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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Iceland > Reykjavik

Local time Reykjavik

Currency

Kr

Reykjavik Events

National Day of Iceland

The national day celebration involves a ceremony at Austurvöllur Square, a parade from Austurvöllur to Suðurgata Cemetery, where the Chairman of the City Council lays a wreath of flowers on the grave of Jón Sigurðsson (the leader of the Icelandic independent movement), and various pop-events across Reykjavík.

Date: 17 June 2023 - 17 June 2023
Venue: Throughout the city.
Cost:

Free.


Reykjavik Culture Night

On this day, museums and theatres and other cultural institutions kick-start their annual programmes. Enjoy a variety of activities, including shows, exhibitions, and of course, fireworks.

Date: 01 August 2023 - 31 August 2023
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various venues.
Website: http://menningarnott.is/
Cost:

Various.


Reykjavík Pride

Pride is an important event for the LGBTQ+ community in Iceland and people of all genders, sexualities, races and faiths are invited to join in and celebrate. Expect to see groups performing, singing and dancing through the streets of Reykjavík.

Date: 08 August 2023 - 13 August 2023
Venue: Various venues.

Reykjavik Marathon

Fresh air, beautiful scenery and good running conditions are the characteristics of this marathon. Apart from the standard 26.2 miles, there are shorter distances to suit all age groups and levels.

Date: 19 August 2023 - 19 August 2023
Venue: Various locations.
Website: https://www.rmi.is/en/reykjavik-marathon-2023

Reykjavik International Film Festival

First held in 2004, this festival has shone a spotlight on international filmmaking. Directors, cinematographers and producers are on hand to talk about their films in a series of seminars and workshops.

Date: 28 September 2023 - 08 October 2023
Venue: Various venues.
Website: https://riff.is/?lang=en
Cost:

Various.


Iceland Airwaves Music Festival

This annual music festival brings together emerging musical talent and international acts. With performances, DJ sets and aftershow parties often continuing until dawn, this ultra-cool event is very popular among the city's young and trendy folk.

Date: 02 November 2023 - 04 November 2023
Venue: Various venues.
Website: https://icelandairwaves.is/
Cost:

Various.


New Year's Eve fireworks

Icelanders know how to have fun and just before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, spectacular fireworks light up the sky. Popular places to watch include the Hallgrímskirkja church, Perlan (The Pearl) and Klambratún park.

Date: 31 December 2023 - 31 December 2023
Venue: Various venues.
Cost:

Free.


Winter Lights Festival

The Winter Lights Festival aims to cheer everyone up after a long dark winter. The Winter Lights Walking Path, with beautiful installations around the city centre, is especially interesting.

Date: 01 February 2024 - 04 February 2024
Venue: Various venues.
Website: http://winterlightsfestival.is
Cost:

Free.


Food and Fun Festival

An irresistible treat for the taste buds, this annual festival sees chefs using locally-sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes.

Date: 01 March 2024 - 31 March 2024
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various hotels and restaurants.
Website: http://www.foodandfun.is
Cost:

Various.


Beer Day

On 1 March 1989, Iceland ended the 75-year-long prohibition of beer. Since then, the people of Iceland have been celebrating this day with exclusive local and international beers, along with delicious food and live music.

Date: 01 March 2024 - 01 March 2024
Venue: Various bars and restaurants.
Cost:

Various.


Reykjavik Arts Festival

This is a biennial multidisciplinary festival with a special focus on new commissions and the creative intersection of the arts; it is a real treat for locals and visitors, young and old alike.

Date: 01 June 2024 - 16 June 2024
Venue: Various venues.
Website: https://www.listahatid.is/en
Cost:

Various.


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Featured Hotels

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Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Good for anyone in search of a quieter stay, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica sits 10 minutes from the city centre, close to the botanic gardens. Decked out in white and grey, the 284-room hotel is huge but boasts a soothing Scandinavian ambience. Along with the Vox restaurant, it also has an onsite spa.

Hotel Reykjavik Natura

Located a 20-minute walk from the city centre, close to the domestic airport, Hotel Reykjavik Naturais is run by national carrier Icelandair. A short stroll from the Perlan complex, it is good for nature fans with biking, running and walking paths and a nearby geothermal beach. Inside, rooms are comfortable and there’s an onsite spa.

Hotel Cabin

It might not have much in the way of frills, but what Hotel Cabin lacks in decorative flourishes, it more than makes up in convenience and charm. That’s not to say that the rooms are unappealing. Most are comfortable and well-appointed, with huge beds and single Scandinavian-style pillows.

Hotel Fron

With its bright blue facade, you can't miss Hotel Fron. When the runtur (pub crawl) gets underway at the weekend, a couple of rooms at the front might get a bit noisy, but most of the rooms are remarkably quiet. It's an excellent choice for leisure travellers wanting a central location at a reasonable price.

Sunna Guesthouse

Just behind Hallgrimskirkja, this guesthouse in the heart of the old town is within easy walking distance of the major attractions, shops and restaurants. The rooms are basic but clean, and the buffet breakfast is included in the rate. Accommodation options range from rooms with shared facilities to studios and apartments.

Hotel Borg

A Reykjavik institution, the grand Hotel Borg overlooks Austurvöllur and the Parliament building on the other side. Inside, rooms are comfortable and well appointed, while the split-level Tower Suite has proved a hit with visiting VIPs. Downstairs, it boasts its own gourmet restaurant, Silfur, which serves top-notch French fare.