Everything from the east

Gylfi Þór reveals unexpected transfer discussed three years ago – “Eggert tried to sell me a dream”

Gylfi Þór Sigurðsson, a Víkingur player, was in talks in 2024 with KFA, which was then playing in the men’s 2nd division. Eggert Gunnþór Jónsson, then the team’s player-assistant coach, tried to convince Gylfi to move to East Iceland.

Pink crawler excavator for Pink October

A brand-new, state-of-the-art Komatsu excavator has recently drawn considerable attention in Seyðisfjörður. Not so much the excavator itself, perhaps, as its highly unusual colours. It is no coincidence that the machine was delivered on Pink Day itself, 21 October, on which day, and indeed throughout the month, everyone in the country is especially encouraged to wear pink in order to…

Roaming Icelandic summer-spawning herring brings efficiency gains

Up to sixty percent of the herring arriving at Loðnuvinnslan in Fáskrúðsfjörður is now Icelandic summer-spawning herring. Plant manager Magnús Ásgrímsson says processing is going well in the new building.

Five thousand tonnes of herring still to be caught

Síldarvinnslan’s fish processing plant in Neskaupstaður has received 23,000 tonnes of herring so far this season. Síldarvinnslan’s website states that five thousand tonnes remain to be caught.

Lights, art and live stories to tackle the dark season at Days of Darkness

The Days of Darkness festival began in Fjarðabyggð over the weekend and runs until Halloween next Saturday. During this time the dark season is met with lights, art and live stories, with fifteen events on the programme in all.

Cooking course at Eskifjörður school in 1953

Four boys and all the girls attended a cooking course at Eskifjarðarskóli in the autumn of 1953. Þorsteinn Skúlason won a prize for his recipe book, and the trophy still adorns his dining table.

Guðröður and Árni Magnús honoured for contribution to tourism in East Iceland

Guðröður Hákonarson, often known as Gurri, of Hildibrand in Neskaupstaður, received the East Iceland tourism encouragement award, Klettur, at the association’s autumn meeting last week. It is a recognition for having been a powerful driving force in the development of tourism in Neskaupstaður.

Blængur lands catch worth ISK 507 million

Blængur NK came in with 620 tonnes after a 26-day fishing trip. The catch was worth ISK 507 million, even though autumn storms disrupted the fishing.

SSA demands government drop changes to Loftbrú

The board of the Association of Municipalities in East Iceland (SSA) demands that the government drop the planned changes to the discount terms of Loftbrú and instead ensure sufficient funding to strengthen support for the scheme.

Loftbrúin drifts away from the Scottish model

Loftbrúin (the Air Bridge) was established in 2020 to improve access for rural residents to centralised services and to strengthen rural communities.

Little sign of hot water in Borgarfjörður eystri

The first exploratory drilling for hot water in Borgarfjörður eystri in about 50 years was carried out by HEF-veitur a short while ago, but, as had been expected beforehand, the preliminary results give little cause for optimism.

Increased risk of landslides and rockfall due to rain

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued a yellow warning for increased risk of landslides and rockfall in Austfirðir, East Iceland as far as Glettingur, and on Tröllaskagi. The warning is in effect until noon tomorrow.

“Residents don’t book last-minute flights for fun”

The Association of Municipalities in East Iceland objects to the planned change to the Loftbrú scheme. The cut is an attack on living conditions in rural areas, it says.

Want a higher discount instead of a fixed amount

The Association of Municipalities in East Iceland (SSA) strongly objects to the planned changes to Loftbrú and demands that the government drop its plans to replace the current percentage-based subsidy of airfares with a fixed amount in krónur.

Half a billion in catch value in 26 days

The freezer trawler Blængur NK arrived in Neskaupstaður yesterday after a 26-day fishing trip. The vessel’s catch was 620 tonnes gutted. On the company’s website, the value of the catch is stated as ISK 507 million.

Catch worth ISK 507 million despite “proper autumn gales”

The freezer trawler Blængur NK arrived in Neskaupstaður yesterday after a 26-day fishing trip, most of it in rough weather. The vessel nevertheless landed 620 tonnes, with a catch value estimated at about ISK 507 million.

Landslide blocks road at Njarðvíkurskriður

The risk of landslides and rockfalls has increased because of heavy rainfall in the Eastfjords, and the Icelandic Road Administration has reported a landslide that fell onto the road at Njarðvíkurskriður.

Blængur NK returns home with half a billion

The fishing trip took 26 days and the catch was mostly cod and haddock, but also golden redfish, saithe and other species

A bridge over rural decline or an Icelandair milking machine?

It was announced on the Government Offices website on 23 October that from 1 January 2027 the Loftbrú discount will be a fixed amount, ISK 7,000 per flight leg, instead of 40% of the fare. As a result, the average subsidy per flight leg falls by just under a quarter, and the state’s total subsidies for the scheme fall from about ISK 740 million to about ISK 560 million.

Say living conditions are under attack

The Fjarðabyggð municipal council strongly protests the planned changes to Loftbrú (the Air Bridge) and calls on the government to drop the plans. The council says cutting airfare subsidies is an unacceptable attack on living conditions in rural areas.

Kaldvík gets deadline extension until Wednesday

Kaldvík’s lenders have extended the waiver of loan covenants until 3 pm on Wednesday, 28 October. Talks on the company’s financing continue.

Became construction managers overnight

On 6 February 2024 a storm swept across the Eastfjords, and the farmers at Vattarnes were hit especially hard. In one small spot the wind intensified and caused major damage to a residential house and sheep sheds. The roof of the outbuildings was blown off in one piece and then shattered in another …

Strong wind warning for the Eastfjords this evening

Winds will pick up around 7 pm this evening from the northwest in the Eastfjords, and gusts could reach up to 35 m/s in wind streams near mountains, for example in Hamarfjörður.

Lying in wait like ruffians at Hamarsá

Stefán Skafti Steinólfsson. Dear readers. The assault on Hamarsdalur in the old Djúpavogshreppur, now Múlaþing, continues. The decision by the minister of energy and the environment and the Althing to move the proposed power plant plans in Hamarsdalur from the protection category into …

Draft property boundaries estimated for nearly 1,200 farms in Northeast and East Iceland

Staff at the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS) have for some time been working to estimate the property boundaries of farms across the country where no surveyed delineation exists. The authority has now published draft boundaries for a total of 1,160 farms in Northeast and East Iceland.

Fjarðabyggð to stop operating its own EV charging stations

The electric vehicle charging stations that the municipality of Fjarðabyggð installed some time ago and has operated since will be decommissioned, following a decision by the planning and construction committee. The stations’ equipment has become obsolete and they have mostly stopped working and generating revenue.

Kaldvík gets deadline extended

Lenders of the fish farming company Kaldvík have further extended the company’s temporary waiver from certain loan terms, although the deadline was due to expire today.

Kaldvík gets yet another extension

Lenders of sea-cage fish farming company Kaldvík have extended further the deadline of the company’s temporary waiver from its loan terms. The deadline was due to expire today but has been extended until Wednesday.

Decision that harms women’s football

KFA (Knattspyrnufélag Austfjarða) has issued a statement after Höttur withdrew from the cooperation under the FHL banner in women’s football.

Over a million salmon die in sea pens in September

Over a million salmon died in sea pens in Iceland in September. A department head says the vast majority died in Reyðarfjörður, because of jellyfish plaguing them.

“We’re just supposed to keep quiet and accept it”

Ingibjörg Isaksen, Progressive Party MP for the Northeast constituency, says Loftbrú is about evening out the situation between the capital area and the countryside. She is concerned that decisions are being thrown out without involving the municipalities and rural areas. She wants to see the Minister of Infrastructure “back down from this decision” to use a fixed krónur amount instead of a percentage.

Regret over Höttur’s decision

The board and managing director of Knattspyrnufélag Austfjarða in Fjarðabyggð have issued a statement expressing regret over the decision by Höttur in Egilsstaðir to end the cooperation on the FHL women’s team.

Loftbrú cuts an “attack on living conditions in rural areas”

The planned cuts to Loftbrú are an unacceptable attack on living conditions in rural areas, according to the Fjarðabyggð town council. It calls on the government to drop the plans immediately and instead to strengthen support for air passengers who are forced to travel to the capital area for essential services.

Fjarðabyggð Cultural Centre and National Opera want to strengthen opera in East Iceland

Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar (the Fjarðabyggð Cultural Centre) and the newly founded National Opera have signed a three-year declaration of intent on continued cooperation on opera performances, education and the development of musical activity in East Iceland. This, they say, would increase residents’ access to opera and create more opportunities for musicians in the region.

Kaldvík’s 24-hour deadline nearly up

Lenders to the aquaculture company Kaldvík have extended the company’s temporary waiver from certain loan terms until the end of today.

Minister considers raising rural flight discount from ISK 7,000 to 9,000

Eyjólfur Ármannsson, Minister of Infrastructure, has indicated that the planned cut in the airfare subsidy for rural residents to ISK 7,000 per flight leg will be reconsidered and may be raised to ISK 9,000. The minister’s ideas have drawn heavy criticism from many quarters, but an increase of ISK 2,000 on the earlier proposal is seen by many as no great concession.

“I don’t like it at all”

Jónína Brynjólfsdóttir, president of the Múlaþing municipal council, welcomes plans to increase funding for Loftbrú but says she does not like the planned changes to the subsidy system. She believes the current arrangement, in which the state subsidises 40% of airfares, is far more sensible than a fixed amount in krónur.

Preschool situation improving in Múlaþing

Two new staff members have been hired at the Tjarnarskógur preschool in Egilsstaðir, where a severe staff shortage at the start of the school year greatly limited how many children could be admitted. Everything now looks to be improving, although the preschool still needs to advertise for staff.

Kaldvík’s position “heavy” and valuation falls below market price

The valuation of the fish farming company Kaldvík has been cut by almost a third following operating difficulties, a weakening cash position and rising financing costs. Analysts consider the company’s financial position heavy after major setbacks in recent months, but expect operations to begin recovering next year.

“We can’t all live in Reykjavík”

The mayor of Múlaþing says the addition to Loftbrú, announced yesterday by the infrastructure minister, is not what people are calling for. Not everyone can live in Reykjavík, and rural residents’ access to services must be made more equal.

Shared services must be accessible to everyone

We who live in East Iceland help fund the nation’s shared services just like everyone else. A large share of those services and that activity is in the capital area. Many of the state’s main institutions are there, and that is where we go to get a wide range of services, cultural events and sports activities. Residents of other parts of the country who live far from Reykjavík face a similar situation.

Jóna Árný new chair of the Icelandic Ports Association

Jóna Árný Þórðardóttir, town and port director of Fjarðabyggð, was elected the new chair of the Icelandic Ports Association on Friday. She takes over from Lúðvík Geirsson and is the very first woman to hold the post.

Ill-conceived changes for a small sum

“I find this a very sad matter and I urge the infrastructure minister to withdraw these ideas,” says Njáll Trausti Friðbertsson, Independence Party MP for the Northeast constituency, about infrastructure minister Eyjólfur Ármannsson’s planned changes to Loftbrú.

Not surprised by minister’s reaction to criticism

Jens Garðar Helgason, vice-chair of the Independence Party and the party’s MP for the Northeast Constituency, says it did not surprise him that the Minister of Infrastructure has already begun considering a review of the changed rules on Loftbrú.

Everything half price at Kjörbúðin in Neskaupstaður ahead of closure

As previously reported, a new SPAR store is due to open in the Kjörbúðin premises in Neskaupstaður in the middle of next month. To make that go as smoothly as possible, the existing stock must be cleared, which is why all the store’s products are now 50% off for the next few days.

Yet another government attack on rural areas

It is unbelievable to watch how the government seems to be systematically making it harder and more expensive to live in rural areas. Now Loftbrú is to be cut, leaving rural residents with a fixed discount of ISK 7,000 per flight leg instead of a 40% discount. The government calls this a change of arrangement. The rest of us simply call it what…

“Crazy course” by infrastructure minister

“This changes nothing. Of course I welcome that he is reconsidering this decision, but it is still a cut to Loftbrú, and we simply think it is a crazy course for him to take while also raising the kilometre charge. Proportionally, East Icelanders will be hit by far the worst by this, and it is simply a huge step backwards.”

Beitir lands 800 tonnes despite patchy herring fishing

The first haul yielded about 450 tonnes, but less was caught in the following ones. The skipper says the share of Icelandic summer-spawning herring in the catch is growing.

Wood pellets to be burned to heat “Klakahöllin”

The school complex in Reyðarfjörður, a football hall, a sports hall and school buildings will be heated by burning wood pellets. Construction of Tandraorka’s new heating plant is well advanced.

Eyjólfur’s betrayal: Residents angry and disappointed

There is widespread anger in East Iceland over planned changes to Loftbrú, which Infrastructure Minister Eyjólfur Ármannsson presented yesterday.

Plan to protest changes to Loftbrú: “We will not accept this”

The Minister of Infrastructure announced yesterday changes to the Loftbrú scheme that take effect from the new year. The chair of the Association of Municipalities in East Iceland says the changes are a slap in the face for residents of rural areas.

“I’m just a bit hurt”

The chief executive of Múlaþing says she is disappointed and hurt by the government’s plans to change the discounted air fares for rural residents. She criticises the lack of consultation and says this is yet another blow to the countryside.

“Rural Iceland furious” and ghosts in Laugardalur

The municipal director of Múlaþing says she is disappointed and hurt by the government’s plans to change the discounted air fares for rural residents. She criticises the lack of consultation and says this is yet another blow for rural areas.

Ingvar opposes changes to Loftbrú

Ingvar Þóroddsson, Viðreisn MP for the Northeast constituency, opposes the government’s change to the Loftbrú arrangement as it was presented yesterday. Mbl.is reports.

Ingvar opposes government’s change

Ingvar Þóroddsson, a Reform Party (Viðreisn) MP for the Northeast constituency, opposes the government’s change to the Loftbrú arrangement.

“The kilometre charge has already been raised, and now this”

“This is yet another blow to rural areas,” says Jónína Brynjólfsdóttir, chair of the Múlaþing council.

Property boundaries mapped across more than 80% of the country

The Housing and Construction Authority (HMS) has finished estimating the property boundaries of about 1,150 farms in Northeast Iceland and East Iceland. The farms cover about 20 thousand square kilometres, and with the new data, property boundaries have been estimated in areas equivalent to about 83% of Iceland’s total area.

The Loftbrú air discount must not lose altitude

For those of us who live far from the capital, it matters that we can easily access services there without such trips causing unnecessary financial worries. It is fundamental that where people live does not determine their ability to use the services that have been built up in the capital for all citizens. Domestic flights play a key role in this. The infrastructure minister’s announced changes in connection with…

First woman to chair Icelandic Ports Association

Jóna Árný Þórðardóttir, municipal and harbour director of Fjarðabyggð, is the first woman to serve as chair of the Icelandic Ports Association (Hafnarsamband Íslands). She was elected chair at the association’s annual congress, which ended today.

“Minister’s remarks out of touch with the circumstances of people in rural areas”

The chair of the Association of Municipalities in East Iceland (SSA) says that changing the Loftbrú subsidies from a percentage to a fixed króna amount is a reduction in quality of life in rural areas. He says the infrastructure minister’s remarks are out of touch with people’s reality.

Trawlers undeterred by a bit of rough weather

The Vestmannaeyjar trawlers Vestmannaey VE and Bergey VE both landed in Neskaupstaður yesterday after short fishing trips. Both vessels had just under 50 tonnes after spending a little over two days fishing.

Major event for East Iceland’s music scene as National Opera stages its first performance

It is a busy time today, tomorrow and on Sunday at the Music Centre in Eskifjörður, where the staff of Iceland’s new National Opera are preparing their opening event, the work Undir sömu stjörnu, which is to be performed at 3 pm next Sunday. Well over a hundred people are involved in the large-scale production in one way or another.

FHL dissolved, Höttur takes its place

The partnership between Fjarðabyggð, Höttur and Leiknir F., known as FHL, in women’s top-division football is now a thing of the past, as Höttur requested that the partnership be ended.

First woman elected chair of the Icelandic Ports Association

Jóna Árný Þórðardóttir, town manager and port director of Fjarðabyggð, was elected chair of the Icelandic Ports Association (Hafnarsamband Íslands) at the association’s annual congress, which ended today. She is also the first woman to serve as the association’s chair.

Vörður tryggingar to be main sponsor of Höttur basketball department for next three years

Höttur’s basketball department will receive support from the company Vörður tryggingar over the next three years, as the department’s main sponsor. Over the same period, Höttur’s home court at the Íþróttamiðstöð sports centre will be called Varðarhöllin.

Höttur ends partnership and FHL is no more

Höttur from Egilsstaðir will field a team under its own name in the women’s Lengjudeild football league next season, after ending its partnership with Fjarðabyggð and Leiknir Fáskrúðsfjörður.

Friends of the Old Church in Djúpivogur to receive grant for next five years

The Friends of the Old Church in Djúpivogur association will receive an annual grant of ISK 500,000 from Múlaþing over the next five years for the running and continued restoration of the old church.

Höttur to replace FHL

Höttur rekstrarfélag, which runs the club’s men’s and women’s first teams in football, has asked to end its partnership with Knattspyrnufélag Austfjarða (KFA) on FHL, which plays in Lengjudeild kvenna, the women’s second tier.

Acquitted over trespassing sheep

East Iceland District Court has acquitted Fjarðabyggð of a claim by Hrefna Dagbjört Arnardóttir, owner of the farm Óseyri in Stöðvarfjörður, for recognition of the municipality’s liability for damages over livestock trespassing on the farm. Legal costs were waived. Hrefna demanded …

Still no vets across a large area

Little has changed in veterinary staffing in the southeast of the country. Shifts have not been filled since 16 August, all the way from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Breiðdalsvík. The government has done nothing, says the chair of the veterinarians’ association.

Fixed krona amount replaces percentage in Loftbrú scheme

Changes will be made to Loftbrú from the start of next year, when a fixed discount on airfares in krónur will be introduced in place of percentages as until now. The Minister of Infrastructure says they want to ensure predictability and keep the project within budget.

Sigþóra and Arnar Icelandic champions

Sigþóra Brynja Kristjánsdóttir of UFA and Arnar Pétursson of Breiðablik became Icelandic champions in cross-country running in 2026.

Match report: Höttur 108–96 ÍR | Hosts stronger in second half

Newly promoted Höttur have two wins under their belt after the first three rounds of the men’s Bónus-deild, after a deserved victory over ÍR in the east tonight.

Ptarmigan hunting season starts tomorrow

The ptarmigan hunting season starts tomorrow in all parts of the country. Hunting is permitted from Friday through Tuesday for just under a month, or until Christmas where the season is longest. In South Iceland and Northwest Iceland hunting is allowed until 17 November, in the Westfjords a week longer, until 1 December in West Iceland and Northwest Iceland, and until 22 December in East Iceland. The ptarmigan population is considered strongest there. Hunting…

Hlynur fumes after his record is broken

Höttur won an important victory over Stjarnan in the second round of the men’s Bónus-deild basketball league, in which a new record was set. Obie Trotter became the oldest player to score a three-pointer in the top division in Iceland.

Discontent over plot at Kvíabólsfjara being allocated to a new party

Many are unhappy with the decision by Fjarðabyggð’s planning and construction committee to allocate a plot at Kvíabólsfjara in Neskaupstaður to a new party, after the group Bærinn okkar had been promised the same plot well beforehand and had spent considerable time designing a beautiful bathhouse there and creating good conditions for everyone who takes part in water sports of any kind.

Herring said to be tricky at the moment

Beitir NK brought 800 tonnes of herring to Neskaupstaður last night. Processing of the catch is expected to finish this evening.

Film nights join Norðfjörður church’s varied programme

There has been a lot going on at Norðfjarðarkirkja in recent days and weeks, and that continues tonight with a new event that the parish priest calls God on the Big Screen – the Bible’s stories of influence. The very first film to be watched and discussed is the popular but controversial Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

Nýdönsk take wrong car by mistake

The band Nýdönsk had the unfortunate experience of taking a car by mistake at Egilsstaðir Airport earlier this month. The band had come east to play a concert in Breiðdalsvík and record songs.

Sighvatur lands 75 tonnes after four sets

Sighvatur GK landed about 75 tonnes in Djúpivogur after a fishing trip in rough weather. The catch came in four sets and was mostly cod.

Social Democratic Alliance makes huge leap from month to month

Support for the Social Democratic Alliance in the Northeast constituency jumps in a new opinion poll. The support the Independence Party gained over the summer is reversed. Four parties are polling enough to win seats in the constituency.

Map doesn’t shrink even if police commissioners do

Plans to merge the police districts of East Iceland, South Iceland and the Westman Islands raise serious questions about residents’ safety and the management of policing. Before going any further, the government must show how the changes are meant to improve services here in the east. A larger district is no guarantee of stronger policing.

Volleyball: Þróttur women win in deciding set

Þróttur’s women’s volleyball team claimed their first win in the premier league this winter when they beat Þróttur Reykjavík/Blakfélag Hafnarfjarðar in a match that went to a deciding set on Saturday. The team turned a difficult position in the deciding set in their favour.

Fjarðabyggð increases support for sports and leisure activities year on year

All seventeen sports and leisure clubs that applied to Fjarðabyggð for grants for their activities have now received allocations totalling ISK 32.5 million, divided among the clubs. The municipality’s total support for sports and leisure activities has increased by 8.4% from last year and now amounts to just under ISK 80 million this year.

Aurora Abalone completes ISK 1.5 billion share capital increase

The company Aurora Abalone (Sæbýli hf.) has completed an ISK 1.5 billion share capital increase to build up annual production of 100 tonnes.

Katrín Oddsdóttir: Kaldvík does not meet legal financial requirements for a sea-pen farming licence

Claims to know nothing about the 43 kilos of cocaine found in his car

The person charged with smuggling almost 43 kilos of cocaine, found in their car on arrival in Seyðisfjörður in March, said at the main hearing of the case today that they were none the wiser about the substances found. They could offer no explanation of how such a large quantity came to be carefully hidden in their van. At the time this was by far the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in Iceland, but the strength…

21,200 tonnes of herring received in Neskaupstaður

Síldarvinnslan has been processing herring almost continuously since 9 September. More than 9,000 tonnes remain to be caught and processed this season.

Dozens celebrate new Icelandic champion in Backyard Ultra in Reyðarfjörður

Gunnar Lárus Karlsson, who set an impressive new Icelandic record in the Backyard Ultra over the weekend, received a hero’s welcome when he returned home to Reyðarfjörður early this morning after representing Iceland at the Backyard Ultra World Championship, with the Icelandic team’s race held in Elliðaárdalur.

School transport in Fjarðabyggð must be re-advertised from the new year due to error

Fjarðabyggð and the company Tanni ferðaþjónusta have agreed to terminate their contract under which Tanni was to provide transport for the municipality’s schoolchildren for the rest of this school year. The reason is that Fjarðabyggð extended its contract with Tanni in good faith, when under the rules a tender should in fact have been held for school transport for the current school year.

Scots interested in possible ferry route to Seyðisfjörður

Members of parliament and port authorities in Aberdeen, Scotland, have expressed interest in possible ferry sailings between the city and Seyðisfjörður. They hope, however, that the ferry could call at more places.

Celebration as Gunnar Lárus returns home to Reyðarfjörður

Gunnar Lárus Karlsson, who broke the Icelandic record in backyard ultra running in style, was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived home in Reyðarfjörður this morning.

Explaining the opposition to sea-cage salmon farming in Seyðisfjörður

Pétur Kristjánsson. For centuries, the residents of the fjord have lived with the many kinds of hazards that close coexistence with nature brings. The hazards are not confined to this fjord, however, and exist worldwide. It has been said that there is enough for everyone in the wor…

Scheduled ferry service between Scotland and Iceland under consideration

Plans to start ferry crossings between Aberdeen in Scotland and Seyðisfjörður are being considered. The Múlaþing municipal manager says, however, that it will be a long time before the idea becomes reality, if everything goes to plan.

Landowner says all unfenced land has been expropriated by court ruling

The owner of the Óseyri farm near Stöðvarfjörður says all unfenced land in Iceland appears to have been subject to some form of expropriation by a court ruling in his case against Fjarðabyggð. The court found that the municipality had no obligation to round up trespassing sheep from the farm because the animals had come from a shared grazing area.

Talks begin on ferry between Seyðisfjörður and Aberdeen

Plans to launch sailings between the city of Aberdeen in Scotland and Seyðisfjörður are being considered. The municipality is in talks with port authorities there.

People urged to listen to their own bodies during Pink October

The East Iceland Cancer Society is holding a pink event in Egilsstaðir tomorrow evening as part of the Icelandic Cancer Society’s awareness campaign. The East Iceland Cancer Society has received a good response to the campaign.

Fjarðabyggð cleared of demand to round up sheep from forest farm

The East Iceland District Court has acquitted Fjarðabyggð of a claim by a forest farmer in Stöðvarfjörður, who argued that the municipality was obliged to round up sheep that strayed onto their unfenced land. One of the key questions in the case is where the sheep came from before they entered the farmer’s land.

Less than a third of herring quota still uncaught

Síldarvinnslan’s fish processing plant has received 21,200 tonnes of herring this season. About 70 percent is Norwegian spring-spawning herring and about 30 percent is Icelandic summer-spawning herring. Nine thousand tonnes remain uncaught.

Letter of intent on new housing for seniors in Fjarðabyggð

Six to eight suitable, smaller apartments for people aged 60 and over will most likely be built in the central areas of both Eskifjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður in the coming months. The Fjarðabyggð town council has approved a draft letter of intent from the municipality on such housing development with the company R101, and the document will be formally signed today.

Winter conditions arrive on the fishing grounds

The freezer-free fresh-fish trawlers Birtingur, Vestmannaey and Bergey all landed in Neskaupstaður on Sunday, 18 October. All of them shortened their trips because of unfavourable weather.

East Iceland teachers unhappy with grading changes

The board of the East Iceland Teachers’ Association criticises changes to the primary school grading system, which replace letter grades with numbers. Education committees in East Iceland have voiced concern about how quickly the switch is due to happen.

Rough weather cuts short fishing trips of three trawlers

Birtingur, Vestmannaey and Bergey landed in Neskaupstaður on Sunday after shortening their fishing trips because of unfavourable weather.

Broadcasts in the east to go silent for a while

Rás 1 and Rás 2 antenna broadcasts will drop out in parts of Austurland and the East Fjords for a while shortly after eleven o’clock. This happens while Rarik replaces a meter at Gagnheiði. The replacement affects 14 transmitters.

New regional council for East Fjords coastal zone planning appointed

Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, confirmed yesterday the appointment of a new regional council for coastal zone planning in the East Fjords. Guðjón Bragason, former lawyer at the Icelandic Association of Local Authorities, is the council’s chair.

Municipality not obliged to round up stray sheep from forestry land

The municipality of Fjarðabyggð had no legal duty to round up sheep that strayed onto private land and damaged forestry in Stöðvarfjörður. The East Iceland District Court acquitted the municipality of a landowner’s claim that its liability for damages be recognised.

Road construction in Jökuldalur progressing well

It is just over two months since Héraðsverk workers began the next phase of road construction towards Stuðlagil. Weather conditions have been good, so the work is going well.

Council appointed for East Fjords coastal area

Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, has appointed a regional council for coastal area planning in the East Fjords. The term of appointment runs until after the next parliamentary elections.

Bubbi and Pálmi clash: “You don’t flatter anyone unless there’s something in it for you” – “Don’t be an idiot”

Musician Bubbi Morthens wants the state to take the land in Northeast Iceland from billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. Bubbi says the protection of the Icelandic salmon stock is a pretext and that the rivers have become toys.

Basketball: Away win over Stjarnan in the league and through in the cup

Höttur won their first game of the season in the men’s premier basketball league when they beat Stjarnan away on Friday evening. The team followed up the win by knocking Fjölnir out of the cup yesterday.

Pop musicians clash over Ratcliffe

A heated debate erupted on Facebook over the weekend about the holdings and influence of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who has bought dozens of farms in Northeast Iceland in recent decades. Anglers and musicians Bubbi Morthens and Pálmi Gunnarsson clashed, disagreeing about Ratcliffe and his plans.

Road between Djúpivogur and Höfn closed after car damaged by flying debris

The road between Djúpivogur and Höfn í Hornafirði was closed completely after a car was damaged by flying gravel there in the middle of yesterday. An East Iceland rescue team received one call-out as a sharp low-pressure system passed over the country yesterday.

Twelve drowning deaths in rivers or lakes in ten years

Cooperation between rescue team members and the police special unit meant the search for a man who fell into Stuðlagil in August was successful. The man was found on the riverbed with the help of a camera. A rescue team member who specialises in swiftwater rescue says it matters that people are found, whether alive or dead.

Ring Road closed between Almannaskarðsgöng and Djúpivogur

The Ring Road has been closed between Almannaskarðsgöng and Djúpivogur due to strong winds and sand drift. This is stated on the website of the Icelandic Road Administration, Umferðin.is .

Ring Road closed due to strong winds and sandstorm

The Ring Road has been closed between the Almannaskarð tunnel and Djúpivogur due to strong winds and a sandstorm. The closure remains in place until the weather calms and conditions on the road improve.

Meteorologist warns against travel between Höfn and Djúpivogur

Meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson says conditions between Höfn and Djúpivogur will be particularly hazardous this evening because of strong winds. The route is known for frequent and dangerous sudden gusts.

Katrín Oddsdóttir: Seyðisfjörður residents are in a class of their own – they haven’t rolled over

It had been clear from the start that a clear majority of Seyðisfjörður residents were strongly opposed to allowing sea cage fish farming in Seyðisfjörður. The town is thriving in many areas, for example with a large and growing tourism industry, and sea cage farming would harm other industries in the town.

Einar issues warning: “NOBODY SHOULD BE OUT TRAVELLING TONIGHT!”

Meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson strongly warns in a Facebook post against being on the road between Höfn í Hornafirði and Djúpivogur tonight. Einar writes:

Wet and windy weather continues with yellow warnings

A southerly and southwesterly storm is forecast for today, with a likelihood of high waves near the coasts in the south and west of the country. Yellow warnings are either in effect or will take effect later today. Road closures are warned of after noon between Höfn and Reyðarfjörður.

Jökla fishing adventure could grow even bigger

This summer’s catch in Jökla broke all records. The river yielded more than 2,300 salmon. Sigurður Guðjónsson, a specialist at Landsvirkjun and former director of the Institute of Freshwater Fisheries (Veiðimálastofnun), says the catch could be even greater in the coming years.

“It’s a competition about winning”

Viðar Örn Hafsteinsson, coach of Höttur, was very pleased after the 103-98 win over Stjarnan in the men’s Bónus-deild tonight. He was especially pleased with how the team responded when Stjarnan managed to work their way back into the game in the fourth quarter.

Valur beat the Icelandic champions - Höttur win in Garðabær

Two games were played in the men’s Bónusdeild basketball league tonight. Valur hosted the Icelandic champions from Grindavík. Grindavík was the stronger side in the third quarter, but Valur turned the game around in the fourth quarter and won 81-74. Valur has won both of its games this autumn, while Grindavík has yet to pick up a point.

Höttur make a successful trip to Garðabær

Höttur won a good away victory over Stjarnan, 193:98, in round 2 of the men’s premier basketball league in Garðabær this evening.

Match report: Stjarnan 98-103 Höttur | Höttur secure win in final minute

Höttur won a thrilling 98-103 victory over Stjarnan in the second round of the men’s Bónus deild tonight. Stjarnan managed to overturn a 15-point lead for the visitors in the fourth quarter, but Höttur were stronger in the closing minutes and secured a strong win.

Still going strong after 42 years in use

In connection with the Björgun 2026 conference now taking place in Harpa in Reykjavík, many of the country’s rescue teams have brought their oldest vehicles to the venue. One that has drawn particular attention is the oldest vehicle of the Vopni rescue team in Vopnafjörður. It has been in service with the team for a full 42 years.

Car park and footpaths at Baugur Bjólfs in the final stretch of completion

Although there are no visitor counters at East Iceland’s newest attraction, the Baugur Bjólfs viewing platform high above Seyðisfjörður, there is no doubt that the spot is a major draw. Many people were there almost daily throughout the summer. Final work is now under way on the car park and the footpath up to the viewing platform

Many in East Iceland considering buying an electric car before subsidies drop at the end of the month

At the end of the month, the subsidies that the Icelandic government has granted to people who have bought an electric car in recent years will be reduced. The subsidies were intended to speed up the shift from petrol and diesel cars to electric cars. Car dealers in East Iceland say most people are aware that the subsidies will drop on 1 November.

Storm warning for Sunday

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued a warning because of a low-pressure system moving quickly across the country on Sunday. It brings strong winds. In East Iceland, however, the wind could pick up as early as tomorrow.