With July nearly halfway done (and also, summer!) it means that August is right around the corner. While there are many things to see and do in Iceland during the summer, one of the best ones is festivals. The month of August is no exception. Merchant’s Weekend in Iceland is one of the most popular summer festivals in the country. The celebration, known as Verslunarmannahelgi in Icelandic, is one of the best of the year. It takes place during the first weekend in August and is essentially one big party all across the country. This year’s Merchant’s Weekend takes place from August 3rd to 6th.
Because we have so many days off work, things can get pretty rowdy pretty fast. So what is there to do during Iceland’s Merchant’s Day Weekend as part of all the partying? Let’s find out.
The Innipúkinn Music Festival
https://www.facebook.com/Innipukinnfestival/
This festival is held in Reykjavik every year and features bands from all over Iceland. The groups rocking the stages at Húrra and Gaukurinn are not to be missed, with the lineup featuring Retro Stefson, Gísli Pálmi, sóley, Sin Fang, and Muck among others.
Norðanpaunk Punk Music Festival
http://www.nordanpaunk.org/faq.html
Heavy metal and punk enthusiasts will feel right at home attending this outdoor music festival. There are 40 bands slated to play this year, so head to Laugarbakki and get your rock on! You can go camping on the premises, and the festival is BYOB, so stock up early.
The Iceland Summer Games and Ein með öllu Festival in Akureyri
http://www.icelandsummergames.com/ (in Icelandic only)
The Ein með öllu festival (one with everything in honor of the traditional way to order Icelandic hot dogs) and the Iceland Summer Games are a chance for families to get out and enjoy the sun in Iceland’s second city Akureyri. In addition to food, there will also be bands and other activities.
Go Camping
Yes, you read that right! While there are tons of festivals to enjoy, many Icelanders like to pack up their families and head to the countryside. Unless you are specifically visiting Iceland to go camping, this may not be your ideal option. But if the bug does strike you, why not head to one of Reykjavik’s camping stores to rent some gear?
Merchant’s Weekend 2018 is Coming
Whichever event (or events!) you choose, you are sure to have fun. August is one of the best times to visit Iceland, so you’ll want to hang out with Icelanders when they’re having the most fun and taking a break from the stresses of daily life. We hope you enjoy Verslunarmannahelgi this year!
