Festivals and Events
-
New Year’s Eve
A celebration with bonfires where people sing traditional Icelandic folk songs accompanied by elves, trolls and other characters. At midnight the sky is lit-up with spectacular fireworks.
-
Þorrinn (Thorrinn)
Celebrating the feast of Þorrablot, with festivities, dance and traditional Viking food – smoked lamb, sheep heads and brennivin.
-
Winter Lights Festival
Celebrating winter and the coming end of the long dark nights. The three day festival offers a mix of cultural, historical and sporting events.
-
Food and Fun
A four day gastronomic extravaganza offering visitors a chance to enjoy the finest in international and local culinary delights. Iceland offers some of the finest naturally grown ingredients, freshest seafood and tender meats.
http://www.foodandfun.is/ -
Listahátíð í Reykjavík (Reykjavik Arts Festival)
This two week event showcases the best local and international theatre, dance, music, and film.
http://www.artfest.is/ -
Festival of the Sea
An event highlighting the importance of the sea in Icelandic culture. Boat of all sizes come into port and sailors test their strength in various strongman competitions.
-
Icelandic Independence Day
Marking the country’s 1944 independence from Denmark, the event includes parades, street theatre and music.
http://www.iceland.org/ca/win/the-consulate-gen... -
Raykjavik Gay Pride
Proudly sponsored by the city, the event has become the second biggest event in Iceland.
http://www.gaypride.is/ -
Reykjavik Marathon
Thousands of runners from around the world participate in the challenge of endurance.
http://www.marathon.is/ -
Menningarnótt (Cultural Night)
This is the largest festival in Iceland with activities ranging from cultural exhibition to traditional shows. With shops, cafés, and bars open until late, expect thousands of visitors.
http://www.menningarnott.is/ -
Reykjavik Jazz Festival
Five days of jazz attracting top international talent. Concerts held at various venues throughout the city.
http://www.jazz.is/festival.htm/ -
Reykjavik International Film Festival
Started in 2004, this relatively new international film festival provides film-goers an opportunity to see new films from many of the world’s best young directors.
Seminars and talks are offered with local and international film makers. http://www.filmfest.is/ -
Iceland Airwaves
Since its inception in 1999, the festival has evolved to become a major international music event featuring the hottest new bands from the US, Europe and Iceland.
http://www.icelandairwaves.com/ -
Advent and Christmas in Reykjavik
Celebrated from December 12, the city has exhibits, concerts, theatre and opera performances with Christmas themes and restaurants offering a special Icelandic Christmas dinner of Hangikjot, a smoked lamb with vegetables.
Theatre, Cinema and Opera
Although there are several theatres in Reykjavik, the two main ones are the National Theatre and the City Theatre. Productions range from great classics to avant garde and experimental works. Most are in Icelandic, except for the occasional visiting performance. Over 300 performances a year are put on at the National Theatre, which has three stages, the Main Stage with seating for 500, the Black Box with seating for 180, and the Workshop Stage with seating for 150. www.leikhuisid.is. The City Theatre is also the venue for the Icelandic Dance Company. It has four stages, with the largest having space for 520. www.borgarleikhus.is.
The Íslanska Óperan (Icelandic Opera) open since the late 1970s, is a relative newcomer compared to its European counterparts. It has links to many of the major opera houses around the globe, and is the northernmost opera house in the world. With seating for just 473, certain productions have seen audiences in the several thousands during their run. All the international productions are performed in their native language. www.opera.is.
The Sinfóniuhljomsveit Islands (Iceland Symphony Orchestra) has long been considered one of the leading Nordic orchestras. There are approximately 60 concerts given each season, which runs from September to June. Concerts range from well-known classical to contemporary pieces. www.sinfonia.is.
Icelanders are passionate about the movies and there are many screens throughout the city. Foreign films are normally shown in their original language, while only some Icelandic movies are presented with English subtitles. The free newspaper Morgunblaðið and the website www.bio.is (Icelandic only) list show times.
Museums and Galleries
Reykjavik is packed with museums and galleries. At last count there were 16 art museums, 15 heritage museums, and over 20 galleries. Here are few notable selections:
Þjóðminjasafn ĺslands (National Museum of Iceland) – This heritage museum provides a picture of Icelandic life over the last 1200 years. With its history dating back to 1863, the museum recently underwent extensive refurbishment and modernization opening up new dynamic exhibits, while still housing the nation’s treasures. The collections exhibit artifacts from the first Viking settlers to the present day. www.natmus.is.
Árbæjarsafn (Reykjavik City Museum) - This open-air museum that once served as a farm, is a living monument to the city’s cultural heritage. The buildings on the grounds are from the 19th century and the staff all wear outfits from the period. The museum is about 2 miles (3.5 km) from the city centre and is easily accessible by bus. www.arbaejarsafn.is.
Sögusafnið (Saga Museum) - Located in the famous Perlan building, the museum transports you back to the Viking Age with lifelike wax figurines. Visitors are guided in the museum through the chronological history of Iceland. www.sagamuseum.is.
Listasafn (The National Gallery of Iceland) – Is home to the largest collection of Icelandic art from the 19th and 20th century including works by one of the pioneers, Ásgrimur Jónsson. The museum is also home to well-known international art including works from top Danish artists Joakim Skovgaard, Christian Blache and Peter Krøyer. Many of the works have been donated by private collectors. Admission to the museum has been free since February 2006. www.listasafn.is.
Listasafn Reykjavíkur (Reykjavik Art Museum) - Is actually three museums; Hafnarhúsið (Harbour House), devoted to Icelandic and international experimental and contemporary art; Kjarvalsstaðir, devoted to Icelandic and international modern art; and Ásmundursafn (Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum), devoted primarily to sculptures by Ásmundur Sveinsson and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. www.listasafnreykjavikur.is and www.artmuseum.is.
There are numerous galleries showcasing visual, classical and avant-garde art throughout the city centre. Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur are the gallery hotspots, with some located in hotels including 101 Gallery located in the 101 Hotel and Gallery Kynnisferdir located in the Icelandair Hotel Nordica.
For Children
There are several attractions in Reykjavik geared for the entire family. Geothermal swimming pools located throughout Reykjavik are great fun. Some have waterslides and others offer indoor and outdoor swimming. (See Top Spots)
Another potential winner is to go whale watching. Seeing these majestic creatures of the sea is sure to leave an indelible impression on young minds. (See Top Spots)
The Sögusafnið (Saga Museum) provides a rare glimpse of how life was as a Viking. The wax figurines will amuse the young ones. (See Museums and Galleries)
