Icelandic National Day: Celebrating Iceland’s Independence

The summer is a popular time to visit Iceland, but did you know that the Icelandic National Day, or Þjóðhátíðardagur, falls during this time of year? Iceland celebrates its independence on June 17, dating back to 1944. If you’ll be in the country for Iceland’s Independence Day, this guide will help you explore your options to celebrate with the Icelanders.

Iceland’s History

Iceland was first settled around 874, when the new Icelanders lived in isolation, separate from much of the rest of the world. However, from 1262 until around 1380, the countrymen paid taxes to the Norwegian king. The ruling of Icelandic chieftains was phased out during this time.

From 1380, Norway and Denmark united under the Danish king, bringing Iceland under Danish rule, which would last until its independence in 1944. With much of Iceland’s trade being channeled through Danish ports, Icelandic merchants struggled. In 1855, this trade monopoly sparked Jón Sigurðsson to begin the push for independence.

Sigurðsson would unfortunately not live to see Iceland’s independence, but his efforts were not wasted. In 1918, the Act of the Union was passed, which recognized Iceland as a sovereign state. During World War II, Germany occupied Denmark, resulting in a failure to uphold the obligations of the Act of the Union. This ultimately led the Althingi (Iceland’s parliament) to declare their independence.

When is the National Day in Iceland?

Iceland’s National Day (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn) is celebrated on June 17th every year. This date marks the country’s independence from Denmark and the establishment of the Republic of Iceland in 1944.

Why June 17?

Surprisingly, June 17, 1944, is not necessarily the date on which the declaration of independence was signed. Instead, June 17 was chosen as Iceland’s National Day because it was Jón Sigurðsson’s date of birth, honoring the father of Iceland’s independence movement. 

What to Expect on the Icelandic National Day

If you’re in Iceland for the Icelandic National Day, you’ll find many events throughout the country. While many of them are focused on Reykjavík, there are celebrations in many of the towns. If you won’t be in Reykjavík, ask at your accommodations to learn what to expect in the local area so you can join the celebration.

The Opening Address

Every Icelandic National Day begins with the morning ceremony on Austurvelli. The sitting President of Iceland will lay a wreath at the Jón Sigurðsson memorial, followed by a speech by the Prime Minister. There are often additional speeches, including one from Fjallkonan, the Mountain Woman, who is named each year and kept secret until the ceremony. The president of the city counsel can also be expected to speak.

The Parade

After the speeches and wreath-laying ceremonies, the Icelandic Scouts will lead a parade starting from Hallgrímskirkja around 13:00. This parade promises to be filled with surprises, including music, traditional dress, plenty of Icelandic flags, and more. The parade leads to the festival area in Hljómskálagard, where many of the other festivities of the day will occur.

Árbæjarsafn

Árbæjarsafn is an open-air museum in Reykjavík that celebrates the lives of Icelanders of old. While this museum is available year-round, the Icelandic National Day is extra special. Entry to the museum is typically free on this day, with demonstrations for visitors to enjoy.

Sporting Events

Iceland’s Independence Day wouldn’t be complete without a chance to showcase your physical prowess. During the celebration, you can expect several sporting events, including strongman competitions, that allow the Icelanders to show off their strength.

Entertainment

One of the highlights of the Icelandic National Day is the free entertainment available. The festival grounds have a number of bounce houses and carnival rides where children can burn some energy. There are also plenty of entertainers roaming around, including circus acts and dancers, ensuring everyone has a great time.

Music is another important part of the Icelandic National Day. The primary music you can expect to hear is a simple song with a two-line chorus that is known as the “National Celebration Song.” You may also hear Iceland’s national anthem, “Lofsongurinn.”

Throughout the day, you may encounter free concerts and other musical entertainment on the festival grounds or in other areas of the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to hear traditional Icelandic music and more modern tunes.

Food

Food is a big part of Icelandic culture, but there are no specific dishes associated with their Independence Day. In fact, many Icelanders will simply grab a hot dog, or pylsur, on the go as they move between the celebrations. There are also a number of food trucks spread throughout the festival grounds, so you can still get a chance to try some Icelandic treats.

Join This Joyous Celebration

If you’re looking for the perfect time to enjoy the Icelandic summer, Iceland’s National Day can be an excellent choice for your vacation. Each year, the schedule changes, but overall, the celebration is much the same. It’s the perfect opportunity to join the Icelanders as they celebrate their independence and their journey to become the country they are today.

When you get the best rental car in Iceland, you can choose where to celebrate the Icelandic National Day, whether you choose to stay in Reykjavík for the main festivities or travel to a smaller town for a more intimate celebration.

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