Petition Against Hotel Reaches 14,000
A petition started last July opposing the building of a hotel at Austurvöllur has reached about 14,000 signatures, reflecting about 13% of Reykjavík’s population. As report
Arrested Smuggling Cocaine In Her Wig
A woman was arrested at Keflavík International Airport attempting to smuggle 700 grammes of cocaine that had been sewn into a wig she was wearing. Vísir reports that the suspect
No Plans, No Stress: Route 1 In 96 Hours
The plan was simple: a road trip around Iceland, sticking mostly to Route 1, but turning off when we wanted. It would be the classic Ring Road trek, a trip […]
Iceland’s Troubadour Takes His Love Song Around The Globe
Hörður Torfason is not a man known for sitting back and taking a break. In his youth he became an accidental standard-bearer for gay rights in Iceland; to a different […]
Everyone Loves An Underdog
So, to coin an Olympian metaphor: Is Iceland really bouncing back? Short answer: Maybe yes, maybe no. They sure are good at handball, but they did lose in the quarterfinals. [&hell
Mayor: Cars “Reykjavík’s Biggest Problem”
Reykjavík mayor Jón Gnarr said that he believes the biggest problem the capital currently faces is car traffic. Speaking on the radio show Sprengisandi yesterday morning, Vísir
Icelandic Government Takes Stand On Pussy Riot Case
Two ministers have denounced the recent sentencing of members of the Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly expressing a message to Russia
New Names Approved
A fresh new batch of names have been officially approved to enter the Icelandic lexicon. As many Grapevine readers know, in Iceland there is a Name Committee, which approves or [&h
Four Icelanders Charged In Pussy Riot Protests
Four Icelanders are facing charges under a seldom-used Icelandic law for their participation in a protest in front of the Russian embassy earlier this summer. Smugan reports that a
Get #Gibberese!
Reykjavík artist hits Queensland this monthEver wondered how languages relate to the environments in which they’re uttered? Do you tweet? Interested in donating your twitter
No Bomb Found On Aeroflot Plane
No bomb was found on the Aeroflot plane that was forced to make an emergency landing at Keflavík International Airport yesterday morning, although two arrests were made. As report
Protests In Front Of Russian Embassy
About 100 people are currently in front of the Russian embassy protesting the persecution of Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot, who are due to receive judgment today. The band [&he
Skólavörðustígur Closed To Cars A Week Longer
Skólavörðustígur will remain closed to car traffic a week longer than was originally intended, city officials say, due to general satisfaction with making the street car-free.
Reykjavík: The Launder-Less City
While my experience in Reykjavík for the last three months has been mostly positive, one part about the city makes living here tiresome at times. It’s what many likely consider
Yes We Can: Five Fancy Pools For Your Pickin’!
“One of this country’s best redeeming qualities are the pools of hot water found sprinkled all over it. Those pools somehow manage to make life on the edge of the […]
Gerður Kristný
Icelandic writer competes in the Poetry OlympicsIt is not only the handballers and the swimmers who are repping RVK in London this year. The British capital also played host to [&h
You Can’t Always Go Downtown
Sun peers through the large windows at Hressó on Andri Valgeirsson, shining on his transition lenses and heavy 5 o’clock shadow. He sometimes comes to Hressó when he’
Town Creates Truth Committee On Lagarfljóts Worm
The Fljótsdalshérað municipality of northeast Iceland has set up a 13-person “truth committee” to investigate whether or not the mythical Worm of Lagarfljót lake is
Tickets For RIFF On Sale Now
Tickets for the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) are now on sale, and festival organisers have made a number of announcements regarding this year’s events. RIFF
Bomb Scare On Board Russian Passenger Plane
A Russian passenger plane is currently grounded at Keflavík International Airport after they requested an emergency landing, due to a suspected bomb on board. RÚV reports that th
Portuguese Army In Iceland – Video
As a part of NATO exercises, the Portuguese army is currently in Iceland conducting air drills. While Iceland has no standing military of its own, it is a NATO country. […]