad for the fraudulent website reads: “Reykjavík City Council has begun a campaign for the environment and is encouraging residents to use public transport more. Klapp Card is offering free access to public transport for one year. Don’t delay! The offer lasts until……