Events calendar Iceland

Take advantage of the fresh Icelandic air to take part in this international race that takes place every year. Various courses are offered: the marathon itself, the half marathon, a 10 km race for adults, and races of 600 metres and 3 kilometres for the younger ones. Enough to make the whole family run! Moreover, given the number of participants, it seems to see the entire population of the country running! Good to know: the marathon takes place on the same day as the Night of Culture with many free celebrations.

One of the most important events of the year for Icelanders is the big sheep gathering. Riding their favourite horse, farmers set off in search of these animals scattered in the meadows or high pastures. This great gathering is a celebration in itself and visitors are welcome to lend their support. Some tour operators organize trips for this purpose... at a great price. It is best to contact local associations.

Located in the north of the country, the volcanic lake Mývatn is appreciated by tourists... but also by sportsmen with this great annual event. Every year, the shores of the eponymous lake welcome sportsmen and women for either a 10 km, a half-marathon or a marathon. Thus, all levels are welcome to enjoy this unique event! The terrain is flat and paved, so it would be a shame to miss out on a great opportunity to indulge in your favourite sport in such a wonderful setting. Good to know: the price includes access to the Mývatn baths.

What could be better than a festival dedicated to lobster to enjoy this local dish in the best conditions? Organised every year at the end of June or beginning of July in Höfn. On this occasion, you will be able to discover lobster in all its forms, as the town's restaurants offer lobster-based menus and street vendors serve lobster snacks! Numerous concerts and events are planned on site and attract locals and tourists alike.

The first weekend in August is the Merchants' Day or Verslunarmannahelgi. During this long weekend (Monday is a holiday), Icelanders go camping in wild places and organize many parties, such as open-air rock festivals. Just ask the Icelanders about the good things to do in the area and join the locals in celebrating. A warm welcome guaranteed! Be careful, on this occasion, the shops are closed... organize yourself and plan your trip accordingly.

The Skálholt Music Festival is the oldest music festival in Iceland. This festival of classical and religious music, with a slight inclination towards baroque, takes place for five weeks in the heart of summer in Skálholt, about an hour's drive from Reykjavík. During this time you can attend concerts, rehearsals, workshops and other events. Whether you like classical music or just want to have a good time, treat yourself.

Notice to sportsmen! Usually, the Landmannalaugar is a very popular playground for hikers. During the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, it becomes the favourite place for traileurs. Thus, this 55 km trail, which follows the route of the famous Landmannalaugar-Þórsmörk hike, takes place every year in mid-July. Please note that this trail is only for experienced sportsmen and women with a height difference of 1,380 metres and a height difference of 1,800 metres. Impressive.

This festival dates back to 1938, but Icelandic fishing culture goes back centuries. Anyone who comes to Iceland knows how intimately connected fishing is to the everyday life of Icelanders. To pay homage to its many fishermen, the Fishermen's Day (Sjómannadagur) brings together locals and tourists every year. On this occasion, all fishermen return to port and many sea-related activities are organised in the country's ports. As Iceland's largest fishing port, Reykjavík is ideal for enjoying the moment.

On Bolludagur (day of buns), the Icelandic Lent, bakeries and other shops sell rolls of all shapes (buns, in English), filled with cream, jam and sometimes covered with chocolate. This day is particularly popular with children, as they have to get up early to wake their parents by hitting them gently with a stick, nicknamed bun wand in Shakespeare's language. The parents then have to buy them as many creamy breads as they get hit.