Our Blog RSS

Women's euro 2022

Womens EURO 2022 - Picture_ksi
14/07/2022 10:07

It’s that season or rather it’s that time again – it’s football time and we love it! The women's EURO 2022 is currently taking place in England whereas incredibly talented soccer players from 16 nations are competing towards the goal of being the best of the best in Europe. The tournament takes place in various locations from 6 to 31 July. Our women’s football team – the Icelandic one, is one of these 16 participating nations and we are incredibly proud of them.

Iceland, being a country with a population of 364,134 inhabitants, has a huge interest in football. In fact, we have 23,000 football players in Iceland which include 15,000 males and 8,000 females that play and practise football. Many of them start training as early as five years old. The training facilities in Iceland are excellent and our coaches are well educated. That along with a pure love of the game and dedication in training gives us quite a lot of talented players that end up filling our national teams.

Womens EURO 2022 - Fan Party England.png Photo: Tólfan

And now our women’s football team is competing at the EURO 2022. A team that consists of ever so talented and hard-working football players we are all rooting for, both from our living room couches through our TV’s as well as from the stadium in Manchester where 2000 Icelanders are supporting the team in the way we know best by singing, cheering as well as showing their love with the Viking clap!

Photo: UEFA Women's EURO 2022

It’s been six years since the Viking clap came to be at the men’s Euro 2016 in France when our boys (The Icelandic men’s football team) reached all the way to the quarter finals – now the clap is back and now being cheered for our women’s team by the cheerful Icelandic fans that have travelled to England to support our national team. Amongst the Icelandic supporters is Iceland’s prime minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir who is a huge fan of football as well as a big fighter for women’s rights which makes it a perfect fit for her being at EURO 2022 supporting our team.

Womens EURO 2022 - Picture_Björn Malmquist England.png Photo: Björn Malmquist

Iceland competed against Belgium earlier this week in a game that included all the excitement that you want to find in a good match, ending up with a draw 1-1. The next match will take place today when Iceland plays against Italy. There is no doubt that this match will have it all, both in terms of the quality of the players as well as the amazing atmosphere the supporters will offer.

Times are bright for the sport of football especially for women's football with the constantly growing numbers of women wanting to play – who can blame them?

Áfram Ísland!

HUH………. HUH……..HUH….HUH..HUH.HUHHUHHUH

(Meaning Go Iceland and then the sound of the Viking clap)

Iceland Airwaves 2024
Iceland Airwaves is back, marking its 25th anniversary from November 7–9, 2024, and it promises to be more electrifying than ever. With Reykjavík’s downtown transformed into a vibrant stage, the festival is the ultimate celebration of music, culture, and community.
Autumn Walk in Elliðaárdalur: Discover Nature and History in Reykjavik
If you’re in Reykjavik this autumn and looking for something cozy to do, why not explore Elliðaárdalur? Whether you have just a few hours or a full day, this natural gem has plenty to offer. Imagine the crisp autumn air, leaves in shades of gold, red, and amber crunching under your feet as you wander through this stunning valley. It’s packed with history, nature, and a bit of art to top it off—there’s something for everyone here!
The Icelandic Horse: A Small Giant With A Big Personality
Did you know that Iceland has its very own breed of horse? Though small in stature, the Icelandic horse is anything but ordinary. This ancient breed arrived in Iceland with the Vikings in the 9th century and has been an essential companion to Icelanders ever since.
Get to Know Reykjavik with Julio!
Meet Julio, one of our amazing hotel managers at Center Hotels! Originally from Mexico, Julio moved to Iceland at 18, where he earned a bachelor’s in Tourism and a master’s in Marketing. After a hiatus abroad as a flight attendant, Julio returned to Iceland and joined the Center Hotels team, where he's been a valued member ever since. Check out his recommendations on what to do in Reykjavik with his 3 favorite things about the city!
Wildlife Adventures in Iceland: Foxes, Whales, and Puffins Await!
Iceland’s wildlife is as unique and resilient as the island itself. Despite the harsh weather and challenging landscapes, a remarkable variety of species have adapted to thrive here. From the Arctic fox, Iceland's only native land mammal, to the numerous whale species and vibrant puffins that visit the island, Iceland offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these hardy creatures.