Latest news with #Keflavik
Reuters
6 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Iceland to launch negotiations on security, defence partnership with EU
COPENHAGEN, July 17 (Reuters) - Iceland will launch talks on a security and defence partnership with the European Union, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said on Thursday at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Keflavik. Frostadottir said she was hoping to conclude talks by the end of the year. "This is very important for us to show that we can have cooperation on critical infrastructure, civil protection, any sort of dual use defence investment and this also includes hybrid and cyber threats," she said.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Forbes
Michelin Star Dining And A Luxury Spa Resort At Iceland's Blue Lagoon
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Inspired by the steam rising from the surrounding waters of the Blue Lagoon, many of the dishes from Chef Aggi Sverrisson at Moss Restaurant are a visual sensation as well as being delicious. A bowl of 'Tomato Gazpacho' is served inside a larger bowl decorated with pieces of lava rock with a dry ice-induced fog pouring over the sides. No long poetic explanation is given by the server — you can see the inspiration just looking out the window. The seasonal seven-course menu features creative takes on the best of Iceland's ingredients, from langoustine to lamb, including an Asian-influenced Icelandic Cod with myoga, miso and apples. For special occasions a true show-stopper of a dessert arrives. A plate with two heart-shaped pieces of chocolate mousse is placed in the center of the table with a vessel containing liquid nitrogen behind it. A long-stem rose is dipped inside the vessel and then becomes solidified. One server then holds the flower over the dessert as another claps their hands around it, smashing the rose and covering the dessert (and table) with pieces of the petals. Moss received its well deserved Michelin star in 2023 — one of only three in the entire country — adding a special culinary experience to a stay at The Retreat, a luxury hotel and spa at Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon. Located about half an hour from Keflavík International Airport, and about 40 minutes from the capital city of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is often the first stop travelers experience when visiting the country. While the large pools of the main geothermal spa are open to the public, The Retreat opened in 2018, carving out its own private sanctuary and waterways. The wine cellar of Moss, surrounded by lava rock. Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon The Retreat incorporates the wild Icelandic landscape into its design. The 60-suite resort is built into an 800-year-old lava field — including a stunning subterranean wine cellar — and the geothermal waters snake around the buildings. Some rooms face the lava fields and others face the lagoons — both peering out onto an otherworldly atmosphere. And while the resort's lagoons are for hotel and spa guests only, those wanting their own private pools can opt for The Lagoon and The Blue Lagoon suites. The main draw of any stay here is The Retreat Spa, made up of 2,300 square meters of waters and relaxation spaces. No appointment is needed for guests. The geothermally heated outside waters are at a comfortable heat year-round and can be accessed through different entrances surrounding the spa. The pools are layered at different heights around the property creating paths to explore within the water, and small bridges leading up and down the various levels. Along with a steam room and sauna, there are different rooms for relaxation, including a quiet fireplace room, a lava room and a lounge with refreshments. A Lagoon View suite at The Retreat Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon The highlight of a spa visit is 'The Blue Lagoon Ritual' where you go through a self-guided series of treatments: a mineral salt scrub, a full-body covering of raw silica mud and then a final full-body covering of algae. Afterwards the staff gives you mineral oils to finish your circuit. And while traditional spa treatments are available, the best way to take advantage of the spa's unique setting is with an In-Water Massage, where you are brought out to the lagoon on a flotation mat, covered with a blanket and your therapist works on you in the water. There is also a Float Therapy session, which includes a lighter massage, and uses a floating cap and leg supports instead of a full mat. The lagoons at The Retreat. Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon While spending time at The Retreat is perfect for a rejuvenating vacation, it's also a great gateway to exploring more of Iceland. The resort has a sister property, Highland Base, located deeper in the interior of the country in Kerlingarfjöll. This mountain range area, situated between two glaciers, is perfect for hiking through one of the most unique landscapes you will ever encounter: the Hveradalir geothermal area, where you'll trek up and down reddish mountains with snowy peaks, and pass hot springs shooting steam along the sides of the trails. A day trip from The Retreat can be arranged — which also includes a stop at the stunning Gullfoss falls and the Great Geysir along the way — where you will enjoy hiking, the Highland Base restaurant as well as their own geothermal baths (you can't have too many). You can also stay overnight or longer at the newly constructed Highland Base Hotel or the more secluded Highland Base Lodges, perfect for a more private and cozy experience with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Highland Base Hotel in Kerlingarfjöll. Courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon The Retreat can also schedule multiple types of tours to explore the uniqueness of Iceland and participate in different adventures. The 'Golden Circle' tour provides a day-long trip to some of the country's top natural wonders (including Gullfoss falls and the Great Geysir mentioned above). Tours can also be arranged by helicopter, electric SUV and ATV vehicles. Depending on the time of year, there are Northern Lights experiences, trips inside a volcano and lava cave, whale watching and snowmobiling. And for those who like to explore on their own, the city of Reykjavik is under an hour away by car and has a host of restaurants, museums and sights to enjoy. Whether you just want a private escape or wish to combine it with exploring more of Iceland, The Retreat has you covered.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Budget airlines scraps all flights to the US just three years after launching
A BUDGET airline has confirmed all of its flights to America will be scrapped later this year. PLAY Airlines was founded in 2019 and launched in 2021 as an ultra low cost carrier in Iceland. 2 The airline used Reykjavik as a layover destination for flights to North America, with Brits stopping over in the Icelandic city. Flights were as little as £139 when travelling to places like New York. Now, the airline is planning to get rid of its US flights altogether. PLAY has removed all US flights from its schedule, as of the winter season. The airline currently flies to Baltimore, Boston and New York Stewart - but these routes will disappear from September and October of this year. Flights to Stewart International Airport (SWF) will end from September 1, followed by Boston Logan International Airport from September 15. And flights to Baltimore/Washington International Airport will end on October 24. Whilst the airline used to have even more of a network in North America such as New York and Orlando, these flights have already been scrapped. PLAY initially focused on European destinations, with routes to Alicante, Tenerife, London, Paris, Copenhagen, and Berlin. This later expanded to North America in April 2022 and then later to Africa and Asia. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions And it was only a couple months ago that the airline flew its first flight to Asia. Despite changes, the airline's hub will remain in Keflavik. The future for the airline also looks as if it may go private, with both the company's CEO and Vice Chairman supporting this. Since going public, the airline's stock is down 97 per cent. The airline does plan to continue to have 10 aircraft in its fleet, but to start using them differently. Four of the planes would fly out of Keflavik, specifically to leisure destinations with high demand. Sun Travel has contacted PLAY for comment. Just last year, a nother budget airline scrapped one of its cheap flights to the US - after just three years. Budget airline JetBlue confirmed that they would be stopping the London Gatwick to New York route from this summer. The route launched back in 2021 and the airline already reduced the route in August 2024. The airline said the end of the route was to "better align with anticipated demand". Plus, Ryanair has warned that more of its flights to Spain could be scrapped next year. 2
Forbes
01-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
For Authentic Iceland, Look Beyond The Golden Circle
The Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region is one of many highlights of Iceland far beyond the Golden Circle. getty There's a reason Iceland's Golden Circle is so famous. Just a short drive from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is advertised as an ideal route for first-time visitors or anyone short on time. The trio of Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area form a compact, dramatic showcase of Iceland's natural power. But popularity has its downside. In 2024, Iceland welcomed almost 2.3 million international visitors. While that number might not seem excessive at first glance, it's striking when set against the country's population of just 380,000. One of the biggest overtourism issues facing Iceland is that almost 99% of those visitors arrive at Keflavik International Airport, with many heading straight for the island's most popular sightseeing route. A big proportion of visitiors head straight for the Golden Circle, a route that attracts coachloads of tourists throughout the year. During peak season, queues form at car parks and trails fill with chatter and selfie sticks, putting the wild sense of isolation that Iceland promises out of reach. Yet beyond this heavily trafficked loop, there are other landscapes just as spectacular, and possibly even more rewarding because of their solitude. Peaceful villages of the Eastfjords sit between steep mountains and calm bays, while the waters of the north are rich with whales and seabirds. Elsewhere, the Reykjanes Peninsula is shaped by recent volcanic activity, while the highlands remain raw and untamed, offering gravel roads, steaming vents, glacial rivers and vast empty plateaus that feel far removed from the modern world. Despite an expanded airport and new direct flights, the north of Iceland remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. From the harbor town of Husavik, travelers can join tours to spot humpback whales and puffins in near silence, far from the crowds of the south. Many of the boats here use electric motors, making for a peaceful and sustainable experience on the water. Husavik is a wonderful base in Northern Iceland, whether for whale watching or simply enjoying the long summer nights. getty Nearby Akureyri is Iceland's biggest city outside the Reykjavik capital region, but it feels more like a well-kept village. It makes an excellent base for day trips into the surrounding fjords or inland toward Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most photogenic waterfalls. Although knitting is a cherished tradition throughout Iceland, it holds a special place in the north. Each year, the region hosts a beloved knitting festival that brings together yarn lovers from across the country for workshops and a lively marketplace. History buffs should detour to Sauðarkrokur to explore Iceland's medieval sagas at the immersive 1238: The Battle of Iceland exhibit. Reaching the Eastfjords takes time, but those who make the journey are rewarded with raw landscapes and a slower pace of life. Tiny towns like Seyðisfjorður feel like they've been plucked from a postcard, complete with colorful wooden houses and a curious local art scene. The region is ideal for hikers and nature lovers, with dramatic coastal paths, waterfalls, and far fewer tourists than the south coast. The drive itself is part of the appeal with grazing reindeer sharing the winding roads with the handful of vehicles. If eastern Iceland appeals, you might consider arriving the traditional way: by sea. The Smyril Line ferry travels from Denmark, stopping in the Faroe Islands before reaching Seyðisfjörður. This approach offers a slower, more reflective beginning to your Icelandic journey, far removed from the bustle of Keflavík Airport. While the voyage can be long and the seas occasionally rough, it rewards patient travellers with a strong sense of place, as Iceland looms out of the wild Atlantic. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, and the glacier-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano into a single day's drive. It's more accessible than the Westfjords or Eastfjords but still far quieter than the Golden Circle. Svodufoss waterfall and Snaefellsjokull glacier are popular attractions in Iceland, yet without the mass crowds of the Golden Circle. getty This region is rich in folklore and literary history. Snaefellsjokull inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth, and many villages in the area are closely tied to Iceland's sagas. For a cultural detour, stop by the Settlement Center in Borgarnes to learn about the country's early days and the stories that shaped its identity. Farther north, the Westfjords offer some of Iceland's most remote and dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs, winding roads, and little in the way of infrastructure give this region a wild, end-of-the-world feel. One of the highlights is Dynjandi, a majestic tiered waterfall that cascades down a mountainside. Despite the isolation, the town of Isafjorður provides modern comforts, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. You don't need to abandon the south entirely, just shift your focus. Instead of the packed paths of Gullfoss or Geysir, drive east of Vik to the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon or explore the serpentine Fjaðrargljufur canyon. Even along the Ring Road, it's possible to escape the crowd with a little planning. For something even more offbeat, take a detour to the Katla Geopark for ice cave adventures in near solitude. The southern region, as with the rest of Iceland, has far more to offer than the Golden Circle, especially for travelers willing to look beyond the obvious.
