The skyline of 7 April 2016 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Bloomberg / Arnaldur Halldorsson
By Christi Palma properties for sale
Bostonians will soon be able to fly Delta Air Lines to Reykjavík, Iceland, where beautiful scenery and the world famous Blue Lagoon await you.
On 20 May, Atlanta will launch a daily service from Logan International Airport to Reykjavík International Airport, Iceland. It is the world's first leisure destination easily accessible to US travelers since the coronavirus pandemic started, according to Delta, with the recent exemption from border controls such as testing and quarantine for fully-vaccinated travelers.
"We know that our customers are looking forward to a safe return to the world, including exploring one of the world's most lovely outdoor destinations," said Joe Esposito. "As travel trust increases, we hope that more countries will continue to be reopened to vaccinated travelers, which will offer further opportunities to reconnect customers with most important people and places."
In addition to the main cabin service, the Delta will use the 193-seater Boeing 757-200 to provide new flights, including Delta Premium Select and Delta Comfort+. The flight departs from Boston at 10:25 p.m. and arrives at Reykjavík at 7:45 a.m. At 10:15 am, flights depart from Reykjavík and arrive in Boston at 12 noon.
A 15-minute journey from Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Lagoon is a year-round spa with surrounding black lava fields and 102-degree fluorescent blue water renewing every 48 hours. It is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland.
Travelers must provide proof of full vaccination or recovery from CO VID-19 on their way to Iceland, according to Delta, and they need to have the negative test COVID-19 when returning to the US.
The Iceland services of Delta are operated jointly with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic airline partners. The carrier shall also resume service to Reykjavík from the International Airport John F. Kennedy, New York on 1 May and the International Airport Minneapolis-Saint Paul on 27 May.
Is Vigur Island going to be sold to foreign purchasers?
Last week it should be made clear whether the West Fjords island of Vigur in Ísafjarðardjúp is going to be sold. The 45-hectare island was sold at the beginning of June last year. Morgunblaðia reports that a potential buyer resides in Europe and is a foreign national, but no further information is available.
This person recently placed an offer on the island, of which ISK 330 million is the list price (USD 2.6 million; EUR 2.3 million). The immovable agent of Reykjavík, Davíð Ólafsson, says the immovable agency Borg is working on formalities and contingencies. "Final details and paperwork are often complicated and time consuming," he explains, but he refuses to disclose the nationality of the buyer interested.
For many centuries, agriculture has been taking place in Vigur, often known as the Ísafjarðardjúp Pearl, and the same family has long lived in Vigur. The island of 45 hectares has been increasingly popular as a tourist destination and is visited by approximately 10,000 people annually.
Besides the beautiful buildings, the island has an important cultural history. Vigur has open access to all, but it remains to be seen whether this will change with new ownership.
"The possible acquisition of Vigur in Ísafjarzardjúp by a foreign party is a cause for concern," says Halla Signý Kristjánsdóttir, Progressive Party member for the northwest electoral district.
When the island first came on sale last year, the Icelandic State suggested that the land should be purchased because of its cultural and historical value to the West Fjords. The idea received limited interest, but the local district officials were discussed. In a resolution last winter, the city council of Ísafjörður encouraged officials of the government to buy the island in order to ensure its access.
Halla states that municipalities in the north of the West Fjords have planned to buy the island. "I don't know whether they compete with wealthy people from abroad," she remarks. "Ideally, the Icelandic State or municipalities would have purchased Vigur, a very important site. There is a windmill operated on the island and a house called Viktoríuhús, which is owned by the Iceland National Museum."
She worries that no one knows what happens if the island comes into foreign ownership. She notes that the potential sales of Vigur need to be looked at in a broader context.
To illustrate her point, the British billionaire James Ratcliffe, who acquired a vast territory in northeastern Iceland where he controls the salmon rivers, was mentioned. She notes that his ownership of land in Iceland caused many people to worry that Icelanders would lose control over their own country. Halla believes that the adoption of new legislation must combat this kind of development.