Words by

Geidi Raud

Let’s celebrate! Þjóðhátíðardagurinn (let’s just call it Icelandic National Day, shall we?) is an annual holiday in Iceland which commemorates the foundation of The Republic of Iceland on 17 June 1944 and its independence from Danish rule. Today, this can only mean a parade—one headed by riders on horses, plus a brass band and flagbearers from the Icelandic scout movement. The parade begins from Hlemmur at 13:00, continuing down Laugavegur and from Hagatorg to Hljómskálagarður. You can also celebrate Icelandic history at the Árbær Open Air Museum, where traditional costumes and vintage cars are on display.

At Árbær Open Air Museum and other locations around the city on Friday, June 17 — Admission: Free!