The North East of Iceland surely is a quiet and relaxing area, but it gets easily spiced up thanks to exciting events, for sportsmen or for the whole family, happening every year.
Check the Event Calendar out to see all dates valid this year and discover more exciting concerts, exhibitions, festivities and much more!
National Dog Sledding Competition (February/ March)
The annual dog sledding competition is held in February or March every year. The dogs and musher compete in several categories, e.g. dog sledges with different numbers of dogs and skijoring. Read more>
Mývatn Open (March)
The annual Mývatn Open is held in March on lake Mývatn in front of Sel-Hótel Mývatn. Yes, that is correct: the competition is held on the lake, on a very thick layer of ice. This is a very unique event where Icelandic horses demonstrate their sure footedness in all five gaits. Read more>
Orkugangan (March/ April)
Energy Race (e. Orkugangan) is a 60 km long cross country ski race from Krafla in the Mývatn area to the town of Húsavík by Skjálfandi bay.
The race is the longest ski race in Iceland and a point earning part of the Iceland race series Íslandsgangan. Read more>
Good Friday Martyr Walk/ Píslargangan (Easter)
The Mývatn Pilgrim walk (Píslargangan) is a annual event in Mývatnssveit on the last Friday before Easter. It starts with a service in Reykjahlíð church and after service the participants walk around Mývatn, about 36 km. Read more>
Mývatn Marathon (May)
The Mývatn Marathon is a regular 42 km run around Lake Mývatn in a stunning surroundings. Those who prefer to run shorter distances can run a half marathon, 10 km and 3 km runs. Read more>
Seamen’s Day/ Sjómannadagurinn (June)
On the first weekend in June a special day is celebrated throughout the country to honors the fishermen in Iceland and all those who make their living from the sea. Read more>
Summer Solstice Festival (June)
The longest day of the year, when the sun has reached it’s peak, the summer solstice or midsummer is being celebrated. Read more>
Candy Days/ Mærudagar (July)
The Húsavík Candy Days (e. Mærudagar) are a family and culture festival and are held the last weekend in July every year. It is a town festival with a huge number of events such as a parade, ram show, playground for the kids, outdoor concerts and live music all around town. Read more>
Dettifoss Trail Run/ Jökulsárhlaup (August)
The Dettifoss Trail Run (e. Jökulsárhlaup) is every year in August in the Vatnajökull National Park. The stunning surroundings and the natural wonders make this run a unforgettable experience. Distances are 33 km, 21 km and 13 km. Read more>
Réttir Sheep Round-Up (September – October)
Every year during the months of September and October Icelanders head to the countryside and to take part in the Réttir or annual sheep round-up. This activity is one of the countries oldest cultural traditions. Read more>
Raufarhöfn Ram Day/ Hrútadagar á Raufarhöfn (October)
The Raufarhöfn Ram Day (e. Hrútadagar á Raufarhöfn) is in October every year. There you can buy Icelandic Rams at a auction. At the event there is also a national competition in making the Icelandic meat soup. A really fun event to attend. Read more>
Yule Lads in Mývatn/ Jólasveinar (December)
The Icelandic Yule Lads come in December to Dimmuborgir in Mývatn every year. These popular figures bring the holiday spirit and joy to their gusts. There are a lot of interesting events around the Yule Lads worth participating in such as the yearly bath at the Mývatn nature baths. Read more>