Icelandic News Archives - All Things Iceland

Why Iceland Has Suspended Ice Cave Tours in Vatnajökull National Park

Jewells Chambers — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:30:35 +0000

Recently a horrific accident in an ice cave resulted in a tragedy that has rocked the Icelandic tourism industry. After international news sources picked up this incident, many potential visitors have expressed worry about whether they should ever go into an ice cave.

I’m going to share what has been reported in Iceland, action being taken to prevent potential ice cave tragedies, and when it is safest to go on an ice cave tour.

Before I dive in though, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the person who lost their life.

An Ice Cave Tour Turns into Tragedy

On Sunday, August 26th, 2024 rescue crews in Southeast Iceland searched for two missing tourists after an ice cave partially collapsed on the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The collapse occurred while a group of tourists was inside the cave. One tourist, a US national, was pronounced dead at the scene, while another, his pregnant wife, sustained serious injuries and was flown to a hospital in Reykjavík.

Continuing Search and Rescue Efforts

Following the collapse, around 50-60 rescue workers were deployed to the site, working in rotating shifts to clear away ice by hand due to the inability to bring heavy equipment to the site. Although weather conditions were favorable, the difficult glacier environment posed challenges to the rescue efforts.

Authorities as well as Search & Rescue teams had initially been told that 25 tourists were on the tour but only 23 were accounted for. The assumption was that two people were buried under the ice or stuck in the cave.

After a day of Search & Rescue workers digging in the ice in three groups doing one-hour shifts at each time, the search was called off for the two missing people because they never went on the tour. So basically, the tour company only had 23 people on the tour but initially thought there was 25.

Concerns Over Tour Safety and Regulations

The incident has sparked criticism from experts and officials regarding the safety practices of tour companies offering ice cave tours on Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Experienced glacier guides had previously raised concerns about the dangers of operating such tours outside the safer winter months (December to March).

A 2017 risk assessment report had already warned against summer ice cave tours due to increased risks, yet tour companies continued these excursions year-round, driven by the growing tourism market.

Government and Park Authorities' Response

In response to the accident, Vatnajökull National Park temporarily suspended all ice cave tours within its boundaries. The park authorities, along with government officials, expressed deep regret over the incident and acknowledged the failure to enforce earlier safety warnings. A government task force has been established to investigate why these warnings were not heeded and to ensure stricter regulations moving forward.

Call for Stricter Regulations on Ice Cave Tour Operations

The conduct of the tour company involved, Ice Pic Journeys, has been criticized, particularly for its marketing practices. Officials are now calling for a reassessment of the regulatory framework governing ice cave tours, with potential new regulations to prohibit such tours during unsafe periods.

The Icelandic Tourist Board is also considering expanding its oversight to require all tour operators to submit safety plans, rather than relying on a sample. One other important finding is that the area where the accident took place had been advised against going to because of recent glacial movements over that summer that could make dangerous conditions.

National Park and Government Actions

Our current Prime Minister and other government officials have emphasized the need to understand the regulatory failures that led to the tragedy.

“At first glance, it seems we have a decent regulatory framework concerning insurance, education, safety measures, and similar matters. The national park issues the permits, and I find it concerning that permits were issued during a time when the risk assessment indicated that the situation was not without danger.”

Iceland's Prime Minister as reported by Iceland Review

The government is focusing on ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The task force’s findings and recommendations are expected to influence new regulations, likely leading to the suspension of summer ice cave tours permanently.

Safest Time to Go on an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland

The Safest time to go on an Ice Cave tour is from December to March, which is winter in Iceland and the ice caves are much more stable. It is important to remember that conditions can change, and it is possible for tours to be cancelled due to various reasons, like weather or the cave changing a lot. I know some people are wondering about other ice caves in places other than Vatnajökull in southeast. Katla Ice Cave and Into the Glacier come to mind.

Honestly, that is a tough one for me to answer because this incident made me question if those are ok as well. I am not saying they are not ok. However, I think it is normal to have some questions about what is being done differently than in this situation to prevent a tragic accident. Because I am not a glacier guide, I rely on expert guides to know the conditions of the glaciers.

If you are planning to take an ice cave tour outside of the winter season, I highly recommend asking the tour company about the safety plans they have in place and if the conditions are ok for this type of tour.

Glacier Hike vs Ice Cave Tours

Glacier hikes are normally done all year long. Walking on a glacier as opposed to going inside of an ice cave that is located on a glacier are different experiences. They both have risks and require a glacier guide but glacier hikes are safe to do all year long.

Random Fact of the Episode

There is a man-made ice cave in Perlan, a museum and exhibition space in Reykjavík, that you can visit anytime of the year if you want to experience an ice cave safely in the off season for natural ice caves.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Íshellir – Ice cave

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The post Why Iceland Has Suspended Ice Cave Tours in Vatnajökull National Park appeared first on All Things Iceland.

Iceland Will Require a Visa Waiver Fee Starting in 2025

Jewells Chambers — Wed, 22 May 2024 20:53:49 +0000

At the beginning of 2025, a new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will come into effect. This new requirement aims to bolster security across Europe, addressing concerns related to terrorism and the influx of migrants and refugees.

Non-EU visitors who previously didn’t need a visa will now have to apply online for ETIAS, which will screen applicants against a database for criminal activities, prior overstays in the EU, and other security issues.

Iceland and the Schengen Zone

While Iceland is not part of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen zone, along with countries like Norway and Switzerland. The Schengen zone has uniform rules regarding entry and stay duration.

Therefore, Iceland will implement the same ETIAS requirements as other Schengen countries. This means that if you plan to visit Iceland and then travel to other European destinations, you will need an ETIAS authorization before landing in Reykjavik.

Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped for a maximum stay of 90 days, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen zone during this period.

Do You Need an Iceland ETIAS Visa Waiver?

As long as Iceland remains in the Schengen zone, the ETIAS rules will apply. Whether you need to apply for ETIAS depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries will continue to enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, including Iceland. Non-EU citizens are divided into two categories:

Visa-Exempt Travelers: This includes citizens from North America, Australia, and other countries who previously only needed a valid passport for short visits to Europe. Starting in 2025, these travelers must apply for ETIAS approval. The application fee is €7, and the authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Visa-Required Travelers: Citizens from countries not covered by the visa waiver will continue to need a full visa to enter Iceland, as is currently the case.

When Do You Need to Have ETIAS?

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set to launch in early 2025. Following its implementation, there will be a 180-day grace period.

During this six-month grace period, non-EU travelers who previously did not need a visa will need to fill out an ETIAS application form. This period will allow travelers to become familiar with the new requirement and give European travel authorities time to train on the new protocols and address any technical issues that arise.

After the grace period ends, all third-country nationals will be required to have ETIAS approval to enter the Schengen zone.

What will be asked on the ETIAS Application form?

The ETIAS online application will ask for basic information as part of the pre-screening check. Below is the information that is said to be required:

Valid passport / Travel document information
Full name
Current address
Citizenship status
Sex
Preferred gender
Dual citizenship status
Email address
Telephone number
Date of birth
Final destination member state
Educational background
Occupational background

During the ETIAS application or appeal process, you may be asked about your:

Criminal history
Past incarceration
Felon status
Past European travel
Drug use
Health history

How Long does Approval of ETIAS applications Take?

According to the website about ETIAS applications, it will only take a few minutes for an application to be approved once the payment is completed. While that sounds great, I would not leave applying for ETIAS to the last minute to avoid any possible issues.

Discovering Iceland's Natural Wonders

Iceland is a treasure trove of unique geological features, offering an abundance of geysers, bubbling mud pots, volcanoes, and lava fields. The country’s geothermal activity makes it a fascinating destination, even in winter, where you can relax in hot pools amidst snow and ice.

However, summer remains the ideal time to visit, especially if you plan to rent a car and explore beyond Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland’s two largest cities. If you plan to rent a car, use my code Iceland10 to save 10% on your entire rental cost with Go Car Rental Iceland.

Don’t miss out on Iceland’s breathtaking national parks. Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its historical and geological significance. Vatnajökull National Park boasts Iceland’s highest mountain, largest glacier, and extensive ice fields. You can use My Iceland Map to plan out your epic adventure.

As travel regulations evolve, staying informed is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. With ETIAS in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your visit to Iceland and beyond is secure and well-regulated. Enjoy your adventure in this land of fire and ice!

Random Fact of the Episode

Visa and Travel Authorization Requirements for Visiting the United States

All foreigners visiting the United States must hold a valid visa or travel authorization (ESTA) unless they are green card holders. While visas are issued by U.S. embassies, travel authorizations are applied for and issued online.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online platform designed to streamline the application process for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. For those planning to travel to the USA by air or sea, obtaining travel authorization through ESTA is a mandatory step before beginning their journey.

Requirements to Apply for an ESTA

To apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), travelers must meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship: Only citizens from 41 qualifying countries are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Ensure that your country is on the list of eligible nations.
Purpose of Visit: The Visa Waiver Program allows for stays of up to 90 days for purposes including tourism, business, transit, healthcare, or participation in non-credited study programs.

Application Requirements

Biometric Passport: You must possess a biometric passport that includes a microchip and the relevant symbol on its cover. This passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States.
ESTA Application: Complete the ESTA application online. It is recommended to apply for ESTA before making any hotel or flight reservations, as there might be a need to apply for a full visa if ESTA is not approved.

Post-Approval

Once your ESTA application is approved, you can update it with your final itinerary details before your departure. This flexibility allows you to finalize your travel plans with confidence.

By meeting these requirements, you can ensure a smooth application process and secure your travel authorization to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Vegabréfsáritun – Visa

Vegabréf – passport

Áritun – Signed document

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The post Iceland Will Require a Visa Waiver Fee Starting in 2025 appeared first on All Things Iceland.

Will 2024 Be One of Iceland’s Busiest Tourism Years Ever?

Jewells Chambers — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:35:55 +0000

As of January 15th, 2024, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) has stated that they are gearing up to host a whopping 8.5 million passengers this year, making it one of their busiest years ever. Yep, you heard it right, this little volcanic island is becoming more of a hotspot than ever before!

I know 8.5 million sounds like a lot, because it is, but I will put that into context during this episode because there much more to the story.

Why 2024 Can Be a Record-Breaking Year in Iceland?

So, what’s the scoop? Well, compared to last year, we’re looking at a 9.6% jump in visitors. This is both during the bustling summer months and the magical, aurora-filled winters, which usually have less people.

This year, a record-breaking 2.38 million international visitors are expected to actually visit Iceland, edging past the previous record set back in 2018. The growth isn’t just in the summer; winter tourism is getting a big boost too, with a 13.4% increase in visitors braving the cold for some icy adventures.

But it’s not just about sightseeing. With more people passing through, about 30% are just here for a quick layover. Still, every visit counts, and it’s a great chance for folks to get a taste of Iceland, even if it’s just a glimpse from the airport.

When the airport reports numbers like 8.5 million passengers, they are counting departures, arrivals, and transfers. For 2024, the number of departures is estimated to be about 2.98 mil, arrivals are about 2.99 mil, and transfers are about 2.5 mil. After rounding up, you have 8.5 million passengers.

Keflavík International Airport is Expanding to Meet the Demand

Guðmundur Daði Rúnarsson, the guy steering the ship at KEF, is all in on this uptick, especially the winter warriors coming to enjoy Iceland in its frosty glory. It’s great for business and even better for showing off our year-round appeal.

And to make sure everyone’s visit is smooth and enjoyable, KEF’s been on a bit of a building spree. Last year saw new spaces for check-ins and luggage, plus a shiny new taxiway to keep things moving smoothly. And there’s more on the horizon, with a new wing set to open later this year, packing in more gates and even more spots for shopping and dining.

Now, you might wonder how KEF figures all this out. It’s all about keeping a keen eye on travel trends, checking out airline schedules, and crunching numbers to predict how many folks will be coming through.

Rules Changing For Visitors to Iceland that ae From Outside the Schengen area

And with all these visitors, there’s going to be a buzz around the new ETIAS system kicking off in May 2025. The ETIAS is The European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

It’s a new travel requirement for a lot of international visitors, so with Iceland’s popularity soaring, the ETIAS applications are expected to go through the roof, especially with those extra winter visitors.

From the ETIAS website:

“It was announced by the European Commission in November 2016 and was implemented into legislation in September 2018. The intention of forming the system was to improve the security of EU member states within the Schengen region by capturing data on travellers that currently visit the area without a visa. The ETIAS will pre-screen travellers from "third-countries", who are citizens from countries not needing a Schengen Visa. The screening would pertain to terrorism or migration related risks. The objective is to identify individuals who pose security threats before they are able to travel to the Schengen area. ETIAS is not a visa, it is a visa waiver, similar to the U.S. ESTA and Canadian eTA. Travelers currently visiting European Member countries visa-free, will require an ETIAS in 2025 onwards. Passport holders of the EU single market are exempt from ETIAS.”

What Visitors to Iceland Need to Know

The increase in visitors, especially during the summer, means that booking your accommodations, and vehicle rental as soon as possible will ensure that you have the places you want to stay and car you want to drive handled. The demand for those are very high. I highly recommend booking at least 5 months before you arrive in summer but 6-8 is better.

Best Local Car Rental Company in Iceland

If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland. They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.

I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.

Go Campers

If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.

How an Increase in Visitors is Potentially Impacting Iceland’s Population

This surge in tourism isn’t just great for postcard sales; it’s making Iceland an even more appealing spot for folks thinking about a longer stay. With its stunning scenery and top-notch quality of life, who wouldn’t want to stick around? Plus, with new policies making it easier for students and remote workers to set up shop here, Iceland’s not just a vacation spot – it’s becoming a place to call home.

As KEF gears up for this tourist boom, it’s clear that Iceland’s allure is only getting stronger. With the airport expanding and improving, it’s ready to welcome people from around the world – and maybe convince a few to stay a little longer. Here’s to a bustling, vibrant Iceland, ready to enchant even more visitors in 2024!

Random Fact of the Episode

December 2024 is the month with the largest % increase that is forecasted for tourists at 21.4% and October has the least amount of % increase forecasted, which is -.9%.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Spá – forecast

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The post Will 2024 Be One of Iceland’s Busiest Tourism Years Ever? appeared first on All Things Iceland.

2023 Iceland Wrap-Up: Big News Stories & What’s Coming in 2024

Jewells Chambers — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 23:47:15 +0000

It’s the end of 2023 and it has been quite year in Iceland, my personal life and for All Things Iceland. This episode is a recap that hits on all those areas, and I share what I have in store for 2024! Of course, included in my recap is an update about the most recent volcanic eruption.

Like most of my episodes, I will also have a random fact and an Icelandic word of the episode to share at the very end.

How My Life in Iceland Has Changed in 2023

I’ll start out with the personal bits first. For those that listened to my 5-year anniversary episode of the podcast in June, you know that Gunnar and I are no longer together. Deciding to split was not easy. While I decision to no longer be together happened in 2022, our divorce was not finalized until July 2023. The divorce process in Iceland is a minimum of 6 months. There have certainly been some challenging times throughout the process.

I learned a lot about myself and fir the first time in a long time, I started to live on my own. Even though I continued to work on All Things Iceland, I took many much-needed breaks for my personal well-being and that helped me to feel so much more refreshed every time I came back to publish videos, podcast episodes or to projects for other companies.

While my life changed drastically the last couple of years, it has transformed me in ways I never imagined. As I have shared in the past, Iceland is my home and I love being here, so it is where I plan to stay for the foreseeable future.

Spending More Time in the US

I saw my family much more than I have in previous years. I came to the US three times, which is quite a lot for me, but it was awesome. I met some of my listeners and followers out on the streets of Reykjavik or at a coffee shop. I am often not able to meet up with people because of my schedule but I have thought of hosting dinners where people visiting can dine and chat with me in person while in the country. I would love to hear people’s feedback about that. Feel free to email me at jewells(at)allthingsiceland.com or message me via Instagram, if you are interested in that idea.

All Things Iceland Recap in 2023

Even though, this fits into both the personal and professional part of my life, it was such a joy to be one of the people featured on Geography of Bliss hosted by Rainn Wilson.

For those who have not heard of it or seen it, the actor who played Dwight Shrute on the hit show The Office (specifically the US version), hosted a travel show where he goes around the world to find out what happiness means in different cultures. The first episode is Iceland. It was originally aired on Peacock, which is NBC’s streaming service, but I think it is available on several platforms now.

Not including this one, I published 32 podcast episodes last year, which surprised me because I didn’t feel like I put out that much in 2023. As you’ll soon learn about 2024, I have a lot more in store for the podcast because I miss having lots of great episodes going out that hit on many different aspects of Iceland’s culture, history, language, nature, and travel.

I couldn’t do as many interviews as I wanted in 2023, but my favorites were with Chief Phil Fontaine from Canada and Aka Hensen from Greenland.

I learned so much from all my interviews but those two were eye opening for me in many ways. I have them linked in the show’s description on my website allthingsiceland.com, if you would like to listen to them.

Who the Podcast Reached in 2023

The podcast reached 187 countries last year. For those that are curious, listeners from the US are my largest audience but the top 7 are US, Canada, Iceland, the UK, Germany, Australia, and Norway.

There are many European countries after that, but I loved to see all of the ones on the list. Some that stood out to me as I scrolled through the list of 187 countries are the Aland Islands, Cameroon, Honduras, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, the UAE, and Taiwan (which is pretty high up there in terms of numbers).

It’s an honor to reach one person but to have reached over 846,000 listeners in the lifespan of this podcast blows my mind. I have so much gratitude for all of you.

Biggest Icelandic News Stories of the Year in 2023

1. The First Volcanic Eruption

We had two volcanic eruptions in one year! Litli Hrútur Eruption started on July 10th and was over by August 8^th

It was in an isolated area on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The biggest issue that came up during that eruption is that large moss fires made for difficult breathing conditions for hikers to the site.

The 2nd Volcanic Eruption

At the end of October, the town of Grindavík started to experience constant earthquakes. By November, the town had been evacuated and facilities like the Blue Lagoon were shut down for safety reasons because of a potential eruption.

“The damage to homes and infrastructure in Grindavík could amount to ISK 10 billion [$71.4 million, €66.3 million], according to the director of the Natural Catastrophe Insurance of Iceland. Before paying out damages, authorities must reconsider the town’s zoning plan and whether some areas will be deemed no longer safe for residential housing”.

Icelandi Review

On December 18^th at 10:17 PM, an eruption started on Reykjanes Peninsula north of Grindavik and quite close to the Blue Lagoon but far away enough to not harm it.

Plus, a protection wall made of lava rock had been constructed around the Blue Lagoon and Svartstengi Power Plant to try and protect them. Surprisingly, the eruption started really strong and pumping out a faster rate of lava than the last three but it also ended after two days.

Because the eruption had died down and there weren’t a lot of earthquakes, some people who live in Grindavik were able to speak Christmas at home.

The Blue Lagoon was closed from November until December 17^th. After the eruption on December 18^th, the Blue Lagoon closed again. On their website, they state that they will re-evaluate their status on December 29^th.

I will explain a few more of the top stories but after that I will mostly just talk about some headlines before moving on to what is in store for the podcast in 2024.

2. An Icelandic woman extradited to Norway for the custody of her children.

An Icelandic woman Edda Björk Arnardóttir was extradited to Norway amidst widespread controversy, as reported by RÚV. She was charged with unlawfully taking her three sons from Norway to Iceland last year, defying a Norwegian court’s custody decision favoring the children’s father. The father, an Icelandic resident in Norway, had legal custody.

Despite this, Edda Björk, using a private jet, retrieved her sons from Norway and brought them back to Iceland without the father’s consent. Four months ago, Norwegian authorities requested her extradition for trial. Before being extradited, she was detained at Hólmsheiði prison in Iceland, where her supporters, including friends and family, unsuccessfully attempted to prevent her extradition.

She is currently held in a high-security Norwegian prison, awaiting sentencing. This has caused such a stir in Iceland and abroad because many are in support of Edda Björk.

3. The Women's Strike

It is estimated that 70-100 thousand people gathered at Arnarhóll for the Women’s strike.

Conclusion of the whole meeting:

Women’s strike on 24 October 2023!

We demand correction of the undervaluation of the so-called “women’s” work!
That employers stop discounting their wages to women and women’s rights!
We demand specific measures to correct the conditions of the poorest women and men, because no one should have to live in poverty!
We demand that wage inequality and discrimination be eliminated!
That women and men can survive on their wages and have the opportunity to develop in their work to the same level as men!

Check out this link for more information about the strike and all the demands of the women who met and organized the strike.

4. Icelanders disappointed in the government’s response to Gaza

5. Icelandic Roads Least Lethal Worldwide

6. Whaling Ban Lifted in Iceland

7. One in Four Preschool Children Has Foreign Background

8. Iceland's First Cacao Fruit Made Into Chocolate

9. Opioid Crisis: Over 1730 Doses of Naloxone Distributed

10. Vital to Prevent Travellers from Hiking Near Glymur in Winter

11. Highly-Criticised Immigration Bill Passed in Iceland

12. Elon Musk Walks Back Comments About Halli After Twitter ..

13. Four Hotels Shuttered as Wage Negotiations Drag On

What’s in store for 2024 for All Things Iceland

I am working on a digital guide to help those planning to visit Iceland. It will be like a digital version of a guide book but with so much more, including videos about what makes each region of the country so amazing, a brief history about Iceland, Icelandic phrases, what to pack, how to prepare for coming to the country, and tons more.
It’s more extensive than anything I have ever done and there is plenty of information in the guide that you won’t find on any of my platforms, including the podcast. This will be launched in 2024 and the first announcement I make about it will be made to my email list. If you want to be one of the first to have access, you can sign up for my email newsletter on my website.
Ask Jewells is a new feature I plan to start in 2024 where you can submit questions about Iceland, I will collect them and when there is a enough of them, I will do a Ask Me Anything style podcast episode. If there are many questions, I will do several episodes throughout the year so they are not very long.
Folklore Friday is a new part of the podcast that I am excited about. The goal is to put out an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024.
Doing more interviews in 2024. I already have three amazing people lined up who I think will share loads of great information as well as provide insight into Iceland.

Random Fact of the Episode

Well, no one is sure if the previous eruption is over or if it is just taking a break. Some experts are saying there might be an eruption around NYE. We shall see what happens, and I will update you if anything new happens.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Gleðilegt nýtt ár! – Happy New Year

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The post 2023 Iceland Wrap-Up: Big News Stories & What’s Coming in 2024 appeared first on All Things Iceland.

The Latest on Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption – December 2023

Jewells Chambers — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:06:05 +0000

The latest volcanic eruption in Iceland started on Monday, December 18^th at 10:00 PM UTC. When it started the fear was that the town of Grindavík would be in danger of being submerged in molten hot lava. Here is the latest on what is happening and if the town is in danger.

Will Grindavík Be Spared in Iceland’s Latest Volcanic Eruption?

The eruption started north of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Due to major damage from earthquakes and the potential of magma breachin the surface, Grindavík had been evacuated some weeks ago.

Even though, no one was certain where the eruption would happen, it was fairly certain that one was mostly likely to happen in this area or even underneath the town. As of right now, the lava appears to be flowing away from the town and is confined between two mountains – Sýlingarfell and Hagafell.

Is the Blue Lagoon in Danger?

Even though the eruption is happening across the road from the Blue Lagoon and the power station, there is no current indication that either are in danger. The Blue Lagoon opened on December 17^th again after being closed for weeks, but then had to close again due to the eruption nearby.

It’s hard to say when it will be deemed safe for the Blue Lagoon to open again. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and it will be announced when the iconic location will open in the future.

Will Flights to Iceland Be Impacted by the Current Volcanic Eruption?

Currently, flights to Iceland are not impacted at all by the current volcanic eruption. While this eruption is happening on the same peninsula where the airport is located, it is still far enough away from it to have an impact.

There is no expectation that there will be ash created that can pose a threat to engines of planes. If anything, you might be able to see the eruption well from the window of your flight if you are arriving in the country when it is dark. If anything changes regarding flights, I will definitely announce it.

Should I cancel my trip to Iceland because of the Volcanic Eruption Happening Now?

While I understand the trepidation some people fear of coming to Iceland when an active volcanic eruption is happening, there is no need to cancel your plans to visit. There is only a very small area on the Reykjanes Peninsula that is currently impacted by this natural occurrence.

The rest of Iceland is open for you to explore and enjoy. Like I mentioned above, flights are happening according to schedule and there is no current expectation that this eruption will cause delays or cancellations.

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The post The Latest on Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption – December 2023 appeared first on All Things Iceland.

How Ongoing Labor Strikes Might Impact Your Iceland Adventure

Jewells Chambers — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:35:53 +0000

I have some news to share that may or may not impact travelers to Iceland. I’ve been holding off on talking about the current labor strikes because they have yet to have a big impact on the everyday lives of most people living in Reykjavik or people visiting. However, that might change in the coming days or week if the strike continues and a work ban happens.

While there are a lot of drama that I could go into about what is happening behind the scenes, I decided to give an abridged yet still informative synopsis about what is happening.

The Short Backstory About the Labor Strikes

Efling, one of the largest labor unions in Iceland, has been fighting for higher wages for their members. Due to inflation, the cost of food and other items have gone way up and current minimum wage salaries are not cutting it as a livable wage.

Many members in this union are on the lower end of the pay scale. They work in hotels, drive trucks, staff in hospitals, police officers and so on. Well, Efling and the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprises (SA) have not been able to strike a deal when it comes to companies agreeing to pay their employees more. To demonstrate their stance on demanding more pay, over 40% of Efling members voted for some kind of strike.

Of the 21,000+ members in Efling about 2,000 are currently on strike. In response to the the strikes, about 94.73% of the companies that are members of the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprises have voted in favor of a work ban or lock out.

This work ban means that all of the members of Efling, regardless if they are actively taking part in the strikes, will be barred from working and will not be paid while the work ban is in effect. Originally, the work ban was scheduled for March 2^nd but it has now been postponed until March 6^th.

What The Strikes Mean for Travelers in Iceland

The truck drivers on strike are not delivering fuel to gas stations and there is concern that stations in Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula (where the airport is located), South Iceland, West Iceland, and the Westfjords will run out of fuel. Other individuals that are on strike clean hotels in the Reykjavik capital area. If you are planning to stay at the following hotels, you might experience a disruption in service or a cancellation of your accommodations:

Hotel Reykjavik Saga
Fosshotel Rauðará
Fosshotel Lind
Berjaya Reykjavík Natura Hotel
Hilton Reykjavík Nordic
Berjaya Reykjavík Marina Hotel

If you find that your hotel accommodations have been cancelled and you can not rebook your accommodations somewhere else, there is an emergency number you can call. It is open for 12 hours a day (8 AM – 8 PM GMT. The number is +354-891-7765.

One major thing to consider is if the work ban goes into effect on March 6^th, then tourism and other industries in the country might grind to a halt. The Confederation of Icelandic Enterprises has stated that emergency workers like the police, hospital workers, rescue team members and so on when not take part in the work ban. That is one reassurance for all of anyone concerned about getting any type of care during all of this. There is also no current concern about stores running out of food or anything like that.

List of Fuel Stations in Iceland

Here is a list of websites for the largest fuel stations in the country. They are showing which stations of theirs have fuel and which have run out. Not all of the sites are in English. The word opið means the station is open and lokað means it is closed.

According to the Icelandic tourism board, the FlyBus that transports people to and from the airport will continue to run. Also, the public bus, Stræto, in Reykjavík will continue to run on schedule too for the time being.

Random Fact of the Episode

You might be wondering what the Icelandic government has to say about all of this. Well, I did too and here is the consenus at the moment. According to an article published today, February 28^th, the Icelandic Parliament does not believe they should step in. They believe that the state appointed mediator Ástráður Haraldsson will handle it and find an agreeable solution for both parties. However, if the dispute escalates to a place where public safety is threatened, the government will step in and make a decision. I guess we just have to wait and see what happens.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

verkfall = strike

I sincerely hope all of this comes to leads to a better situation for the workers and that your travel plans are not impacted.

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega!

The post How Ongoing Labor Strikes Might Impact Your Iceland Adventure appeared first on All Things Iceland.

Iceland Has Lifted All COVID Restrictions – Here is what to Expect

Jewells Chambers — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 22:44:35 +0000

Even though the Health Minister had hinted at removing all restrictions, I honestly didn‘t think it would happen now because of the continued high rate of infections in the country. In the last couple of weeks, the number of new COVID cases has broken records. We have seen numbers way higher than when the pandemic started. Yet, Icelandic Parliament, along with the Chief Epidemiologist, have decided to lift all restrictions.

Reactions to Lifting of COVID Restrictions in Iceland

In this episode, I go over how people are feeling in Iceland about this decision. There are some who are rejoicing, while there are some that are nervous. The most vocal people that are rejoicing are those in the hospitality and travel sector. It has been a rough two years for them, and they are hoping that going back to pre-pandemic life will mean a revival of their businesses.

What the Lifting of Restrictions Means for Travelers to the Country

As of now, there is no obligation to take a test when you land in the country, no quarantine or isolation is required as well. Regardless of your vaccination status, you can enter Iceland without issue. PCR tests are no longer readily available. If you need to take a COVID test, you still have the rapid test (antigen) one available.

You are also not obligated to wear masks or keep your distance from people. If you do feel sick and test positive for COVID, it is recommended that you isolate but that is not being enforced. Basically, you can enter and travel around freely in the country.

Additionally, you do not have to pre-register on covid.is nor do you need to present a vaccination certificate at the border.

Why Has Iceland Lifted All Restrictions When the Virus is still widespread?

Below is a quote from this article on RÚV English regarding Iceland has concluded lifting all restrictions:

The memo to the minister from chief epidemiologist Þórólfur Guðnason states that the rate of serious illness has not risen in line with the wide spread of the virus in society. Þórólfur believes that 80 percent of the population will have had the virus by around mid-March, and that this will be the likely threshold for good herd immunity. The massive spike in new infections has nevertheless cause significant problems for the health service; with more people being admitted to hospital, and a very large number of health workers off with the virus—thereby threatening basic services.”

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Depending on how the next couple of weeks turn out, it could be that the decision to lift all restrictions still stands or that the government takes different action. We shall see.

If you found this episode helpful and/or informative, please share it with someone that you think would find it interesting.

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