Events calendar Iceland

In Siglufjörður and all over Iceland, herring fishing has been a great boon to the country's economy and its people. The herring fishery continued until it died out in the 1970s due to overfishing.

Every year, the town and its inhabitants pay tribute to this past with the herring festival. On this occasion, the locals organize a re-enactment of the herring cleaning and salting that is more real than life. Other festive events are organized such as dances, meals, concerts, etc. Continue your visit with a visit to the Herring Museum for example.

The Listasumar is an eclectic arts festival that takes place in Akureyri every year; it lasts two months and includes concerts, exhibitions, dance, theatre, literature... It is an opportunity to discover Iceland's vibrant art scene and meet locals in an entertaining setting.

It takes place in July, so it is likely to interest you if you are planning a visit to northern Iceland in the summer. You will also be able to enjoy the long days and midnight sunshine of Iceland.

Want to discover the capital in a different way? If you're in Reykjavík at the end of August-beginning of September, don't hesitate to go to one of the performances that take place during the Reykjavík Jazz Festival. A church, public library, hotel, independent theatre or cafe are among the many different venues that house the musicians performing at this festival, which began in 1990. An unusual way to (re)discover some of the venues and enjoy the music in a friendly atmosphere.

Since 1874, this festival has been celebrated on Heimaey, the largest island of the Vestann Islands, in late July and early August. For several days, more than ten thousand Icelanders and foreigners transform the island into a large campsite to party in the open air to the rhythm of rock concerts and fireworks. Remember to book well in advance if you want to stay in a hotel on the island during this event.

Every year in eastern Iceland, in Seyðisfjörður, the LungA Art Festival takes place. This popular festival aims to bring visitors together around creation, culture and art. You will be able to discover young artists in the field of plastic art, design and music with a fashion show and concerts by Icelandic artists, some of whom are sometimes known as Sóley or the women's rap group Reykjavikurdaetur. A local event to discover if you travel to Iceland's fjords in the summer.

If you walk around Faskrudsfjördur, you will surely be surprised to find signs in English! The city has indeed welcomed dozens of French ships from the 19th century onwards. At the end of July, there is a three-day French Days festival at the end of July, which is a good-natured family festival. And of course, a few days earlier (July 14), the French national holiday is celebrated through Flag Day. Don't hesitate to take a look at the former French hospital, as well as at the museum of the French in Iceland.

Did you know that? The town of Akranes was founded by two Irish brothers with Norwegian blood, Þormóður and Ketill Bresasonir. To pay tribute to the origins of the town, Irish Days commemorates their Celtic heritage every year. On the programme: games, dance, beer, Irish flags everywhere, and the competition for the reddest Icelander! The whole city is celebrating, with of course the heart of the festivities in the city centre. It's also an opportunity for locals to get together with friends and family in a friendly atmosphere