How to Celebrate Summer Solstice in Iceland

The summer solstice in Iceland is generally celebrated in smaller gatherings of family and friends. Some public celebrations are held to celebrate this longest day of the year, where the sun never sets on midsummer's eve. Public events usually include bonfires and toasting to celebrate summer.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable shoes
• Sleep mask

1. Sign up for a nature walk with a "Huldufolk" guide. Many people in Iceland still adhere to ancient beliefs in these "hidden folk," which consist of fairies, trolls and other nature spirits. These spirits and their legends are especially important on the summer solstice.

2. Learn about the darker side of Icelandic solstice spirits by going on one of the many "Haunted Walks" held on the eve of the summer solstice. These walks typically wind around reportedly spirit-infested buildings in Iceland's largest city, Reykjavik.

3. Celebrate the summer solstice at one of the Viking Solstice celebrations held throughout the country. Midsummer day features open markets selling handmade Viking crafts and jewelry. The largest festival is held in Fjorukrain.

4. Attend one of the summer solstice bonfires. The bonfires are held at sunset and mark the passage of a new year in the Viking tradition.

5. Gather about 3 hours after sunset when the sun rises again for the celebration of the new Viking year.

6. Brave the cold like the locals, and take a naked roll in the fresh morning dew on midsummer day to celebrate the solstice. This is the Icelandic twist on the ancient pagan ritual of washing your face and hands with midsummer dew to stay healthy all year.

7. Join in with the Icelandic party scene. As with most holidays, Icelandic people celebrate by drinking and dancing the entire day. Since the sun is virtually always up at this time of year, bars and dance clubs are open until around nine a.m.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the kids at home. Iceland is well known for its raucous partying, especially during holidays.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, since many walking tours can last up to 2 hours.

• Refer to Icelanders by their first names. In Iceland, the first name is followed by the first name of one of the person's parents, so last names don't really exist.

• Bring a sleep mask with you if you have trouble sleeping while it is still light outside, since the sun is out almost all day.

• Iceland is one of the most expensive places to visit in Europe.

• Alcohol is not sold in grocery stores in Iceland, so visitors must buy drinks from licensed bars and restaurants only.