Are you ready to experience Iceland at its absolute brightest, most vibrant, and culturally rich? June is a magical month to visit the land of fire and ice, not just for the midnight sun, but because the entire nation unites for its biggest celebration of the year: The National Holiday on June 17th (Þjóðhátíðardagurinn)!
Special Summer Announcement: 30% Off June & July Bookings!
Before we dive into the rich history and celebrations, we have a massive gift for our community. To celebrate the peak of summer, Camper.is is offering a 30% discount on all remaining June and July bookings!
- Ultimate Freedom: Explore Iceland’s hidden fjords, majestic waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes at your own pace.
- Fully Equipped Comfort: Our motorhomes offer the perfect blend of mobility and comfort, serving as your hotel room on wheels.
- Unbeatable Value: Peak season in Iceland has never been this affordable.
Spaces are filling up fast as the midnight sun is officially here. Secure your discount on our website today and lock in the road trip of a lifetime!
🗺️ Already in Iceland? Head to the Reykjavik Campground for June 17th!
If you are a traveling customer currently exploring the country in one of our campers, we have a vital insider tip for you: Make sure your travel itinerary places you around Reykjavik on June 17th!
While every small town across Iceland holds its own charming local festivities, the heart of the national celebration beats loudest in the capital.
Why You Should Celebrate in Reykjavik:
- The Reykjavik Campsite Advantage: Parking your camper at the Reykjavik Eco-Campground puts you right in the center of the action while keeping your comfortable home-on-wheels close by.
- Parades and Pageantry: The day kicks off with traditional brass bands, street performers, and the iconic parade down Laugavegur.
- Meet the Fjallkonan (Lady of the Mountain): Watch the annual poetry recital by the Fjallkonan—a woman dressed in traditional Icelandic costume (Skautbúningur) who embodies the fierce spirit and nature of the nation.
- Free Concerts and Street Food: The downtown area transforms into a massive open-air festival with live music, family-friendly activities, and delicious local food stalls.
Celebrating alongside the Icelanders is the ultimate cultural immersion. Don't be shy—put on your favorite Lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweater), grab a flag, and join the crowd!
📜 Why Do We Celebrate the 17th of June? The History of Iceland
To truly appreciate the festivities depicted in watermarked_img_14122018891006364051.png, it helps to understand the deep historical roots of this special day. June 17th isn't just a random summer date; it marks two monumental milestones in Iceland's journey to becoming the independent nation it is today.
1. The Birth of the Republic (1944)
For centuries, Iceland was under foreign rule—first under the Norwegian Crown in 1262, and later under Danish rule. After a long, peaceful, but determined political struggle, Iceland officially declared itself an independent Republic on June 17, 1944. The historic event took place at Þingvellir National Park, the ancient site of Iceland's first parliament (the Alþingi, founded in 930 AD).
2. Honoring Jón Sigurðsson
The date June 17th was chosen specifically to honor the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson (born in 1811). He was the leader of the 19th-century Icelandic independence movement. Often referred to as Jón forseti (President Jón), his tireless intellectual and political work laid the entire foundation for Iceland’s eventual sovereignty. Today, his statue stands proudly in Austurvöllur square in downtown Reykjavik, right in front of the Parliament building, serving as the focal point for the morning’s official ceremonies.
🚐 Experience "Gleðilegan 17. Júní" with Camper.is
There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a nation celebrating its independence surrounded by blooming lupines, cascading waterfalls, and 24 hours of daylight.
