The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, is a vibrant four-day celebration held annually in mid-June. This unique festival attracts visitors from around the globe, eager to witness a wealth of activities including storytelling, artistry, music, and Viking-themed festivities featuring skilled warriors ready to demonstrate their strength and marksmanship, as highlighted on the Viking Village website.
The Viking Village, a family-operated restaurant and hotel, proudly sponsors this event. It honors the legacy of the Vikings, who were not only Scandinavian farmers and fishermen but also formidable raiders and seafarers who explored regions from Russia to North America between 800 and 1000 A.D.
The festival’s lineup varies each year, yet it consistently includes:
- Daily Viking sword fighting exhibitions
- Engaging storytelling sessions and lectures
- A lively performance by a Viking jester
- Archery and axe throwing competitions
- Performances by talented Viking bands
- A bustling market
- A heartwarming Viking feast
This event is recognized as one of the most popular annual gatherings in Iceland.
Festival Overview
As detailed by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir in her Guide to Iceland, the Viking Festival was inaugurated in 1995, establishing itself as one of the oldest and largest celebrations of its kind in the nation. Ragnarsdóttir, an area resident, notes that during the festival, “Vikings sell handmade crafts, roast lamb, perform traditional dances, share stories, and display ancient lifestyles.”
Moreover, attendees can experience hands-on activities, with Vikings teaching visitors how to throw spears and axes, shoot bows and arrows, as well as engaging in wood-carving demonstrations. In prior years, the festival has even hosted Viking christenings and weddings, which adds a unique element to the festivities. As the daily market wraps up at 8 p.m., the celebrations continue into the evening.
For those traveling to the festival, buses frequently operate between Hafnarfjordur and Reykjavík, which is just a 10-minute drive away. The bus station in Hafnarfjordur is conveniently located near the Viking Village. Visitors choosing to drive from Reykjavík can take road 42 southwest for about six miles, heading towards Keflavik Airport.
History and Getting to the Festival
If you are looking for a delightful break from the festival activities, consider dining at the Fjörugarðurinn restaurant. This spacious venue accommodates up to 350 guests. Intriguingly, you can even partake in a “Viking Kidnapping” experience, where a Viking will humorously abduct a guest from their bus and escort them into The Cave, where traditional Icelandic folk songs and mead await.
Menu offerings encompass an array of delectable dishes, including smoked salmon, herring, carpaccio, Christmas ham, smoked lamb, and various types of pate, complemented by traditional Viking sides like red cabbage and fried vegetables. Dining at Fjörugarðurinn is designed to be all-inclusive for a single reasonable fee, making it an excellent dining choice during your festival visit.
Furthermore, guests have the option to rent cloaks for a more immersive experience during the kidnapping and Viking dinner festivities for an additional fee. To fully embrace Viking traditions, ensure this distinguished restaurant is part of your Icelandic itinerary this June.
