Verslunarmannahelgi or Merchant Weekend 2025

A wide-angle view of the Westman Islands in Iceland, with dark blue ocean in the foreground and scattered green islands under a bright blue summer sky with light clouds. A few seabirds are fl

01/08/2025 11:00 am

Verslunarmannahelgi, or Merchants’ Weekend, is the biggest travel and festival weekend of the year in Iceland. It always falls on the weekend before the first Monday of August.

That Monday is a public holiday in Iceland. Originally it was just for shopkeepers, hence the name, but today everyone joins in. Many locals see this as the last camping trip of the summer. It’s a weekend full of live music, bonfires, fireworks and crowd singing.

If you're in Iceland during this time, it’s a unique chance to experience local culture, music and outdoor fun.

Top summer festivals in Iceland

Here are three of the biggest events happening over the Verslunarmannahelgi weekend:

1. Þjóðhátíð í Eyjum (National Festival in the Westman Islands)

• Held in Herjólfsdalur valley on Heimaey island

• Around 15,000 people join the 4,000 island locals

• Known for live music, bonfires and a big Sunday crowd singalong

• A new festival song is released each year, 2025 will be no exception

• Thursday starts with the Húkkaraballið ("Hook-up Ball"), a fun social dance

The atmosphere is festive, intimate and full of tradition. It’s one of Iceland’s most beloved events. For more info on this festival click here.

2. Innipúkinn Festival (Reykjavík City Festival)

Don’t feel like camping? No problem. Reykjavík hosts a city-based music festival called Innipúkinn, meaning “homebody” or “indoor person.”

• Held this year at Austurbæjarbíó in downtown Reykjavík

• Local artists perform late into the night

• Great for visitors staying in the capital

• Easy access to bars, restaurants and nightlife

It’s a popular option for those who want festival energy without leaving the city. For more information on the festival click here.

3. Ein með öllu in Akureyri (Family Festival in the North)

This event happens in Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland.

• Ideal for families and people of all ages

• Includes music, street performances and a funfair

• The name means “One with everything”, like how Icelanders order a hot dog

Akureyri’s charming streets and friendly vibe make it a great place to spend the long weekend. For more information on this festival click here.

Tips for your Merchant weekend camping

Plan your camping adventure early

Festivals sell out and ferries (especially to the Westman Islands) book quickly.

Pack for all weather

Icelandic summer can be unpredictable - so layers, windproofed, jeans and shorts, bring it all with you.

Respect the locals

Many Icelanders take this weekend seriously and travel far for it.

Explore beyond festivals

Towns and nature spots are lively too.

Verslunarmannahelgi is a time to connect, with nature, with music and with the spirit of Iceland in summer. Whether you’re camping, dancing, or just enjoying the long weekend, there’s something for everyone.

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