Þjóðhátíð

Origins in rough weather

The festival began in 1874, the year Iceland marked the millennium of its settlement. Severe storms kept the residents of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago from travelling across the ocean to mainland events, so they decided to establish their own festivities at home. The gathering soon evolved into an enduring tradition. Over its long history, the festival has paused only a few times, including during the First World War and the 2020 pandemic. Remarkably, islanders still kept the tradition alive in 1973 despite a major volcanic eruption that disrupted life on the island.

The valley amphitheatre

Festivities take place in Herjólfsdalur, a natural hollow on Heimaey that serves as an amphitheatre. At the centre stands a permanent concert stage built in 2011, backed by a pond, smaller platforms, and vendor stalls. Most visitors sleep in tents pitched around the bowl, though local homes and guesthouses also fill up. On the eastern slopes, islanders set up distinct white tents. In these shelters, residents welcome family, neighbours, and curious newcomers alike, offering warm hospitality to create an open social atmosphere throughout the long weekend.

Concerts and the hill song

Evenings feature big stage concerts, large bonfires, and displays of fireworks. The absolute centrepiece of the weekend arrives on Sunday night with the brekkusöngur, or hill song. Thousands of people gather across the sloping hillsides surrounding the main platform to sing together in unison. Local musicians have guided the crowd through this mass choral performance across the decades, turning the grass slopes into a sea of voices. Record attendances on this single evening have drawn up to 17,000 singers.

How Þjóðhátíð is kept

Over four days leading into the first Monday of August, visitors arrive by ferry and plane to pitch tents in Herjólfsdalur. Organised by the local sports association ÍBV, the programme includes daytime socializing in white community tents, open-air concerts, and evening bonfires. On Sunday night, the festival reaches its climax as the crowd gathers on the valley slopes for fireworks and the brekkusöngur crowd sing-along.

When and where

Þjóðhátíð takes place each year across four days during the weekend immediately before the first Monday in August. The most crowded and notable events take place on Sunday night.

The festival is held in Herjólfsdalur, a natural bowl-shaped valley on the island of Heimaey in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off the south coast of Iceland.

What Þjóðhátíð means

Originally sparked by islanders asserting their community spirit when cut off from mainland celebrations by stormy weather, the gathering stands as an expression of local unity and hospitality. The collective hillside singing reflects a shared bond among islanders and visiting mainlanders.

Questions people ask about Þjóðhátíð

See also

Christmas marketA seasonal street market held during Advent in German-speaking regions and beyond, featuring stalls, food, and crafts.Advent calendarA daily countdown to Christmas using doors, images, or small gifts.Fest nozA Breton night festival of group dancing and live acoustic music, kept in Brittany and its diaspora.GeledeA Yoruba masked dance festival honoring the spiritual power of mothers and social harmony.

Good reading and sources

• Þjóðhátíð on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.