Iceland’s population is smaller than many world cities, yet the island keeps gifting global culture with unforgettable talent, poise, and personality. From musicians who electrify Eurovision to models who stride the runways of Paris and entrepreneurs bold enough to run for president, these fifteen women, presented from No. 15 to No. 1, capture the wide-ranging charm of modern Iceland.
15. Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir (Yohanna)
The Reykjavík-raised singer soared to international fame at Eurovision 2009, finishing a historic second with “Is It True?”. Since then, she’s balanced pop ballads and soft-rock releases with family life, showing that a powerful voice can stay grounded in Icelandic roots.
14. Brynja Jónbjarnardóttir
Born in Kópavogur in 1994, Brynja has been photographed by Elle Serbia and Edelweiss, working with Next Milan. Her icy-blonde looks and reserved confidence are the essence of minimalist Nordic style that fashion editors crave.
13. Fanney Ingvarsdóttir
Crowned Miss Iceland 2010 at just nineteen, Fanney headed to Miss World the same year. A sports-loving Garðabær native, she once told interviewers her motto is to “smile to the world and the world will smile back.”
12. Berglind Icey (Berglind Ólafsdóttir)
A former competitive swimmer, Berglind swapped the pool for Hollywood bit parts in The Hot Chick and The Animal and even served as St. Pauli Girl 2004. Her athletic energy still powers her modelling and TV work today.
11. Jóhanna Vala Jónsdóttir
Miss Iceland 2007 introduced her grace to the Miss World catwalk in Sanya, China. Off stage, Jóhanna is a fixture at Icelandic cultural events, appreciated for promoting pageantry’s charitable aspect.
10. Edda Óskarsdóttir (Edda Oscars)
Edda is a rare pairing of classical clarinetist and haute couture fashion model, hired in Paris, New York, and London. Between shoots, she plays jazz drums or woodwinds, showing artistry has no borders between catwalk and concert hall.
9. Sif Ágústsdóttir
Skateboard-addicted interior design expert by training, Sif moved from Reykjavík to London and built twin careers as a luxury space designer and model for Dior Homme and other brands. She is also a promoter of sustainable décor and women’s skate culture on social media.
8. Halla Vilhjálmsdóttir
Singer-songwriter, actor, MBA alumni, and high-altitude climber, Halla feels equally at home presenting Iceland’s X Factor as she does climbing the top of Aconcagua. Her many hyphens make her an everywoman hero in Iceland.
7. Aníta Briem
Trained at London’s RADA, Aníta shared the screen with Brendan Fraser in Journey to the Center of the Earth and Queen Jane Seymour on The Tudors. She has just returned to Reykjavík for the much-praised drama Quake, fulfilling her interest in Icelandic narratives.
6. Alexandra Helga Ívarsdóttir
The psychology-graduate-turned-model claimed Miss Iceland 2008 and reached the Top 15 at Miss World, winning the Sports fast-track. Now a certified natural chef, she balances wellness content with family life alongside football star Gylfi Sigurðsson.
5. Unnur Birna Vilhjálmsdóttir
One of Iceland’s three Miss World winners, Unnur ruled the 2005 title while studying anthropology school and working part-time as a policewoman. A lawyer, actress, and mother of three now, the beautiful Unnur remains a beloved national beauty and brains icon.
4. Sigrún Eva Ármannsdóttir
At the age of eighteen, she was crowned Miss Iceland 2011 and represented the country at Miss World. A skilled pianist and linguist by nature, Sigrún’s career goal is to pursue a medical line of work, proving that pageant aspirations can harmonize with science.
3. Margrét “Malla” Kjartansdóttir
175 cm tall with Nordic-blue eyes, Malla’s modeling resume varies from Grazia covers to Icelandair campaigns. Her down-to-earth online presence has established Reykjavík native Malla as a top muse among Scandinavian brands seeking authenticity.
2. Tanja Ýr Ástþórsdóttir
Crowned Miss Iceland 2013, Tanja has since been a near-constant on the international pageant circuit, praised for her sparkling stage presence and charity work. Many Icelanders consider her the country’s “dream girl” of the 2010s.
1. Ásdís Rán Gunnarsdóttir
Nicknamed the “Ice Queen”, Ásdís went from Maxim covers in Bulgaria to launching fashion and beauty ventures at home. In 2024, she even ran for President of Iceland, arguing that glamour and public service can coexist – an audacious move that sums up her fearless spirit.
