The head of the IMF mission in Iceland has responded to claims that the Fund asked Iceland to close key public sector cultural institutions like the national theatre and national museum to save money. The claims, made by a government minister, were strongly refuted. Read the full story

Virðing hf. has, in partnership with other investors, completed a contract for the renovation of historic buildings in Fáskrúðsfjörður; the east Iceland village with strong ties to France. Read the full story

A video was recorded this weekend of what may or may not be the legendary Lagarfljóts Worm — Iceland’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster. Read the full story

The Indian embassy is attempting to secure the return of two toddlers, who their parents say were taken away from them in Norway due to “cultural differences”. Read the full story

A whole street in the Faroe Islands capital has been sealed off in an attempt to recreate Christmas spirit, old style. Read the full story

Christmas is a time full of national cultural niches and ex-pats around the world diligently try to recreate elements of festivities from their homeland; however well-integrated they may be for the rest of the year. Icelanders and Iceland are no exception to this rule — and nor are foreigners living in Iceland. This weekend the Lithuanian Icelandic Community held its annual children’s Christmas party, and it was more fun than ever. Read the full story

An academic who spent a year living with an Inuit tribe in Greenland says their traditional way of life could be completely eroded in just 25 years. Read the full story

The first run of a brand new German translation of the Icelandic sagas has sold out at lightning speed. The translation of the sagas into German is a cornerstone of Iceland’s guest-of-honour status at the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair, which begins in the middle of October. Read the full story

Last year, 14 women hockey players grabbed the chance to form a ‘Canadian team’ for an annual October tournament in Iceland. This year, the number has swelled to 57 women and many are bringing their partners and friends so that the Canadian contingent will be the largest group at The Iceland International Ice Hockey Cup Tournament, to be held at Egilsholl Arena in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik from 5th October to the 10th. Read the full story

As well as the Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon, this Saturday will also see the Icelandic capital celebrating its annual Culture Night — which actually goes on throughout the day and night. Read the full story