Aug
03
2013
Aug
06
2013
Aug
01
2014
Aug
01
2014
Aug
05
2016
Aug
08
2016
Weekend Party at the Westmann Islands Festival
Published by Vanessa Boiser, Writer
Country: Iceland 
The Experience
The Westman Islands Festival, held annually on the first August weekend in the southern coast of Iceland, is well thought of as one of the greatest parties in the world. This Iceland Festival, also known as the “Merchant’s Holiday” or "Þjóðhátíð", is marked by residents actually leaving their homes to pitch white tents in the middle of a valley for a colossal celebration!
At the heart of it all is Herjolfsdalur Valley near the town of Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey Island. Here natives welcome hordes of people to their temporary tent community from all ages and walks of life, who flock here to experience the craziness that is the Westman Islands Festival. Locals host mainlanders with smoked puffin, hot coffee and of course with some alcoholic pleasantries, such as vodka! Amongst the white tents and spirited beverages, be sure to enjoy some of the impromptu sing alongs, massive bonfires or fireworks displays. Families gather in the morning to camp out, picnic, and watch entertainment from local personalities, which ranges from comedy presentations and music-fests. In the evening, young adults party to the chagrin of police officers who watch over the place and keep trouble at bay.
The first Westman Islands Festival was held in Vestmannaeyjar in 1872 to celebrate the ratification of Iceland’s Constitution. Locals could not travel to the mainland due to bad weather, but this did not diminish their desire to celebrate with the whole of Iceland. Presently, people from the mainland ironically travel to this coastal town to celebrate the Festival.
At the heart of it all is Herjolfsdalur Valley near the town of Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey Island. Here natives welcome hordes of people to their temporary tent community from all ages and walks of life, who flock here to experience the craziness that is the Westman Islands Festival. Locals host mainlanders with smoked puffin, hot coffee and of course with some alcoholic pleasantries, such as vodka! Amongst the white tents and spirited beverages, be sure to enjoy some of the impromptu sing alongs, massive bonfires or fireworks displays. Families gather in the morning to camp out, picnic, and watch entertainment from local personalities, which ranges from comedy presentations and music-fests. In the evening, young adults party to the chagrin of police officers who watch over the place and keep trouble at bay.
The first Westman Islands Festival was held in Vestmannaeyjar in 1872 to celebrate the ratification of Iceland’s Constitution. Locals could not travel to the mainland due to bad weather, but this did not diminish their desire to celebrate with the whole of Iceland. Presently, people from the mainland ironically travel to this coastal town to celebrate the Festival.
When to Go to Westmann Islands Festival
Recently, law enforcers increased their vigilance on people who bring illegal drugs. The Westman Islands Festival usually ends on a Sunday and goes on until Monday morning. The fireworks and the annual sing-along led by a local public figure are always the highlights and finale of the celebration. The simplicity of the Festival, coupled with the green valley and the breathtaking backdrop of what’s understood to be a volcano wall, is one experience that you should never miss. Book early!
For four days over the first weekend in August every year, these disparate groups collide on Heimaey, the largest and most beautiful island in the chain.
Odds n' Ends
Here are some helpful tips. It’s most important is to be respectful and comfortable with the locals. Iceland is a very safe place to be in, but you also need to be mindful of trouble that might break out. Bring eye covers to let you sleep enough for the next day’s party. The Westman Islands Festival is held in a place where there are 20 hours of day light.
The weather can be very fickle, so be sure to layer your clothes and always bring weather-proof gear just in case it rains. During summer, temperature will range from 24-28°F. Also bring durable walking shoes and lots of krona (Iceland currency). A trip to the Westman Islands Festival will cost you an estimated $130-$150 for the accommodation with a kitchenette, which is recommended should you decide to stay for 2 days or more; and $50-80 for a two-way 2 ½-hour ferry ride. In case you have extra time after the Festival, you might also want to experience digging lava-buried houses caused by a volcanic eruption in 1973.
The weather can be very fickle, so be sure to layer your clothes and always bring weather-proof gear just in case it rains. During summer, temperature will range from 24-28°F. Also bring durable walking shoes and lots of krona (Iceland currency). A trip to the Westman Islands Festival will cost you an estimated $130-$150 for the accommodation with a kitchenette, which is recommended should you decide to stay for 2 days or more; and $50-80 for a two-way 2 ½-hour ferry ride. In case you have extra time after the Festival, you might also want to experience digging lava-buried houses caused by a volcanic eruption in 1973.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
This 3-star hotel in Vestmannaeyjar is centrally located. The hotel offers a spa & wellness centre, a golf course and a fitness centre as well ... 1 miles away
$28582 ISK+
Skogafoss is within a 20 minute drive from the Welcome Edinborg. Evindarholar town centre is within an easy 10 minute drive from the hotel. The ... 21 miles away
$19694 ISK+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Hunt for Viking Gold Behind Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland
- The Skogafoss (pronounced “skou.a fos”) waterfall suddenly appeared from the road as we drove through the barren but illuminated landscape of southern Iceland. At 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, it is easily visible from the road; and audible too. Due to the amount of spray that the Skogafoss waterfall produces, a single or double rainbow is often visible on sunny days. Even on an overcast winter’s day, when the sun is hiding, the misty powerful white sheets of glass are just as impressive, and make for a great waterfall photo. According to legend, the first Viking settler in ...24 miles away.
Video
Video Wall
You are now being transfered to our Video Wall
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "westmann islands festival":
