List of Presidents of Iceland: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Iceland from 1944 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Iceland, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Iceland: Halla Tómasdóttir (in office since 2024).

Presidents of Iceland in order, with years in office

Sveinn Björnsson

Served: 1944–1952

First president of Iceland and formerly Regent; died in office on 25 January 1952.

Ásgeir Ásgeirsson

Served: 1952–1968

Served four terms.

Kristján Eldjárn

Served: 1968–1980

Served three terms.

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

Served: 1980–1996

World's first democratically elected female head of state.

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson

Served: 1996–2016

First president to use the power to refuse to sign laws, sending them to referendum.

Guðni Th. Jóhannesson

Served: 2016–2024

Historian who served two terms.

Halla Tómasdóttir

Served: 2024–present

Took office on 1 August 2024.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Iceland

Who is the current president of Iceland?

The current president of Iceland is Halla Tómasdóttir, in office since 2024.

Who were the previous presidents of Iceland?

The presidents and heads of state of Iceland listed on this page, in order, are: Sveinn Björnsson, Ásgeir Ásgeirsson, Kristján Eldjárn, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, Halla Tómasdóttir.

Who was the first president of Iceland?

Sveinn Björnsson was the first president of Iceland, in office 1944–1952.

Sources: Archontology.org, Iceland: Heads of State (1944–2025); Wikipedia, President of Iceland (checked Nov 2026). Iceland has had seven presidents since 1944.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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