Search the data of the National Archives of Iceland

The National Archives of Iceland preserves public records and a wide variety of private archives that shed light on the history of Icelandic society, administration and individuals. The Archives play a key role in ensuring that the public, academics and students have access to sources about the past.

In the Archives, it is possible to access a wide range of sources, including:

• documents from public bodies,

• census records, parish registers and other historical registration data,

• court records, parliamentary records and other documents from courts and district commissioners' offices,

• various private archives of individuals, associations and companies, such as letters, diaries and minutes of meetings,

• historical maps, plans and drawings,

• various electronic documents and databases that have been made accessible on the Archives' website.

Access restrictions

It is important to bear in mind, however, that accessibility to some documents is restricted due to data protection and laws on public archives. Not all documents are made public and accessible immediately. In general, the main criteria are:

• General public documents usually become accessible after 30 years.

• Documents containing sensitive personal information may be closed for 80 years.

• Medical data is generally closed for 100 years.

• Individuals can gain access to data concerning themselves.