Verslunarmannahelgi or Merchant Weekend 2025
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.