Iceland Travel News

Orange warnings hit the Westfjords and North Iceland today. Dangerous roads, blizzards, and domestic flight disruptions expected through Thursday.

Iceland autumn 2026 brings softer visitor numbers. Fewer crowds, lower accommodation rates, and fully operational tours make October a strong window.

October is one of Iceland's best months for northern lights. Dark nights, elevated solar activity, and clear autumn skies make 2026 a strong year.

Studded winter tyres become legal in Iceland on 15 October. What rental cars come with, what drivers must check, and the rules for winter road travel.

Icelandair launched a Gdansk-Keflavik route on 18 September 2026 and begins Tromso service on 23 October, expanding access from Poland and Arctic Norway.

The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island is illuminated from 9 October through 8 December each year. Ferries run from Reykjavík Old Harbour.

Iceland Airwaves 2026 third lineup wave announced. Cobrah, Leith Ross, Warhaus, and Alien Chicks join 120 acts in Reykjavík on 5–7 November.

Iceland Airwaves has revealed its first wave of acts for the 2026 edition, with Shygirl, The Streets, and Daði Freyr among the November headliners.

Icelandair mechanics begin an indefinite strike on 23 September 2026, cancelling all departures from Iceland. Rebook now via Icelandair's website.

Iceland's highland F-roads close late September to mid-October. Landmannalaugar, Kjölur, and Sprengisandur are accessible now but windows are closing.

RIFF 2026, the 23rd Reykjavík International Film Festival, runs 24 September to 4 October with Nordic and international cinema across capital venues.

A new geothermal bathing lagoon, Reykjaböðin, opened on 7 September 2026 at the foot of Reykjadalur valley in Hveragerði, 35 minutes from Reykjavík.

No active eruption on Reykjanes as of September 2026 - the last ended August 2025. Magma levels remain elevated. Flights and tours operating normally.

ETIAS has been postponed indefinitely. Visa-exempt travellers to Iceland need only a valid passport in 2026 - no pre-registration required.

The réttir - Iceland's September sheep roundup - is one of the few highland traditions visitors can join. Here's what it involves and how to take part.

September 2026 combines the autumn equinox with Solar Cycle 25's peak - the best conditions for northern lights in Iceland in over a decade.

Demand for the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon surged around Iceland's solar eclipse. Here is how to find available slots for late August and September.

Darkness returns to Iceland from 20 August as northern lights tours resume. The Reykjavik Jazz Festival also runs 25–30 August 2026.

Reykjavík Culture Night (Menningarnótt) is on 22 August 2026, with free entry to museums, live concerts, outdoor stages, and fireworks at Arnarhóll.

Iceland closes roads and bans parking for the 12 August eclipse. Traffic controls begin at 08:00 across Westfjords, Snæfellsnes, and Reykjavík.

Snæfellsnes Eclipse Festival runs 12–15 August near Hellissandur: total solar eclipse viewing, live music and cultural events on Iceland's west coast.

Alaska Airlines has launched a daily seasonal nonstop from Seattle to Keflavík, operating through September 8 in time for the August solar eclipse.

Reykjavík Pride (Aug 4–9, parade Aug 8) and the Iceland Eclipse Festival (Aug 11–15) make early August the busiest period of 2026. Book now.

Icelandair reported record Q2 2026 revenue of $496m but a $29.6m operating loss, driven by a $41m fuel cost spike. Summer cancellations continue this week.

Icelandair is cancelling flights in July 2026 due to aircraft shortage and a pilot dispute. What passengers and incoming visitors need to know.

Iceland's Met Office warns magma levels at Svartsengi are at pre-eruption thresholds. An eruption on the Sundhnúkur row could begin with little warning.

Þjóðhátíð 2026 at Westman Islands, 31 July–3 Aug: 15,000 attendees, bonfires, live music, fireworks. Iceland's biggest national celebration.

European heatwaves are driving visitors north to Iceland, where July temperatures hold at 10–15°C. Accommodation and car hire are selling fast.

Swiss airline Edelweiss Air is now flying direct from Zurich to Akureyri in North Iceland. Eleven departures run between June and August 2026.

Eistnaflug, Iceland's annual heavy metal festival, runs 10–13 July 2026 in Neskaupstaður in the East Fjords. Here's what to expect and how to get there.

Iceland hosts its first total solar eclipse since 1954 on 12 August 2026. Totality lasts 59 seconds in Reykjavik and nearly 2 minutes near Keflavik.

Laugarás Lagoon opens on Iceland's Golden Circle, adding a second geothermal bathing destination to the route alongside Laugarvatn Fontana. Entry 2026.

Highland F-roads open for summer 2026. New mandatory parking reservations apply at Landmannalaugar from 20 June - book via the Parka app in advance.

Iceland's largest Viking festival celebrates Norse heritage each June in Hafnarfjörður, featuring traditional crafts, mock battles, and markets.

Iceland celebrates National Day on 17 June with parades, the Fjallkona ceremony, and street festivals in Reykjavik. Here's what travellers should know.

Iceland's Met Office warns a Svartsengi eruption is the most likely near-term scenario. What travellers need to know about the Reykjanes alert.

WestJet launches weekly Edmonton–Keflavík non-stop from 27 June 2026 - the first direct Alberta-to-Iceland route, bypassing Toronto connections.

Iceland's midnight sun peaks around June 21 - the solstice. Best spots to watch it across the country, what overnight light feels like, and when to visit.

The bridge over Jökulsá á Fjöllum on Route 1 closes 8am–7pm daily from 26 May to 16 June for maintenance. Four brief passing windows open each day.

Alaska Airlines now flies daily nonstop Seattle–Reykjavik through 8 September 2026 - the only direct West Coast route to Iceland for summer 2026.

Iceland is on track for a record year of international arrivals in 2026, with summer capacity under pressure across popular sites.

Iceland's Northern Lights season for 2026 - when to go, where to see them, and why solar activity makes this a promising year for aurora hunters.

Several airlines have added or expanded direct routes to Keflavík in 2026, including new North American and European connections starting this summer.