Welcome to
VESTURHEIMUR – VINÁTTUFÉLAG
(formerly known as the Icelandic National League of Iceland).

The mission of Vesturheimur is to strengthen ties between Icelanders and people of Icelandic descent in North America and others interested in the connections forged through mass emigration from Iceland to Canada and the United States.

Through cultural exchange programs, youth opportunities, artistic and academic collaboration, and outreach activities, Vesturheimur helps keep the bond between Iceland and its cousins and friends across the Atlantic vibrant and alive.

The history of Vesturheimur

Icelandic National League of North America (INLNA) was established in 1919 to bring together Canadians and Americans of Icelandic descent and promote Icelandic ties with North America. A sister organization in Iceland, the Icelandic National League of Iceland (INL of Iceland) was formally founded two decades later, on December 1, 1939. Its purpose was to strengthen communication and cooperation between Icelanders in the East and the West, as it was phrased at the time.

After a period of inactivity, the INL of Iceland was revitalized in 1997, with an emphasis on supporting cross-Atlantic youth mobility opportunities and heritage tours. At the 2026 AGM, the association changed its name to Vesturheimur to underscore its role in cultivating friendship and understanding between Iceland and North America. The Icelandic word “Vesturheimur” emerged as a term for North America in the nineteenth century and is closely associated with the history and enduring legacy of Icelandic migration to Canada and the UnitedStates.

Join Vesturheimur

The annual membership fee is 4000 ISK. We welcome all interested in joining us to fill out our online membership application form or contact us via the contact form .