Celebrate with Iceland

This democracy loves to party on their National Day, 17th June.

Another great reason to travel to Iceland this summer or next; on 17th June, Iceland celebrates it's National Day. The day marks the country's independence from Denmark in June of 1944.

Each year on 17 June Icelanders take to the streets of Reykjavik to celebrate with parades, dances, street theatre and more from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The festivities start off with the Icelandic government's National Day ceremony at Austurvollur, followed by a parade and family entertainment at the statue Arnaharholl. The Icelandic Volcano Circus and various other quirky shows perform around town.

Of course the day wouldn't be complete without the infamous Fjallkonan, the woman of the mountain, who wears a national costume and recites a poem to the crowd. She represents the spirit and nature of Iceland, and is a symbol of Iceland's fight for independence. After the formal celebrations are over, more informal parties are thrown in almost every town and village across the country.

Other festivals to enjoy during an Iceland tour

To help you figure out what's on in Iceland, visit Guide to Iceland's office within Reykjavík City Hall for information or check online before you travel. We also recommend looking up what's on at Harpa Concert Hall - where you can find multiple festivals, international performers, ballet productions, Iceland's Symphony Orchestra, stand up comedy and much, much more.

There are many lovely smaller festivals such as Danish Days in Stykkishólmur, French Days in Fáskrúðsfjörður in the east of Iceland, Lobster Festival at Höfn í Hornafirði Humarhatid, Harbour Ball at Drangsnes in the Westfjords and Fiskidagurinn mikli (The Big Fish Day) in Dalvík, held the first or second Saturday in August.