The Landstólpinn , the Icelandic Regional Development Agency's community recognition, is an award that the Icelandic Regional Development Agency awards annually at its annual meeting. It is an incentive award to individuals, companies, groups or projects that have drawn attention to regional issues, strengthened rural communities or contributed to the advancement of rural issues, either as a whole or within a specific region, such as within innovation, regional development, business development, sustainability or culture.
Nominations are hereby invited for the holder of the Landstólpin 2026. A jury will select from the proposals received.
Consideration may be given to whether the individual, group, company or project in question has:
- Promote a positive and strong image of rural areas or a specific area
- Raise awareness and increase coverage of a specific area or issue within rural areas
- Strengthen the local environment , either through increased solidarity among residents, employment opportunities, increased recreation, culture, services, value creation or other opportunities.
- Increase the activity of residents and get them directly involved in the project
- Promote positive impacts of economic, social and/or environmental factors
It is not necessary that all of these points be followed, but they should be taken into account. It is essential that the nomination be accompanied by justification.
The award includes an artwork designed by an Icelandic artist. Prize money of ISK 1,000,000.- also comes with the award.
It is requested that proposals be sent to the email address landstolpinn@byggdastofnun.is .
For further information, please contact Helga Harðardóttir and Andri Þór Árnason, tel. 455-5400.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, February 27, 2026.