Iceland extends warm greetings to visitors in June with a series of popular events.
Bright Days in Hafnarfjordur, June 3-7
The Bright Days arts and culture festival promotes Hafnarfjordur as a vibrant, creative town, Iceland’s third-largest with a population of 25,000. Those are just the people. The town is said to host one of the richest elf and spirit populations you’ll find anywhere in the country. The lava, in particular, is said to be inhabited by over 20 types of dwarves, four kinds of gnomes and all sorts of elves. (www.hafnarfjordur.is)
Festival of the Sea, June 6-7
An important date in the Icelandic calendar, this festival commemorates the work and sacrifices of the nation’s fisherman and the riches of the oceans they trawl. A fun weekend for the whole family, all vessels return to harbor for the event and sailors try their hands at fun-to-watch strongman and rowing competitions.
Viking Festival, June 12-17
The Viking Village town of Hafnarfjordur, still recovering from the Bright Days event mentioned above, hosts a Viking Festival with costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and crafts. (www.fjorukrain.is)
National Day, June 17
This is Iceland’s version of Independence Day in the U.S., except without the fireworks since, well, it just doesn’t get dark enough that time of year. Celebrating the country’s independence since 1944, it includes colorful parades, street theater and lots of music and dancing.
