Iceland Noir

View on map
Arts & CultureReykjavík
DatesDates TBA · Usually NovemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsIceland Noir's programming distinguishes
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ISK
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Iceland Noir in Reykjavík

Iceland Noir is Reykjavik's international crime-fiction festival, founded in 2013 by novelists Ragnar Jonasson and Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Cancelled in 2020 during the pandemic but resumed since 2021, it runs each November across downtown Reykjavik venues, mixing panels and author conversations, and has broadened over time to cover storytelling across genres beyond its founding crime-fiction focus.

Iceland Noir was founded in 2013 by bestselling crime novelists Ragnar Jonasson and Yrsa Sigurdardottir, launching Reykjavik's own entry into the international crime-fiction festival circuit alongside longer-established events like Bouchercon and Britain's Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Iceland Noir's programming distinguishes itself through direct author-to-author format: rather than large panel discussions with an audience purely watching, much of the festival is built around moderated conversations between visiting international crime writers and their Icelandic counterparts, plus informal social events that put attendees in close contact with working authors

02

The mystery stays covered

Its founding by two of Iceland's own internationally known crime novelists, Ragnar Jonasson and Yrsa Sigurdardottir, gives it direct roots in the Nordic noir tradition the country is known for internationally, and its recent broadening to cover storytelling across poetry, film, and television alongside crime fiction is a notable evolution from its founding focus

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Direct author-to-author panel conversations

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and informal social gatherings between visiting and Icelandic writers

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually November

Getting around

For Iceland Noir, plan transport around the exact Reykjavik venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Warm waterproof winter layers, with smart-casual attire for panel events.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Iceland Noir, stay near the part of Reykjavik you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

ISK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map64.14 N, 21.90 WOpen in Google Maps

Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Nearest airportKEF — Keflavik
TransportFor Iceland Noir, plan transport around the exact Reykjavik venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Iceland Noir, stay near the part of Reykjavik you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Reykjavík via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Reykjavík, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearWarm waterproof winter layers, with smart-casual attire for panel events.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Iceland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Iceland Noir?

Iceland Noir is listed for November · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Iceland Noir take place?

The festival is listed in Reykjavík, Iceland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLicelandnoir.weebly.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually November
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →