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Help support our writers and keep our site ad-free. lived much of his later years in a modest house near Mosfellsbær led eventually to Thingvellir National Park home to the famed Law Rock where the Vikings established the world’s first Democratic Republic in 930 AD If you had to choose a quiet place central to Iceland’s past I had read Laxness’s famed novel Independent People and the short biography printed inside that book proclaimed him “the undisputed master of contemporary Icelandic fiction.” With a moniker like that it made a lot of sense to offer him a day of our time by making a visit to his house Scott and I determined we might walk from the Hotel Laxness in Mosfellsbær along a footpath that would keep us off the main road all the way to the Laxness house the friendly concierge asked what we had planned for our day which are really more brown with green overtones but who can really say from her photographs and you are only eight kilometers from the Laxness house You go there despite the fact that the concierge at a hotel named after the great man just told you it wasn’t worth it that he can think of nothing so excruciating as to read him except maybe walking eight kilometers to his house It matters very little that it is worth it or not worth it You can only determine value after you have done a thing and always another’s judgment is circumspect especially if that judgment is passed by a local about his own place doing it is usually better than sitting at home for what is the worth of killing yourself with TV I’ve never heard anyone say that sitting indoors and killing themselves with TV is worth it We would walk to work the soreness out of our legs and feel that cool The soreness got into our legs when we walked from downtown Reykjavik to Mosfellsbær the day before passing the glorious Phallological Museum (see Dispatch #1) and down into the green ditch along the rushing freeway then out onto a back road where the fantastic green countryside rolled out before us Icelandic horses nuzzling our fingers along the fence line quiet farm houses overlooking verdant pasturage and two little mountains to our east—Hafrafell and Reykjafell—easy sentinels that kept us on the way it turned out to be a twenty-six kilometer day I carried all the essentials required for a walking tour of Iceland: sleeping bag a MacBook Air (the eleven-inch) inside a Pelican case a ceramic water purifier in a country with the cleanest water on earth but which I would haul around for five weeks only to unload them a few days before departing for home I would not have normally carried so much tech—just a pen and notebook was my habit—but I had imagined myself holed up in a seaside hostel for a few weeks a long view of the blue waters out a window with a mountain headland towering along a peninsula tapping out beautiful prose; but that never happened I could justify the phone and GPS—but the laptop It was a luxury I appreciated when we got into a room We had dragged into the town campsite at Mosfellsbær and cooked a hurried meal as the sky darkened with black clouds An old man walked by our camp and smiled: “It will be a big storm tonight,” he said and woke at dawn to a toothed-wind trying to tear our tent down we broke camp in the storm and retreated to a tiny shelter behind the toilet and then walked through the rain to the Hotel Laxness nearly willing to pay anything for a room and a hot shower And that is how we found ourselves talking to this young fellow at the desk our plan to walk the road to the Laxness house we made our way through town and out the paved walking path with green trees planted all in a row We came along what seemed to be a pre-school The children were outside playing in the after-wet of the heavy rain A little cluster of them moved off as we came along leaving a lone boy with thick glasses and prominent front teeth blocking our path like a little bird that had just hit a window We must have looked to him like things from an alien planet I could not help but pause to ask him a question “Does this paved path go a long way up the road?” I asked Born in 1902 at the farm across the road from the house where we were headed the writer Halldór Laxness lived a long and productive life and numerous collections of short stories and essays—sixty-two books in sixty-eight years according to my source—and his work has been translated into forty-three languages and translated two of his books into Icelandic hosting dignitaries and royals in his modest home a tradition that has continued during summer months since his death in 1998: tickets go for about twelve dollars is superior to language in expressing the range of feelings human beings experience in communion with the cosmos Hemingway apparently said he had to become a great writer because he couldn’t paint Laxness noted that Bach was the best of the best and he often played Bach in his home on his Steinway Grand I read that when asked what book he would take to a desert island Laxness cheated the question by answering: The Well-Tempered Clavier Bach’s collection of solo keyboard music written to instruct young musicians (not unlike Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda and collected cool furniture (his beloved butterfly chair for example; and a low-slung calf-skin chair that apparently only he was allowed to sit in) The walls of his house are covered in paintings several of them liberal interpretations of his portrait He sported about the countryside and into town in his favorite car And it is this Jaguar that greeted Scott and me as we ambled up the driveway to the front door two-story home of white stucco with a relatively flat roof The house sits up off the highway against a hill in a rugged drainage up which Laxness frequently walked with his dog you can see his trusty dog—white like the house—trotting along the river’s edge the frigid waters coming up over his leather shoes and soaking his pants It did not feel to me the house of a man long dead who had stepped out for a pint of fresh milk and half expected to be greeted at the door by Mr we were met by a caretaker who ushered us in and offered an audio guide in English we were introduced to Laxness’s grandfather clock and this one was unremarkable in most every way: a few pictures on the wall The curtains looked to be those of any middle-class 1950s family Perhaps the casual observer might see in Laxness that same stiff drabbery which looked not unlike that of a certain German mad-man of the day; a military style hair cut over a balding head; and a sturdy chin then converted to Socialism during a time when Capitalists associated it with Satan as he watched Stalin fall prey to the corruption of his own power If he believed in anything in his final years and his dog: “Come what may and go what may,” Laxness writes in his novel Independent People “a man always has the memories of his dogs;” and he also seemed to love coffee: “Presently the smell of coffee began to fill the room In such a fragrance the perversity of the world is forgotten and the soul is inspired with faith in the future.” beloved by the American writer Annie Proulx who struggles in the harsh climate of Iceland to save enough dough to buy his own farm “‘that a man lives in vain until he is independent People who aren’t independent aren’t people A man who isn’t his own master is as bad as a man without a dog.’” Laxness claimed he worked his whole life to promote the “hidden people,” who are not the elves that travelers to Iceland hear so much about mired in the oppressions of the wealthy and powerful “The love of freedom and independence has always been a characteristic of the Icelandic people,” writes Laxness the Icelander Leif the Lucky “discovered” America centuries before Columbus an America “where a man can be anything he likes.” Scott and I walked evenly and efficiently between the low mountains while sifting clouds still held onto their rain and the sun came in on its summer arc: the brightness of Iceland Scott and I are both men of the page and of the book “Nothing nurtures the poet’s gift so much as solitude on long mountain journeys.” We arrived at the hotel tired and spent “We have a special menu tonight.” We ordered Guinness and two plates arrived loaded with three massive pieces of fried chicken a mound of mashed potatoes as tall as Devil’s Tower where a group of local men had taken up their posts They raised their glasses to us as we sat down On the big screen they had settled on an American movie for the evening with Nicholas Cage and Sean Connery as the good guys We watched and drank with these Icelandic men these local boys come in from their work to pour-off the day’s stresses in a quiet moment in the sewers beneath Alcatraz Nicholas Cage tells Sean Connery that he will “do his best.” To which Connery responds: “Losers are always whining about their best; winners go home and fuck the prom queen.” The Icelanders looked at the Americans What better line to bring two independent nations together To Parents Taking Part in the Prospective Student On-Campus Tour Persons Who Reached the Limits of Their Human Potential Five Minutes Ago Fayrisya Maliha Riyawati Soehadi Putri TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iceland is truly an inviting destination, especially for those seeking to be surrounded by nothing but stunning natural landscapes. From thundering waterfalls to glaciers and volcanic craters, some of the best places to visit in Iceland offer a striking balance between adventure and relaxation Citing Lonely Planet, U.S. News, and Travel + Leisure this article unveils the best places to visit in Iceland which include the Golden Circle and Vatnajökull National Park The Golden Circle is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Iceland. This scenic 300-kilometer route takes you through some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders in just one to three days. Explore the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall, the impressive Geysir Hot Springs Area, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Þingvellir National Park for an ultimate Iceland trip Covering nearly 14% of Iceland’s landmass Vatnajökull National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers With the diverse landscapes of ice-capped landscapes it perfectly showcased Iceland’s identity of “land of fire and ice.” Whether you’re here to have an adventurous trip by hiking or simply gazing at the wonders Vatnajökull National Park has everything to satisfy most visitors Mosfellsbær is the destination to be if peace is what you are after Expect a never-ending list of things to do which all provide excitement unlike any other places ever offered From outdoor recreations like hiking in Grímannsfell and horse riding in Mosfell to gazing into the incredible skyline in Mt Described as “Iceland in a nutshell” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula captures many of the country’s diverse landscapes From black sand beaches to towering volcanic mountains and dramatic cliffs be sure to bring your finest camera gear—everywhere you look is photo-worthy and you’ll be reaching for your camera nonstop is famous for its milky blue waters and rejuvenating properties mineral-rich water while surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery is a once-in-a-lifetime experience One of the best places to visit in Iceland is none other than its capital While the city is smaller than others worldwide Reykjavík offers a perfect mix of modernity and tradition across all the brilliant museums and exhibitions don’t miss exploring green spaces like Klambratún park to recharge and breath fresh air effortlessly.  Located in the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland you can easily find yourself soaking in every second of Vík’s beauty this charming village is a perfect spot for a rejuvenating escape where every turn reveals a stunning landscape Must-see sights nearby include the majestic Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls along with the awe-inspiring Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers For those craving solitude and pristine landscapes This remote region is home to dramatic fjords making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts Travelers can engage in various outdoor activities including hiking and enjoying the sweeping view of Dynjandi Waterfall.  Höfn stands out as the premier destination for those seeking to experience Iceland’s glaciers in all their glory as the “Lobster Capital of Iceland,” this fishing village brings more than just natural splendors but also the opportunity to taste the country’s famously known lobster and seafood If you’re both a nature and food lover Tröllaskagi Peninsula is a hidden gem in North Iceland With an abundance of nature’s gems of dramatic mountains it’s a place for travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience ultimate peace The town of Siglufjörður is a highlight Borgarfjörður Eystri welcomes you with striking landscapes of jagged mountains and deep fjords immerse yourself in the outdoor experience and fully take in the extraordinary vistas Thórsmörk is eminent for its dramatic landscapes solidifying its place as one of the best places to visit in Iceland this mountainous region calls to hikers with its scenic yet challenging trails Whether you're up for multi-day treks like the Laugavegur or shorter hikes like the Valahnukur Thórsmörk offers something for every adventurer Iceland is a land of wonders, from volcanic landscapes and glaciers to tranquil fjords and vibrant cities. Each destination offers a unique way to experience the island’s remarkable beauty. For a more complete guide, discover the best time to visit Iceland. Editor’s Choice: 8 Best Places to Retire in Europe 2025: Paradise to Spend Your Golden Years Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News 6 Birth Control Methods Covered by BPJS Health: Injections, Vasectomy, IUDs, and More Jennie, Lisa, and Rose BLACKPINK Gather at the Met Gala 2025 List of Baeksang Arts Awards 2025 Winners KOSTCON 2025, the First Largest K-Drama OST Concert in Jakarta, to Take Place on August 2nd 10 Best Cities to Visit in Japan Besides Tokyo to Add to Your Bucket List 10 Recommended Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations in the United States What Are the Cheapest Businesses to Start from Home? Here Are the Top 10 Hollywood Shaken as Trump Orders 100% Tariff on All Foreign-Made Films Where to Go in May? 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Cyber Law Expert Warns of Worldcoin's Biometric Dangers Samsung to Open Galaxy AI-Driven Pop-Up Restaurant in Portugal BMKG Reports M5.4 Earthquake Striking Tomini Bay; No Tsunami Threats Courtesy of A2F arkitektarThe building is assessed under BREEAM, a leading environmental assessment for buildings, resulting in a more sustainable building. The building has achieved an interim certificate, by scoring „very good“. Floor PlanThe BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology was used designing the school. The architectural and engineering drawings are 3-dimensional and they all add up to one electronic model of the building. This method enables a new approach for the contractor and management of building. Courtesy of A2F arkitektar *Halldór Laxness You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Archaeologists have unearthed a cottage near Úlfarsfell a mountain and popular walking area between Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær The discovery was made during exploratory excavations made preceding the construction of shopping centre an archaeological investigation must be conducted before construction and any finds registered with the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland was found to have been inhabited from around 1850 to 1920 Among the everyday objects found include a knife Archaeologist from Antikva ehf., the contractor responsible for the excavation, stated to RÚV that: “We’ve found cooking pits so people were cooking something here or working with food We don’t have any mounds or any built-up fireplaces we have at least six layers of moss and with burnt bones and charcoal It can be seen very clearly on the floors that they busied themselves around this area.” has stated that relatively few studies of such small cottages have been carried out I think that this is still just one part of a bigger story Most people here at that time were just cottage farmers.” In-depth stories and high-quality photography showcasing life in Iceland we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads may adversely affect certain features and functions Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen Iceland is a destination as alluring as they come their hospitality is known to be warm even on the coldest days leaving not much more to be desired from the Land of Fire and Ice Iceland is where you come to experience nature in its purest form and waterfalls and hot springs become the background music to your grand adventure To explore it all there's plenty of options to call basecamp including sprawling hotels and affordable hostels but it’s also where Airbnb cabins seamlessly blend into the landscape as if they were meant to be there all along And despite the platform rolling out stricter regulations for hosts it continues to be a popular service to use througout the island which we've sorted through to find the best Whether this frozen island is calling to you for a big we’ve hand-picked our 20 favorite Iceland Airbnbs and cabins for just that A sleek summerhouse with a view of the sea? It’s no wonder we've fallen in love with this idyllic prefab cabin by Manta North A 30 minute drive from Reykjavík and Blue Lagoon hot springs with two bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows providing uninterrupted views of the sea just walking distance away the cottage at Manta North is just as much an experience as it is a destination it's the sprawling deck that will call your name at night to take in the dark skies above BOOK ON AIRBNB This plant-covered luxury hotel offers guests stunning views and access to outdoor adventures like biking there's also helipads and a geothermal pool BOOK DIRECT Two hours by car from Reykjavik, four dream-worthy glass, wood, and steel-constructed cabins await. Under the careful eye of the Dedlers, a young family based in Selfoss, these stunning glass cabins blend into the landscape in such a way you soon wouldn’t be able to imagine this part of the country without Whether you soak in your outdoor private hot tub or spend the evening in bed under the stars the remote location in the Icelandic countryside only adds to the peace and serenity you’re sure to find here BOOK DIRECT For starters, this dreamy, minimalist lofted retreat has a jaw-droppingly low nightly rate of around $100/night on Airbnb we couldn’t believe it either.) Located in the exclusive residential area of Akureyri the city center is a mere 10-minute drive away BOOK ON AIRBNB Nestled hillside in a stunning nature reserve close to downtown Reykjavik this cabin offers prime views for Northern Lights spotting and relaxation in its outdoot hot tub 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and 40-50 minutes from the international airport it's conveniently located for exploring the Southwest with attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle within easy reach Surrounded by moss lava fields and wildflowers guests can enjoy the pristine air and water and even embark on forest horseback rides from nearby stables BOOK ON AIRBNB this darling Garden Cottage has been given an update by the owners of Reykjavík Trading Co. With an eclectic mix of handmade furniture from California and chickens roaming the grounds just behind the house the design studio’s workshop—stop in for a coffee and to see what the designers are working on BOOK ON AIRBNB This rustic A-frame is located on Fossar Farm where your super host David and his wife Sunneva a bubbling brook called Jónskvísl filtered by lava rocks from the nearby lava field is the perfect hideaway for exploring the southern part of the country Complete with magnificent views of Vatnajökull the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland this rental is straight out of a fairy tale BOOK ON AIRBNB Journey to worlds unknown at this bright red cabin which sits amoung rolling hills formed by volcanic activity its remote setting offers a peaceful retreat plus Northern Light viewing at the popular Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon BOOK ON AIRBNB this eco-friendly barn house is as comfortable as it is earth-conscious Take a dip in the geothermal outdoor wood-fired hot tub put your bare feet against the geothermal floor heating and enjoy the electricity generated by a hydroelectric power station With thoughtful touches such as robes for every guest to make the trek to the hot tub bearable and a Nespresso machine and French press for every type of coffee lover Guests will also find a guidebook with recommendations for everything from food to local attractions courtesy of the host BOOK ON AIRBNB Highland Base offers a variety of accomodations and individual cabins all decked out in classy Scandi style And if you can peel yourself away from the on-site geothermal springs there's plenty of adventuring to do nearby BOOK DIRECT Only 35 minutes by car from downtown Reykjavík this comfy cabin is a remote spot made for enjoying the beauty of the aurora borealis and the Golden Circle route (an hour away) at an affordable price Spend your days exploring the walking trails setting off on a hike through the mountains or taking in the garden where free-roaming Icelandic horses love to visit The open bohemian living room leads into a fully equipped kitchen with a small refrigerator and pots and pans for cooking so you can settle in and feel right at home BOOK ON AIRBNB this cozy cabin conveniently close to Reykjavik city center Guests can enjoy a cozy stay with two connected bedrooms BOOK ON AIRBNB Right on the edge of Snæfellsnesjökull National Park this cozy cottage really lives up to the name the location on Snæfellsnes Peninsula more than makes up for it don’t forget your binoculars for panoramic mountain views BOOK ON AIRBNB easy access to the Golden Circle and Gullfoss waterfalls and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park and Laugarvatn Lake knowing you have one no-expenses-spared home to return to after a long day of exploring makes it worth every penny BOOK ON AIRBNB As part of a gated and private 1200-acre estate where Games of Thrones was shot and where Vikings settled more than 1,000 years ago this luxury farmhouse is so much more than a fancy home the estate's exclusive access is part of what makes a stay at this Airbnb so unique Wild sheep roam the grounds and 30 different types of birds live in the area so the natural beauty here is just as cool as the history BOOK ON AIRBNB a wood-heated hot tub filled with fresh glacial water and unhindered access to the South coast and Hrifunes Nature Park this three-bedroom cabin is the perfect spot for taking in the pristine natural beauty of Iceland and the Westman Islands to fill your days and spend your nights soaking under the Northern Lights at this southern escape BOOK ON AIRBNB Venture off the beaten path and settle into 600 acres of mountaintop beauty tucked into the wilds of west Iceland Hiking trails are just steps away from this beautiful cottage and were formed over hundreds of years thanks to the sheep who migrate through this area A 4WD vehicle is necessary for reaching the cabin in the winter (November to April) which certainly adds to the adventure and charm of staying here BOOK ON AIRBNB While we’ve never met a tiny house we didn’t like Built in the middle of a 300-year-old lava field and with stunning views overlooking the lake this tiny homestead is perfect for families or couples Rent a bike from the property owner and make use of the maps they provide highlighting all the best hiking and biking routes in the area—you can even pedal the 37-kilometer loop around the nearby lake BOOK ON AIRBNB this secluded guesthouse is warm and charming and located just a short away from the hot spring of Reykjadalur this cozy cabin sleeps six with multiple double beds throughout and a private room in the back for whoever booked the place BOOK ON VRBO With close highway access for those nervous about a road trip amongst the remote Icelandic landscape and with the Golden Circle and Þingvellir nearby this luxury getaway makes exploring this part of the country comfortable and easy The hosts even offer help in arranging day tours on quads/ATVs or on horseback—which shouldn’t be passed up on BOOK ON AIRBNB Planning a trip to Iceland? Learn more about backpacking the infamous Laugavegur trail Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Siglufjörður in North Iceland Iceland appears on the must-do lists of many travelers. This island nation's charming cities and towns, otherworldly landscapes and the possibility of seeing the northern lights keep the crowds coming back for more every year But how do you choose the highlights of your trip in a country packed with so many of them Reykjavík’s friendly rural neighbor is Mosfellsbær Its biggest attractions are the small mountains that surround the town Helgafell and Reykjafell – all great for short hikes Lake Hafravatn is a gem that locals flock to for swimming and kayaking fun Time your visit to coincide with the popular vegetable market that carries the produce of local farmers open every Saturday in late summer in the valley Planning tip: You can visit Mosfellsbær year-round. Þingvellir National Park is a short drive away – avoid the crowds by visiting between September and May Planning tip: It’s best not to visit Flúðir in the summer Planning tip: You can visit Stokkseyri and engage in most of the activities year-round Iceland day trip to glaciers and ice caves Planning tip: The ice-caving season runs roughly from November through March Glacial hikes are usually not possible at the height of summer Always go with a guide and in good weather Christmas-related events take place during Advent and snow sports are possible during winter Planning tip: Visit between June and August for camping. A forest festival is held around Midsummer Day and mid-August to mid-September is the berry-picking season Enjoy autumn colors from late August through October Visit Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere as you stroll around the harbor. Joining a whale-watching tour of Skjálfandi Bay with one of the local tour operators is a must, perhaps combined with a bird-watching tour or a visit to Flatey Island Planning tip: Whale watching is available from March to November but is most enjoyable during the summer months The ferry to the idyllic island Hrísey goes from Árskógssandur Planning tip: Visit for the midnight sun in the summer and northern lights in winter Although it's best known as the location for the crime series Trapped It’s a peaceful fishing community that used to be isolated – trapped if you will – between tall mountains but has now been connected to the neighboring town of Ólafsfjörður by a tunnel It was one of Iceland’s bustling herring processing centers during the boom that reached its height in the mid-20th century and off-piste skiing is possible in the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula Planning tip: Visit between January and March for cross-country and alpine skiing at resorts Off-piste skiing is usually possible through May The nearby town of Drangsnes has several beachside hot tubs that could easily tempt you to spend the rest of the day gazing at the incredible scenery. A bumpy – and slightly scary – gravel road continues onwards along the Strandir region to some of Iceland’s remotest communities in Árneshreppur. Stay at the edge of the world at Hótel Djúpavík Planning tip: It’s best to visit in summer as the road to the remoter communities is often hazardous or closed in winter The relentless dark of Icelandic winter means its people experience it under the constant glow of streetlights Stuart Richardson captured their stark beauty One elected official is nonetheless worried about the environmental impact this plan could have Kristín Ólafsdóttir is the CEO of Iceland Resources a company that has marked nine locations around Iceland for exploration of possible gold deposits Þormóðsdalur was the site of an actual gold mine run by poet Einar Benediktsson from 1908 to 1925 “We haven’t actually been able to figure out the size of the resource yet that’s the reason we’re planning a drill programme and trying to get it finalised through a planning permit through Mosfellsbær in cooperation with them,” Kristín told us adding that her company hopes to begin exploration this summer Cooperation from Mosfellsbær may be difficult Grapevine contacted Mosfellsbær town councilperson and Planning Committee vice chair Bjarki Bjarnason for his take on the idea Bjarki told us that his committee has twice rejected the application for exploratory drilling in Þormóðsdalur as it was at odds with the general planning policy of Mosfellsbær “Town council confirmed this opinion on both occasions so it is not likely this permit will be granted,” he told us I am against gold exploration in Þormóðsdalur both because it doesn’t fit with our planning policy and also because of the environmental impact it brings with it.” the CEO of St-Georges Platinum and Base Metals Ltd. a Canadian company which owns a 60% stake in Iceland Resources insists his company practices “eco-mining.” He also described the difficulties with local authorities as “par for the course,” adding that it reminded him of “negotiations St-Georges had on other projects with Canadian First Nation tribal councils.” whether or not even gold exploration will take place this summer—especially given the absolute statements of Mosfellsbær’s vice chair of planning—still remains uncertain Tourist Sexually Harassed In Blue Lagoon Tourist Held Hostage On May Day Culture Night Killer Sentenced To Prison Starbucks To Open In Reykjavík Soon Iceland At A Crossroads An Ode to Flateyri Police Officers Spied On Citizens For Iceland’s Richest Man From Army Brats To Luxury Flats Visit the Vikings A Viking village is set to rise in the Reykjavík suburb of Mosfellsbær next spring Plans are to construct a Viking village in the Reykjavík suburb of Mosfellsbær, reports Viðskiptablaðið newspaper The village will give visitors the chance to experience how Vikings lived and worked during the early years of Iceland’s settlement a medieval wooden church building once common in north-western Europe “It’s not a question of whether but when the village will be built It won’t take too long to construct and we hope to open next spring,” said Kristbjörn Helgi Björnsson Do you want to know more about this subject? Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? Let us know! Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you 2022 Torg ehf. Terms & Privacy You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. A young man was spotted on the bottom of the swimming pool at Lágafellslaug pool in Mosfellsbær in the greater Reykjavik area.  Other pool guests saw the man, who is in his twenties, floating at the bottom of the pool. The man had been diving down and lost unconsciousness.  Pool staff immedatiately began resuscitation and he was transported to hospital where he is recovering well, according to his family.  The incident occcured at around 7.30 pm last night.  An official review of refugee reception in the town of Mosfellsbær, just outside of Reykjavík, has revealed that the resettlement of fourteen LGBTQ+ refugees from Uganda in 2018 was cheaper than originally projected, RÚV reports The municipality reported that the main difficulties it encountered were in trying to secure housing for the incoming residents the resettlement process is considered to have been a great success Mosfellsbær had anticipated that the cost of resettling ten refugees would be ISK 44 million [$352,963; €310,475] was much less: ISK 35 million [$280,810; €247,007] One reason for the cost being less than expected was that the town had expected to provide interpreting services All of the arriving refugees spoke English Mosfellsbær submitted a statement to the Ministry of Welfare indicating that it would be interested in receiving refugees the town was given the opportunity to resettle a small group of LGBTQ+ refugees from Uganda who had been living in refugee camps in Kenya This proposal was approved in January 2018 and the group which consisted of ten adults and four children The new residents were initially supported by municipal funds How much financial assistance each person received depended on a variety of factors such as the size of the family and the type of residence they were given benefits were loaded onto electronic bank cards but as many of the individuals were not familiar with online banking these were later converted to cash payments that it didn’t take long for any of the new residents to get accustomed to the new technologies and before long they were able to make use of online banking services and phone apps to monitor their bank accounts and access their funds The town also assumed the cost of educating the four children and provided all of the new arrivals with bus passes Once all of the refugees had received their kennitölur (national ID numbers) they were able to apply for housing benefits and additional social support While financial matters were quick to sort themselves out housing logistics proved to be more difficult Only three individuals had housing ready for them when they arrived in Iceland Those individuals whose permanent housing was not ready when they arrived were put up in hotels only short-term accommodations could be made which meant that two people had to move several times This temporary housing shortage resulted not only in inconveniences to the new residents but also a substantial extra expense for the municipality It also happened that one of the arriving couples broke up shortly after their arrival in Iceland which meant that an additional apartment needed to be sourced at the last minute The new arrivals were eager to secure jobs and soon after their arrival they were assisted in their search by a specially designated project manager they received guidance from an advisor with the Directorate of Labour At the end of the initial adjustment period nine of the ten adults had some form of paid employment and three of these individuals had long-term employment contracts The last of the adults was engaged in volunteer work twice a week In its report about the resettlement process Mosfellsbær acknowledged that providing housing had indeed been the biggest challenge it faced that the expectation that the refugees arriving together would want to make the transition into their new lives in Iceland together the new arrivals’ social and resettlement education largely occurred on an individual basis Mosfellsbær reported that the community at large had been extremely supportive and that the resettlement process had gone well the Ministry of Welfare has asked the town to receive ten additional LGBTQ+ refugees from Kenya in 2019 Iceland has agreed to offer 75 people asylum this year both LGBTQ+ individuals who are currently living in Kenya and Syrian refugees who are currently based in Lebanon The Ministry of Welfare believes that Mosfellsbær’s previous experience welcoming LGBTQ+ asylum seekers will be a great strength when accepting a second group of LGBTQ+ refugees this year Mosfellsbær will improve upon its reception process and therefore be able to effectively advise and support other Icelandic municipalities in welcoming and resettling refugees in the near future You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience There will be fourteen New Year's Eve bonfires in the capital area today and tonight The weather forecast is good for the evening and people are encouraged to wear protective glasses This is stated in a post by the police in the capital area The police point out that at the bonfires and in the immediate vicinity all handling of fireworks that pose a danger due to their trajectory after ignition is prohibited Only starlight and flares are permitted there Twenty-five quota refugees are expected to arrive in the capital area in the next month and preparations for their arrival are well underway, RÚV reports The towns of Garðabær and Mosfellsbær will both welcome ten refugees each and five will be moving to Seltjarnarnes (One of the newcomers has already arrived and is getting settled in Seltjarnarnes.) The refugees are arriving from Uganda are excited about the refugees’ arrival and things are going well,” said Unnur V She continued that “…[P]eople in town [are] eager and positive about the arrival of the refugees.” Unnur also said that preparations are easier this year because staff already has experience resettling refugees; Mosfellsbær welcomed ten people from Uganda last year The most complicated part of the process is but town officials are in the process of locating accommodations This is the first time that refugees will be resettling in the town of Garðabær the project manager responsible for the refugees’ reception there said that there are a lot of things that need to be taken care of such as ensuring the new arrivals have access to both physical and mental health services housing needs to be found and financial assistance made available while people are getting their feet under them in the community Ragna said that work opportunities would be plentiful for the refugees in Garðabær and previous resettlement experience in places such as Mosfellsbær has shown that refugees are quick to find work after arriving in Iceland There are a lot of things that newcomers to Iceland have to adjust to not least learning a new language and getting used to the weather and long But people are also more insular in Iceland than they often are in the countries that the refugees are coming from and in Iceland and the new arrivals don’t have the benefit of a whole social support network of old friends and family Garðabær residents have a good attitude about their soon-to-be neighbors’ arrival saying that people are “generally positive” about welcoming the refugees media outlets reported that a person fell into the Tungufljót River near Geysir in South Iceland The person was later confirmed as Sigurður Kristófer McQuillan Óskarsson chairperson of the search and rescue team Kyndill in Mosfellsbær Sigurður fell in during freshwater training near the riverbank Search and rescue team members retrieved him from the water and initiated resuscitation attempts The National Coalition of Search and Rescue Teams Landsbjörg issued a statement confirming the incident sending their heartfelt condolences to Sigurður’s family and friends and claiming they will provide all available support to the police The incident is under investigation by the South Iceland Police Aurora over Reykjavík A screenshot from a video shot by local man around midnight on September 15 shows the Aurora over the Capital region As the evenings get darker the Aurora season begins The first aurora of the fall were seen in South West Iceland at the end of August proving you don‘t need to drive into the mountains to witness one of nature‘s most spectacular sights Read more: Video: The first aurora of the fall seen last night in S-W Iceland Last night the Northern Lights provided both visitors and residents of Reykjavík a similarly spectacular show. The time-lapse video was shot by a local man Viðar Freyr Guðmundsson by his house in Mosfellsbær a northern suburb of Reykjavík, just around midnight on September 15. Viðar told local newspaper Morgunblaðið that the show had lasted a relatively short time but that it had been very powerful while it lasted The Northern Lights are only visible during the darker months of the year, and the likelihood of seeing them depends on two things: The activity of the solar winds and the cloud cover. The Icelandic Meteorological Office issues an Aurora forecast which allows you to follow predictions of both the cloud cover and aurora activity From the first competition at the Endurance Cup 2014 taking first place in the team competition as well as the women's individual competition Tomorrow’s competition is largely based on participants using their own body weight to complete a variety of exercises, but sandbags, weighted vests, kettlebells and other weights are often used as well What makes this cup different from other sporting events is that anyone can register and participate – it’s not about winning but about pushing yourself to your limit… or even past it The competition starts at 9:00am GMT with a running race between individuals; at 11am a competition between pairs begins; and finally at 12:30pm the teams begin their competition From Saturday's Endurance Cup at Varmá in Mosfellsbær Arrived The Beckhams are in Iceland visiting friends Three of the couple's children are in Iceland with them David and Victoria Beckham arrived at Reykjavík airport with a private jet and were quickly whisked away to the Reykjavík suburb of Mosfellsbær to visit businessman Björgólfur Thor and his wife Kristín Ólafsdóttir According to the National Broadcasting Service a large number of luxury cars were parked in the residential street yesterday evening while the Beckhams enjoyed Björgólfur’s and Kristín’s company Vísir reports that three of the couple's children are travelling with them More about the Beckhams' visit here. Representatives from the US Secret Service have arrived in Iceland in preparation for the September 4 arrival of US Vice President Mike Pence. According to mbl.is Two US transport helicopters were seen hovering over Mosfellsbær, just east of Reykjavík, yesterday afternoon. They are believed to be here due to the vice president’s visit. A video of them, taken by Baldur Björnsson, was posted on the Flugblogg Facebook page yesterday Pence has accepted an invitation from Guðni Th It is not clear whether Pence will meet with Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir addressing the Council of Nordic Trade Unions She has expressed interest in meeting with him should he be able to extend his stay by a day The US Secret Service is working closely with the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Iceland No details on the preparations have been revealed a B-2 bomber landed in Iceland for the first time F-16 fighter jets from the US Air Force have been conducting air policing in Iceland in recent weeks it is safe to say that US military activities in Iceland have increased considerably in recent months The powerful storm that lashed over Reykjavík and wider Iceland last night and this morning has caused all kinds of damage the extent of which is still becoming clear Social media proved to be the place to find out what was happening fastest in different areas of the city Inga Birna Erlingsdottir posted a video of a dramatic flood There were several other posts of this sort, including a blown down bus shelter a car with a fallen fence post through the windshield an uprooted tree against the front of someone’s house and some roads in Mosfellsbær that were completely submerged with fences and metal containers flying around in the winds All of this possibly boosted the chances of this winter being named “asshole.” Featured image from Mosfellingur. Check them out on Facebook here Tweets about http://grapevine.is/news/2015/03/14/severe-storms-causes-floods-and-smashes-trees-cars-containers/ There's great flooding due to the heavy rain and snowmelt today in Mosfellsbær A local just posted up this video of the flooding with the caption British Vikings set up camp in central Reykjavík this summer warlike grave goods may have misled earlier researchers about the gender of Viking invaders The study looked at 14 Viking burials from the era, definable by the Norse grave goods found with them. By using skeletal materials to determine the sex of an individual it became clear that females were equal in number to the males during those early invasions Despite the remains of three swords being recovered from the site “all three burials that could be sexed osteologically were thought to be female including one with a sword and shield," says the study So it seems that the Vikings may have arrived in England as marriage-minded colonists rather than thieving villains as thought before A family of Vikings at the Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður Staged Viking battles are among the activities at the Viking Festival each year Reykjavík, Mosfellsbær, Kópavogur, Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður and Seltjarnarnes—these are the towns of the capital area, with a combined population of 232,789 people out of Iceland’s total of 364,134. According to a new poll conducted by Zenter for Fréttablaðið 70% of the people who live in this region support the notion of combining at least some of these towns with about half supporting combining all of them into one big city The idea is not a new one and there are considerable discrepancies between residents of different towns regarding levels of support for the concept 81.2% of Reykjavík residents support combining at least some of these municipalities and these residents displayed the highest level of support of all This was followed by 73.7% of Kópavogur residents; 57.6% of Hafnarfjörður residents; and a razor-thin majority of 50.1% of residents of Garðabær The strongest opposition was amongst those living in Mosfellsbær the only capital area town located north of Reykjavík followed by the residents of Seltjarnarnes Respondents were given the option to select which municipalities in the capital area to combine support simply combining all these towns into one large city This was followed by combining Reykjavík and Seltjarnarnes (44%); Kópavogur Hafnarfjörður and Garðabær (27%); Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær (22%); Hafnarfjörður and Garðabær (15%); Kópavogur and Garðabær (10%); and Reykjavík and Kópavogur (8%) the idea of combining all the Reykjavík area municipalities also received resounding support from 80.5% of those who live in the countryside with about 66% supporting combining them all and adopting the Garðabær name for them both Note: Due to the effect the Coronavirus is having on tourism in Iceland, it’s become increasingly difficult for the Grapevine to survive. If you enjoy our content and want to help the Grapevine’s journalists do things like eat and pay rent, please consider joining our High Five Club You can also support us by checking out our shop that you can buy and have delivered right to your door Grapevine Events: The Clock, Other-Grounds Film Festival, Icelandic Sorcery Festival & More The free bus on Route A will service Skólavörðuholt The free bus on Route B will service Perlan The free bus on Route C will service Laugardalur Laugardalur swimming pool The Laugardalur campsite is located next to the largest public pool in Iceland Campers have three options of for campsites in the Metropolitan area a recreational area east of downtown Reykjavík The Laugardalur Petting Zoo and Family Park is located a stone’s throw away making it the ideal base for families with children but between October 15 and April 15 the camper van area with access to electricity is closed The next door City Hostel serves as a service center for the campsite when the campsite service building is closed The camp site was awarded the Earth Check Assessed recognition confirming that it follows sustainable business practices The Mosfellsbær camp site is located right next to the Varmárlaug swimming pool in the center of Mosfellsbær a suburban municipality of 10,000 inhabitants on the northern outskirts of Reykjavík a fifteen to twenty minute drive from downtown Reykjavík The campsite offers a beautiful view of Kollafjörður fjord and Mt and easy access to beautiful walking paths The campsite offers public parking and access for RVs and camper vans water and electricity and easy access to public transportation The campsite is open from June 1 to September 1 The Mosskógar campsite is located off Þingvallavegur road in Mosfellsdalur valley and is the ideal campsite for anyone wishing to enjoy the proximity of the city while still being located in a rural area free wifi and during the summer a vegetable market every Saturday The Mosskógar camp site is open from June 1 to November 1 Morgunblaðið reports today that several cases have come up recently of tourists camping in parking sites in schoolyards and even at the harbourfront Mbl.is reported on Friday that tourists had camped out at Krikaskóli school in Mosfellsbær  A group of runners found them camped next to a school wall on Friday morning "We saw these peoople sleeping next to the wall And then we saw a girl on the other side of the building pulling up her trousers after obviously having gone to the toilet There are no public lavatories at the school so they were going outside," said Kristín Einarsdóttir one of the runners who witnessed the scene they were sleeping on the stairs in front of the dustbins I wonder if the camping sites in the area have sufficient signs up."  Another group of tourists were discovered camping in a parking lot in Mosfellsbær on Friday Around thirty tourists in three coaches were sleeping in sleeping bags on the concrete parking lot Jóna Dís Bragadóttir who took a photo of the scene says she doesn't have a clue why they would choose a parking lot over the camp site which is close by a town in West Iceland have complained of tourists squatting Skallagrímsgarður park where they have been lighting a great number of disposable barbecues instead of using the designated barbecue facilities within the park Many tourists in Borgarnes have also chosen to camp on the concrete at the harbourfront instead of in the camping site public relations representative at the Iceland Tourist Board it is important that tourists use specially designated facilities and camping grounds  It's good that there's an increase in the flow of tourists but it seems that a lot of tourists are ignoring the various facilities which have been specially designated for camping It's not good to hear that tourists are sleeping next to school walls or in parking lots." According to the latest reports in Mosfellsbær sleeping bags and laundry racks at a parking lot Valgarður Valgarðsson says that none of these incidents have been reported to police so far but adds that these activities are unwanted due to both environmental and health regulations This weekend's undisputed hero is cab driver Böðvar Sigurðsson who saved two children through the window of a burning building in Mosfellsbær a municipality next to Reykjavik on Saturday night Sigurðsson had driven a customer to Mosfellsbær from Reykjavik but got lost on the way back and drove into a cul-de-sac That's when he spotted a bright fire in a window of a home in the street After calling the fire department he tried knocking on the door in the basement but noone answered "I could see a huge fire engulfing the building," he explains and after waking up a neighbour in the house next door he proceeded to pound on the doors of the burning apartment to wake up the people living there "When I came to the home the first thing that occurred to me was that someone had set fire to it It had been rainining heavily and everything was soaking wet It was strange how strong the fire was and how quickly it was burning the wood-clad building up two stories and all the way to the roof." Sigurðsson and the neighbour managed to wake up the people inside and then proceeded to get two children out of the window "We took the children out of the windows but the father must have walked through the burning doorway because suddenly he just appeared." Sigurðsson says that extreme luck had brought him to the burning building in the middle of the night "It was an incredible feeling to save lives Sometimes it seems things happen for a reason Police are investigating the matter and believe that it was arson Þorsteinn Hallgrímsson says that neighbours were very shocked It's such a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood An apartment building in Breiðholt was also set on fire on October 1st causing considerable damage Wealthiest man in Iceland Björgólfur Thor made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s where he cofounded the Brewery Bravo with his father After selling the brewery to Heineken in 2002 he became one of the most illustrious "Corporate Vikings" of Iceland Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson, the only Icelander to have ever reached the Forbes 500 list of the 500 richest people in the world continues to inch closer to reclaim his spot on this distinguished list. Currently Forbes estimates Björgólfur’s net worth at 1.6 billion USD making him the 1121 richest man in the world Björgólfur Guðmundsson ranked as the 799th richest man in the world Among the largest assets of the father and son team was a major stake in Landsbankinn The Björgólfur’s wealth took a serous hit in the 2008 financial crash when one of his largest assets, a major stake in failed bank Landsbankinn was wiped out. The older Björgólfur declared bankruptcy in 200 July 2009, while Björgólfur Thor’s fell to 701st place on the 2009 Forbes list of the world’s richest billionaires The next year Forbes estimated Björgólfur Thor’s net worth to have fallen even further and dropped him from the list In 2015 however, Björgólfur Thor made what Forbes characterized as a “crazy comeback” when his net worth was estimated 1.3 billion USD making him the 1,415th richest man in the world hefur keypt Viðskiptablaðið og hyggst gefa það út sem vikublað Skráður eigandi Myllyseturs er Haraldur Johannessen ritstjóri blaðsins en Eyjan segir að athafnamaðurinn Róbert Wessman sé á meðal eigenda Viðskiptablaðið var í eigu dótturfélags Exista Fiskifréttir munu einnig halda áfram að koma út auk þess sem netmiðlarnir vb.is og skip.is verða einnig starfræktir Þá segir að Haraldur Johannessen verði áfram ritstjóri blaðsins.