8 Must-Read Icelandic Books

At Hotel Rangá, we love a good story—especially when it comes from Icelanders themselves. Recently, we asked our Icelandic Facebook followers to help us compile the ultimate reading list by recommending their favorite Icelandic books. As a thank-you, we offered a free night’s stay to one lucky participant.

The response? Over 500 book recommendations poured in, filled with passion, humor and pride for Iceland’s literary heritage. We sifted through all the suggestions, picked the most frequently mentioned titles, and translated some of the most entertaining, heartfelt reasons why Icelanders themselves believe you must read these books.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Iceland, love great storytelling, or just want to dive into something new, here are 8 must-read Icelandic books—straight from the locals.

1. Karitas án Titils – By Kristín Marja 

The book most often mentioned by our followers was Karitas Untitled (Karitas án titils) by Kristín Marja Baldursdóttir. Interestingly, every single recommendation for this book came from women—which says a lot! This beautifully written novel follows Karitas, a determined woman and artist in early 20th-century Iceland, as she struggles to balance her creative ambitions with societal expectations. It’s a powerful story of independence, resilience, and the fight to stay true to oneself.

This is what one of our followers shared about Karítas Untitled:

I couldn’t put this book down—it completely pulled me in. It’s about an Icelandic woman who’s a painter, deeply in love with her husband, though her stubbornness sometimes gets her into trouble in their marriage. They live in poverty, needing most things, but their love is strong. Her husband calls her ‘his little speck’ (Ögnina sína). After my husband and I read the book, he started calling me the same—even though I’m far from being a speck. But it’s stuck, and I love it.

2. Independent People by Halldór Laxness

The second most recommended Icelandic novel by our Hotel Rangá Facebook followers was Independent People (Sjálfstætt Fólk) by Halldór Laxness, the only Nobel Prize-winning novel on the list. It tells the story of a fiercely independent sheep farmer and serves as both a love letter to rural Iceland and a profound exploration of freedom, hardship and resilience.

One of our followers wrote a poem explaining why they recommended this particular novel, and we’ve done our best to translate it into English.

Choosing a favorite book is tough,

For in the world of books, there’s never enough.
But if I must name one to see,
Though it’s hard, it’s clear to me.

I’ll mention Independent People, no doubt,
It brings all emotions, inside and out.
I, for one, both cried and laughed,
As its powerful story left me transfixed and daft.

3. I Remember You by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir

I Remember You (Ég man þig) is the third most popular book  recommended by our Facebook followers. It’s a chilling Nordic Noir thriller with a supernatural twist. Set in a remote, abandoned village, it seamlessly blends mystery with Icelandic folklore. Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, one of Iceland’s most renowned authors, crafts stories perfect for those who aren’t afraid of the dark—or ghosts.

Yrsa Sigurðardóttir is also one of the authors participating in Hotel Rangá’s Book Flood project. In this project, our guests can have an Icelandic book delivered to their nightstand, complete with a special message from the author herself.

And here’s a spooky reason why one of our followers recommended this book—complete with a psychic dog and all:

When I read I Remember You, I was living alone with a small, excitable dog who would jump up and bark whenever a car drove down the street. There was no escaping the chaos whenever the poor postman came near the house. While it was cozy and comforting to have him curled up at my feet, it didn’t help calm my nerves as I read the book alone with a dog I was convinced he had psychic abilities. He would bark at the oddest times throughout the night (I had to finish the book). However, his ‘psychic’ behavior wasn’t much more than the fact that in the corner he was barking at, there was an open window, and the wind occasionally blew the curtains—something I didn’t notice at first. Every time the curtain fluttered, he would jump up and bark as if he were losing his mind. This naturally added to the eerie atmosphere of the ghostly story. Given that I worked at a library, it would have been ideal to rent out a neurotic dog with an incredible story of its own.

4. Njál’s Saga – Anonymous

Njál’s Sage is one of Iceland’s most famous sagas, set in South Iceland near Hotel Rangá. A gripping story of loyalty, revenge, and honor—still readable today in its original form. We celebrate Njála at Hotel Rangá with a beautiful tapestry leading into the bar.

Here is a short explanation of why it is a good read: 

A powerful story about how people should not treat one another.

5. Devil’s Island by Einar Kárason

The Devil’s Island (Þar sem djöflaeyjan rís) by Einar Kárason follows families living in US Army barracks in Reykjavik after World War II. The novel explores their struggles with poverty, strained relationships, and the lasting impact of the war. It was also adapted into a film, capturing the dark and haunting atmosphere of post-war Reykjavik.

Here is the reason why one of our followers recommended The Devil’s Island:

I love books that reveal something new each time you read them. As a teacher, I read Where the Devil’s Island Rises by Einar Kárason every year with my 15-year-old students, who often feel like I’m dragging them through an incomprehensible ordeal. Yet, I sit at my kitchen table at home, reading aloud for the lessons, laughing at the characters like Fía and Tóti, crying with the family in the old house, and cursing Baddi. But every time, I discover something new—a fresh joke, a different perspective, or a brilliant new line in this incredible Icelandic novel.

Einar Kárason is also one of the authors involved in Hotel Rangá’s Book Flood project, where guests can receive an Icelandic book with a personal message from the author.

6. Lovestar by Andri Snær Magnason

The 6th most recommended Icelandic novel by our Facebook followers is Lovestar by Andri Snær Magnason. This unique and thought-provoking novel blends science fiction, romance and satire, exploring the complexities of love in a world where technology plays a central role in relationships. 

Andri Snær Magnason is also a part of Hotel Rangá’s Book Flood project, where guests can receive an Icelandic book along with a personal message from the author.

This book is pure brilliance – funny, sad, and beautiful all at the same time, and of course, so well written. Andri really nailed the future, showing it in a mix of funny and serious ways, and a lot of what’s in the book has actually come true in some way, like with ‘influencers’ – really interesting stuff.

7.The Blue Fox by Sjón

The Blue Fox by Sjón is a haunting and poetic novel set in 19th-century Iceland, blending myth, nature, and the supernatural. It tells the story of a priest hunting a mystical blue fox while reflecting on themes of identity and the power of the natural world. Sjón, who frequently collaborates with Icelandic singer Björk on lyric writing, brings his signature lyrical style to this captivating tale. 

I couldn’t put it down, but at the same time, I was reluctant to finish it. The book also has one of the most powerful poems I can remember. I learned it right away because it stuck with me – engraved in my mind: ‘Faded earth, all turns to dust and fades. Flesh is soil, no matter what it’s dressed in.’ The context in which this poem appeared was incredibly strong and gave it even more meaning. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I was totally hooked on Sjón after reading it.

8.Lads and Lass by Jón Thoroddsen 

In 8th place is a classic, Lad and Lass (Piltur og stúlka) by Jón Thoroddsen, first published in 1850. Often considered the first Icelandic novel, it tells the story of a young couple’s romance. Furthermore, the tale is set against the backdrop of 19th-century Icelandic society. The novel explores themes of love, social expectations, and the conflicts between tradition and modernity. Its blend of realism and emotional depth made it a groundbreaking work in Icelandic literature.

And here’s why one of our followers recommended it:

Such an incredibly Icelandic and real story about the lives of kids in rural Iceland from way back when. The nature-loving kid in me totally got lost in the story from start to finish.

Celebrating Literature at Hotel Rangá

At Hotel Rangá, we’re excited to immerse you in Iceland’s rich literary culture. And our list of 8 must-read Icelandic books is just the tip of the iceberg. We also have a special Book Flood experience that guests can select when booking online. With our Book Flood experience, receive a randomly selected signed book, with a handwritten message from the author, delivered to your nightstand for just 5500 kr. Available to order at the front desk or in our online hotel store.

Plus, our Poetry Hotline lets you enjoy the beautiful poems of Iceland’s renowned poet, Þórarinn Eldjárn. Simply dial +1 424 487 5700 to hear English translations of his work. What’s more, you will hear a new poem each time you call.

Experience Icelandic literature like never before at Hotel Rangá!