Category: Ask IR

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When Do Puffins Arrive in Iceland?

The Atlantic puffin (in Icelandic, lundi), is something of a national symbol, with many tourists and Icelanders alike flocking to bird cliffs to catch a

Erik Pomrenke March 10, 2023

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What’s the Status of the Efling Negotiations?

Update: As of March 8, negotiations between Efling and SA have been concluded. Read more about the contract here. Strikes, short-lasted and contentious negotiations, and

Erik Pomrenke March 7, 2023

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Why do Icelandic students still learn Danish?

The fact that Icelandic students still learn Danish in school is tied up with the long history of Icelandic-Danish relations. Up until Iceland’s independence in

Erik Pomrenke February 28, 2023

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If you could only visit one black sand beach which one would you choose?

The classic answer is certainly Reynisfjara, a black sand beach on the South Coast of Iceland. Its location off of Route 1 makes it ideal

Erik Pomrenke February 23, 2023

Nurses Hospital Landsspítalinn við Hringbraut

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Which languages are required to work as a nurse in Iceland?

For some years now, there has been a shortage in healthcare professionals in Iceland. In fact, despite the relatively high standard of public healthcare, Iceland

Erik Pomrenke February 23, 2023

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Why are the prices so high in Iceland?

Iceland is relatively expensive compared to many other countries but on the other hand, the average salary is higher than in most other countries. There

Guðmundur Magnússon February 21, 2023

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Does Iceland Still Whale?

Iceland does still practice whaling, though its days may be numbered. Due to low market demand, expanded supply from whaling in Japan, and the COVID-19

Erik Pomrenke February 7, 2023

Stöð Stövarfjörður Viking Age longhouse excavation

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Is there any evidence that Iceland had human habitation prior to the arrival of Europeans?

The conventional date given for the settlement of Iceland is 874, plus or minus a couple of years. In terms of evidence of human activity

Erik Pomrenke January 19, 2023

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How was Christmas celebrated throughout history in Iceland?

In response to a reader request, we present this article from the archives. Feasting Traditions at Christmastime Árni Björnsson (1980) The section on Christian law

Erik Pomrenke January 19, 2023