Every year on June 17, Icelanders across the nation come together to celebrate Þjóðhátíðardagurinn—National Day. This vibrant holiday marks both the foundation of the Republic of Iceland in 1944 and honors the legacy of Jón Sigurðsson, the revered leader of the 19th‑century independence movement whose birthday coincides with the date

🎯 Historical Roots

Why June 17? Following a May 1944 referendum that saw over 98 % support for abolishing the union with Denmark and adopting a republican constitution, Iceland formally declared itself a republic on June 17, 1944—chosen to honor Sigurðsson. Jón Sigurðsson (1811–1879), often called “President Jón” by locals, tirelessly championed national sovereignty. His birthday became a natural focal point for commemorative events starting in the early 20th century

🎉 How Iceland Celebrates

1. Official Ceremony in Reykjavík
The day begins at circa 11:10 AM at Austurvöllur Square with speeches from the President and Prime Minister, and the emotional recitation by the Fjallkonan (“Lady of the Mountain”), a national figure who embodies Icelandic spirit  .
The Fjallkonan, typically a well-known woman in national costume, reads a poem reflecting Iceland’s heritage and connection to nature

2. Festive Parade
At around 1 PM, scouts, brass bands, and local groups march from Hallgrímskirkja down Skólavörðustígur to central parks like Hljómskálagarður and Klambratún. Parades brim with Icelandic flags, balloons, vintage cars, and even playful circus acts 

3. Street Parties & Performances
From morning through evening, the core of Reykjavík buzzes with concerts, street theater, dance performances, circus entertainment, kids’ playgrounds, and food trucks

4. Nationwide Festivities
It’s not just the capital—towns across Iceland host local celebrations with parades, concerts, games, and community gatherings, uniting the island in joyous festivity

🎈 Join the Fun

Parade or Spectate? You can march alongside local groups or simply enjoy the colorful display and pick up some sweets or balloons

Dress Up
Embrace tradition by wearing the skautbúningur national costume—or at least flying the flag with pride

Family-Friendly
Expect carnival rides, face-painting, live music, and community carnivals aimed at all ages—national day is very much a family affair

🌍 A Deeper Meaning

National Day is more than celebration—it’s an affirmation of Iceland’s identity. Reykjavík’s ceremonies merge constitutional ceremony with folk traditions, from the modern-day Fjallkonan to medieval roots at Þingvellir, the ancient site of the Alþing founded in 930  . It’s a day that reverberates with history and collective pride.

📅 Planning Your Visit

Time: Festivities usually run from around 10 AM to 7 PM, with official events during mid-day and informal celebrations lasting into the evening.

Location: Central events in Reykjavík—start at Austurvöllur, then join the parade from Hallgrímskirkja. Local events dot regional towns.

Weather Prep: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable—pack warm, waterproof layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.

✨ Why It Matters

Iceland’s National Day is a spectacular blend of ceremony and celebration, honoring its journey to sovereignty while spotlighting cultural resilience and unity. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it’s a perfect opportunity to witness rich traditions, join joyful processions, and feel the true Icelandic spirit come alive.

Make your visit unforgettable: mark your calendar for June 17, fly a flag, and dive into one of Europe’s most heartfelt national celebrations.