If you're planning a summer trip to Iceland and see Verslunarmannahelgi on the calendar, don’t be fooled by the name. Loosely translated as “Shopper’s Holiday” with Merchant’s Holiday or Commerce Day being the more common terms, but don’t expect a day of retail therapy. In Iceland, it's all about music, camping trips and lively gatherings.

The shoppers day off is the first Monday in august, making the festivities usually around the first weekend of August.   Although Verslunarmannahelgi is technically a long weekend honoring shop workers, for most Icelanders it's turned into an all-out excuse to pack their tents, load up the BBQ, and hit the countryside in search of music festivals, good vibes, and questionable late-night decisions. And the irony is that the people least likely to have the day off are in fact… people working in shops. 

What to Expect: Festivals, Campers & More Beers Than People

Across the country, festivals pop up like mushrooms after rain. The most famous one is probably Þjóðhátíð in Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands), where half the nation seems to teleport with tents, glowsticks, and enough party spirit to power Iceland for a week. It’s like Coachella... if Coachella had puffins, lava fields, and possibly your aunt in a wool sweater doing karaoke. 

Other hotspots include Akureyri, Þórsmörk, and smaller town gatherings where music, bonfires, and midnight sun merriment reign supreme. Expect live bands, traditional Icelandic grilling (hello, lamb hot dogs), and people in fleece and festival hats dancing like no one's watching (but everyone's definitely watching). 

Even Reykjavik has its festivities. Innipúkinn (translated by this blog creator as “The Couch potato fest”, but the organizers would probably prefer the words “Stay-in festival”) has been around for almost a quarter of a century and have music and fun for 3 nights for those who don’t want to travel.  

Innipúkinn Music Festival in Reykjavík. Photo Credit: Innipúkinn Music Festival 

Driving During Verslunarmannahelgi: A Saga in Itself

If you're renting a car this weekend, here’s your friendly warning: the traffic is no joke, especially around the main festivals. Icelanders love the open road during this time, but everyone seems to hit it at the exact same moment. So yes, it can feel a bit like herding sheep (and sometimes you’ll actually have to do that).

Tips for surviving the roads:

• Leave early: Friday afternoon and Monday evening are peak chaos. If you can, set out early Friday morning or Saturday. Or even Thursday. Coming back? Pack patience and snacks.
• Fuel up: Gas stations can get busy, and remote ones may run low. Don’t be the person stranded near a volcano.
• Mind the sheep: Literally. They're everywhere, and they have no regard for your schedule.
• Respect the road laws: Police are out in full force this weekend. Speeding, drinking and driving, or unsafe overtaking can (and will) ruin your trip.

Be aware of sheep crossing the roads!

Final Thoughts: Should You Join the Madness?

Absolutely! If you're the kind of traveler who loves cultural experiences and doesn’t mind sharing a scenic waterfall with 500 festive Icelanders in matching hoodies, Verslunarmannahelgi is a blast.

Just remember: it may be the “shopper’s holiday,” but the only thing you’ll be buying is gas, festival wristbands, and maybe a strong coffee for the Monday morning traffic jam.

Pro tip: If you are planning to go, the more popular spots are going to be fully booked. Most of the festival require tickets and even the ferry over to Vestmannaeyjar is going to be fully booked.  Want to experience the vibe and need help? Let us help you handle the logistics. You bring the spirit of adventure (and maybe some earplugs).

Ready to Join the Festivities?

If Verslunarmannahelgi sounds like your kind of wild weekend, we’ve got you covered!

Browse Our Self-Drive Tours – From Reykjavík to the remote corners of Iceland, explore our expertly crafted itineraries designed to fit your festival adventure (and beyond).

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