Easter in Iceland (Páskar) is a meaningful and cozy holiday celebrated with family gatherings, good food, and some of the best chocolate eggs in the world. It’s a time of both spiritual reflection and simple joys—especially for children eagerly awaiting their páskaegg.
A Long Holiday Break
Icelanders enjoy a full five-day Easter break, with public holidays spanning from Maundy Thursday (Skírdagur) through Easter Monday. Many people use the time to relax at home, travel within the country, or enjoy the outdoors if spring weather permits. Schools and many businesses shut down, making Easter one of the quietest and most family-focused holidays in Iceland. Church attendance is more common in rural areas or among older generations, with Good Friday and Easter Sunday being the most observed days.
The Famous Icelandic Chocolate Egg (Páskaegg)
No Icelandic Easter is complete without the iconic chocolate egg—páskaegg. These large, hollow eggs are made from high-quality Icelandic chocolate and filled with assorted candies, licorice, and a paper strip containing a proverb or wise saying (mottó). The eggs come in various sizes (numbered from tiny to enormous), and every Icelander, young or old, looks forward to cracking them open.
Easter Foods
Traditional Icelandic Easter meals are hearty and homemade. Common dishes include:
Roast leg of lamb with caramelized potatoes and red cabbage.
Fish dishes, especially on Good Friday.
Rich desserts, often featuring chocolate or cream.
Some families still observe older customs like fasting on Good Friday, though secular celebrations now dominate.
Easter Atmosphere and Decorations
While not as focused on colorful décor as in other Nordic countries, Icelandic homes are often filled with candles, spring flowers, and small egg or bunny-themed items. Families spend time playing games, watching movies, and enjoying a well-earned break from the long, dark winter.
