Solstice Festival in Kópasker

June14 - 21

Kópasker Summer Solstice Festival 2026

A group of enthusiastic local women, together with the Community and Economic Development Officer of Öxarfjörður, have joined forces to organize this year's Summer Solstice Festival. The aim is to offer a varied program with something for everyone to enjoy.

A special theme for 2026 is the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the great earthquake that struck the area on January 13, 1976, commonly known as the Kópasker Earthquake. A dedicated Earthquake Festival will take place on Saturday afternoon, celebrating local history and sharing stories from those who experienced the event firsthand.

The festival extends beyond a single weekend, with concerts and activities taking place throughout the week leading up to the solstice celebrations.

Festival Highlights

Sunday, June 14

Outdoor Concert with Mugison
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Útskálar

One of Iceland's most beloved musicians, Mugison, will perform an intimate outdoor concert overlooking the open ocean. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, camping chairs, hot chocolate, refreshments, and enjoy a unique musical experience in a spectacular setting.

Wednesday, June 17 – Iceland's National Day

Blood Harmony Concert
8:00 PM | Kópasker School Hall

Blood Harmony is the musical collaboration of siblings Örn, Ösp and Björk Eldjárn. Their acclaimed project began during the pandemic and has since grown into a celebrated folk and harmony-based act. The concert will feature songs from their newly released album Simple Pleasures as well as some of the siblings' favorite cover songs.

Admission: ISK 3,500

The Aðalsteinn Café at Mela Guesthouse will also be open from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Friday, June 19

Community Barbecue
6:30 PM | Stóra-Mörk

Hosted by the local search and rescue team Pólstjarnan.

Concert by Snartarstaðakirkja Choir
8:00 PM | Kópasker School Hall

Free admission.

Midnight Solstice Hike
11:30 PM

Join the Norðurslóð Hiking Association for a traditional Summer Solstice walk around Lake Brunavatn on the Melrakkaslétta Peninsula. The route is approximately 5.8 km. Participants should dress for the weather and bring refreshments.

Saturday, June 20

Sports Elf and LazyTown Fun
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

A family-friendly show featuring popular children's characters.

Games and Activities for Children
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Organized by the local youth association, including games, sports and free hot dogs for children.

Earthquake Festival – 50 Years Since the Kópasker Earthquake
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The program begins with a commemorative service at Snartarstaðir Church, where former residents who experienced the earthquake as children will share their memories.

Following the service, visitors are invited to the local Heritage Museum for speeches, guided tours, and a special exhibition created in cooperation with the Icelandic Earthquake Centre. The exhibition includes photographs, interviews and personal accounts from local residents.

At Kópasker School Hall, visitors can watch historical footage and news reports from the earthquake and experience a realistic earthquake simulator. Coffee and refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon.

A knitting walk from the Heritage Museum to the school hall will also take place, and all knitting enthusiasts are welcome to join.

Throughout the day, the local women's association will host a flea market and homemade cake sale.

Sunday, June 21

Coastal Walking Tour
1:00 PM

Starting from Kópasker School Hall, participants will walk to the lighthouse and continue along the shoreline to an old stone sheep shelter. Distance approximately 5.5 km.

Additional Activities Throughout the Weekend

ATV Adventures

Guided ATV tours will be available throughout the festival weekend with Localtours ATV.

One-hour guided tours
ISK 15,000 per person (two riders per ATV)
ISK 20,000 for a single rider
50% discount for children under 16

Advance booking required.

Art Exhibition: On Tiptoe

An art exhibition titled On Tiptoe will be on display at Bragginn Yst við Öxarfjörð from June 19–21.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free.

Residents are encouraged to decorate the village in yellow and orange and to fly the Icelandic flag during both National Day celebrations and the Summer Solstice Festival.

We warmly invite everyone to join us and help make the 2026 Summer Solstice Festival a memorable celebration for locals and visitors alike.