WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND?

Jul 2

Festivals in Iceland!

Iceland celebrates many festivals annually, from ancient Viking traditions and religious observances to more contemporary celebrations. The population of Iceland may be small, but its capacity for celebration is large.

Þorrablót: A slightly modernized Viking tradition featuring loads of singing and dancing and eating. The gastronomically adventurous and strong of stomach can try traditional delicacies like fermented shark, sheep’s head, and pickled ram testicles, and wash it down with a potent shot of brennivín – a schnapps-like spirit nicknamed the ‘Black Death’.

**Viking Tradition Foods**

A traditional **Þorrablót feast** on display, showcasing Iceland’s bold and historic Viking cuisine. The plate features **fermented shark (hákarl)**, **boiled sheep’s head**, **pickled ram testicles**, and other ancient delicacies, all served with a shot of **Brennivín**, Iceland’s infamous "Black Death" schnapps. A cultural celebration of heritage, flavor, and fearless eating.

Winter Lights Festival: Hosted annually in February, the lights festival originated as a way to brighten up the darkness of the long winter months. Reykjavik is lit up with spectacular light installations, landmarks are illuminated, and various performances and shows. Over the four days of the festival, you can also enjoy Pool Night and Museum Night – extended opening hours and free admission at the city’s pools and museums.

**Winter Lights City of Reykjavík**

Reykjavík glows during the annual **Winter Lights Festival**, held every February to brighten Iceland’s dark winter days. Stunning **light installations**, illuminated landmarks, and vibrant performances transform the city. Enjoy highlights like **Pool Night** and **Museum Night**, with free admission and extended hours at local pools and museums. A magical winter celebration!

Puffins: While not technically a festival or a celebration, the arrival of these shy, goofy-looking birds is worth taking note of. The puffins arrive on the shores in impressive numbers (over 10 million birds) in the spring for their breeding season, departing again by mid-August. Iceland is the breeding home for over 60 percent of the world’s Atlantic puffins, with colonies located all over the country.

**Puffins**

Every spring, **over 10 million Atlantic puffins** flock to Iceland’s cliffs for breeding season, making the country home to 60% of the world’s puffin population. These charming, colorful seabirds nest in coastal colonies from May to mid-August, offering incredible wildlife viewing and photography opportunities across Iceland’s dramatic shorelines.

International Viking Festival: A celebration of the country’s Viking heritage, this is the oldest and biggest festival of its kind, held annually at Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður. Five days of staged battles, dances, and story-telling offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Viking life. Visitors can learn to use traditional weapons like spears and axes, learn wood carving techniques, and purchase a variety of handmade goods from the market

Live the Viking Legacy at Iceland’s Viking Festival in **Hafnarfjörður**

Held every June in **Hafnarfjörður’s Viking Village**, the **International Viking Festival** is Iceland’s largest celebration of Viking heritage. Enjoy five days of **live battles**, **traditional dances**, **storytelling**, and hands-on workshops. Learn axe throwing, wood carving, and shop unique **handmade Viking crafts** at the lively market—a journey into Iceland’s epic past.

Frostbiter: Icelandic folklore is filled with tales of monsters and supernatural creatures. These dark tales are likely a result of the deep, dark winters, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic scenery of the country. This penchant for dark themes has birthed an annual horror film festival celebrating these macabre, strange, and downright terrifying movies. Horror film fans can head to Akranes, a small town north of Rejkyavik, for the Iceland Horror Film Festival which celebrates both local and international horror films.

Frostbiter: Iceland’s Chilling Horror Film Festival in Akranes

Set in the eerie winter backdrop of **Akranes, Iceland**, the **Frostbiter Horror Film Festival** celebrates Iceland’s dark folklore and love for the macabre. Inspired by volcanic landscapes and haunting tales, this annual event showcases chilling **horror films** from Iceland and beyond—uniting filmmakers and fans in a spine-tingling cinematic experience.

Christmas: is a special time to be in Iceland. From traditional Christmas concerts, festive markets, and twinkling lights that cut through the winter darkness, the country is transformed into a winter wonderland. Any Christmas in Iceland is virtually guaranteed to be a white Christmas, and the chances increase the further north you travel.