What Is Verslunarmannahelgi?
If you ever needed an excuse to visit Iceland in summer (besides waterfalls, puffins, glaciers, volcanoes and lava fields, assuming that’s not enough), this is it.
Verslunarmannahelgi is Iceland’s unofficial “everyone-goes-somewhere” weekend. And, if I’m being straight with you it’s simply the biggest summer holiday in Iceland (everyone is happy!)
Locals treat it as a sacred escape. The perfect time to drop tools and grab a bjór (beer) or two, or ten.
Whether it’s three days of adventuring, partying, or floating in hot water with a weapon of choice (a beverage), this long weekend is a cultural institution.
The Origins of the Merchant’s Weekend
The name translates to “Merchant’s Weekend,” a nod to its roots as a break for shopkeepers back in the day.
Before online shopping and contactless payments, merchants were grafting hard through the summer, so the country gave them a well-earned break (kudos to Iceland for it).
What began as a retail breather turned into one of Iceland’s most beloved summer celebrations.
Now, it’s a national excuse to leave town and celebrate summer in full force.
So, I think now you are understanding why it’s an awesome time to visit, and I’m only a smidge bias.
When Is Verslunarmannahelgi Celebrated?
It always falls on the first weekend of August.
That means you get three full days (Saturday to Monday) of open roads, full campsites, and Icelanders doing what they do best, chasing that yellow thing in the sky like no tomorrow.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland around this time, lock it in early.
Why It’s the Perfect Time to Visit Iceland
You know that feeling when the world seems to be collectively exhaling? That’s what Iceland feels like during Verslunarmannahelgi.
There’s a quiet magic in the air, as if the whole country has agreed to slow down and enjoy life just a little more.
Whether you’re road-tripping through remote valleys or floating in a steamy hot spring with your significant other (who appears happier than usual), you’ll quickly understand why this weekend has a special kind of pull.
A Long Weekend Filled with Local Traditions
The weekend is as much about community as it is about celebration.
You should expect everything from family BBQs to small-town festivals, sporting events (not just the Women’s Euros, which is on at the time of writing), and spontaneous singalongs.
There’s a contagious joy that settles across the country, and visitors are absolutely invited to join in.
Events and Festivals Across the Country
Reykjavík is a lot more lively than usual, especially if the weather decides to play ball.
And if you’re planning on a jaunt to the Westman Islands, just remember this is when the biggest festival in the country takes place, known as Þjóðhátíð, with tents, live music, and the occasional Viking helmet.
But even small villages host their own local events.
You might stumble upon a tomato-themed cook-off or a quirky local parade.
This is the time of year when Iceland throws on its party shirt (the one that is the perfect mixture of cringe and acceptable on one day a year only) and lets loose.
What the Weather’s Like in Early August
In a word? Glorious.
Warm(ish), bright, and relatively dry. Though now I’ve probably jinxed it for eternity.
If the weather gods play ball, you’ll be very comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt by day, and a cosy jumper by night.
And of course, those long summer evenings that trick you into thinking it’s 5pm when it’s really 1am due to the seemingly everlasting midnight sun.
Ideal road trip weather.
Perfect for chasing waterfalls along to the TLC classic or napping in a geothermal pool like the Secret Lagoon (our guests get 15% off, because we are awesome).
Icelanders’ Favourite Ways to Spend the Weekend
You won’t find a single “correct” way to do Verslunarmannahelgi in Iceland.
For some, it’s about making memories in fields of music and mud.
For others, it’s board games, family dinners, and long walks that go nowhere in particular.
There’s no official guidebook for how to enjoy it, which is part of the charm.
If you’re in Reykjavik, definitely head to Arnarhöll in the evening to enjoy a beer in the grass whilst embracing some local musical legends, and embrace the vibe.
Camping and Music Festivals
For many Icelanders, the weekend means cramming a year’s worth of camping gear into their car and heading out.
Music festivals pop up everywhere from coastal towns and farm fields.
You’ll see everything from folk duos to full-blown EDM raves in sheep pastures (sadly I’ve rarely seen a sheep throw out some shapes).
Festival veterans know the drill: bring waterproofs, wool socks, and a sense of humour (or the latter will at least find you).
Escaping to Summer Houses in Nature
The other half of the population retreats to their summer houses. I know classic Nordic life, am I right?
These rustic getaways are dotted across the countryside.
They’re mostly wooden cabins, complete with wine glasses (the most important thing according to my lady), hot tubs, and absolutely no mobile signal (ok, not really this, but we can dream).
For Icelanders, this is their way of pressing pause.
You might not have your own cottage, but you can rent one nearby or check into somewhere equally peaceful (spoiler: we know just the place, and it includes the word ‘Hill‘).
Soaking in Hot Springs and Slowing Down
Geothermal baths are a mandatory experience if you’re planning on visiting Iceland in summer.
Secret lagoons, natural rivers such as Reykjadalur, and Iceland’s famous swimming pools, are where the real magic happens.
It’s the unofficial national sport of Verslunarmannahelgi.
If you’re not in a hot tub by Saturday evening, you’re not doing it right (beer, wine, or your choice of poison to accompany this should also be mandatory).
Skip the Crowds: Discover Flúdir Instead
If your idea of the perfect weekend doesn’t involve queuing for portable toilets or sleeping next to a speaker stack, then you’re my kind of traveller.
Flúdir is where the volume turns down and the scenery turns up.
It’s Icelandic summer in its most relaxed form and you don’t need to sacrifice great food, adventure, or that post-soak bliss.
A Peaceful Alternative to the Festival Scene
Don’t get us wrong, dancing in a field is great, and joining þjóðhátíð is a fantastic experience for some (mainly under-25’s with the rave shades).
But so is peace and quiet, country views, and the soft sound of bubbling hot springs close by.
If your ideal holiday includes a bit more serenity and a bit less tent-sweat, Flúdir is calling.
It’s close enough to Reykjavík for an easy drive, but far enough away to escape the mayhem.
Surrounded by Nature, Yet Close to It All
Flúdir sits in the heart of the South Coast, within reach of the Golden Circle.
It’s known for its greenhouses (such as Friðheimar), geothermal activity, and that magical small-town feel.
Walkable trails, steaming rivers, and a sense of calm you didn’t know you needed.
You can do a lot here, or you can do very little.
Both are highly encouraged by our delightful onsite team looking forward to welcoming you, and bringing a cold one out to you in the hot tub (yes, it is that awesome).
What Makes Flúdir Special During the Holiday Weekend
While crowds swarm the Westman Islands, Flúdir holds its own, quietly.
Expect a few more people in town, but not many.
The Secret Lagoon becomes a hub of relaxed celebration for travellers and locals alike (feel free to grab another local craft beer there).
Local spots might host a low-key event or two.
But for the most part, this is where people come to breathe.
Make The Hill Hotel Your Verslunarmannahelgi Base
When it comes to picking your base for Verslunarmannahelgi, location matters.
You want comfort, calm, and easy access to the kind of natural wonders Iceland doesn’t shout about, but probably should.
The Hill Hotel gives you all of that and then some. After all, you didn’t come to Iceland for the hustle and bustling city life, did you?!
Boutique Comfort with a Local Touch
The Hill Hotel is Flúdir’s answer to the question, “Where can I stay that’s both stylish and chill?”
The rooms are bright, cosy, and designed to help you unplug.
There’s no noisy lobby or chaotic breakfast buffet (but do fuel up each morning and grab a coffee, or three).
Just clean design, a framed and peaceful courtyard, and a team who actually knows your name.
Walkable Access to the Secret Lagoon
We’re not joking.
You can roll out of bed, grab your robe, and stroll to the Secret Lagoon in minutes (and, ahem, don’t forget to tell them you’re a guest of the hotel for an exclusive discount).
It’s the oldest pool in Iceland and still one of the most charming.
Steam rises from the earth.
Locals chat quietly in the water.
And yes, it’s open all weekend long, so a dip is (yes, you guessed it – my favourite word in this guide) mandatory.
Fresh Local Cuisine and Relaxing Views
If you’ve never had lunch inside a tomato greenhouse, you’re in for something uniquely Icelandic.
Friðheimar is just minutes away from The Hill Hotel and delivers an experience that’s both warm and wildly wholesome.
Sit among rows of sun-drenched tomato plants, sip on a signature Bloody Mary, and dip into bowls of freshly made soup with bread still warm from the oven.
It’s a surreal meal and place to experience everything tomato you didn’t know existed (I recommend the ice-cream, and maybe grabbing a jar of their chutney too on the way out).
A must-do, especially during a long weekend where slowing down is the whole point.
Why Verslunarmannahelgi Is Perfect for a Golf Getaway
Golf in Iceland might sound like a niche adventure, but Verslunarmannahelgi makes it a seriously good one.
This is peak season for teeing off under near-endless daylight, where your evening round could easily stretch past 10pm with no complaints from the sun.
And here in Flúðir, you’ve got one of the most spectacular courses in the country right on your doorstep.
The 18-hole Selsvöllur golf course is just minutes from The Hill Hotel, offering lush greens, geothermal surroundings, and the kind of quiet that makes you actually concentrate on your swing (and the surrounding nature, of course).
Guests at the hotel can access special golf packages, including room, breakfast, access to the hot tubs, and a round at Flúðir Golf Club.
It’s a far cry from the chaos of festival crowds and tent zippers.
Instead, you’ll be walking fairways with mountain backdrops and finishing your game with a well earned dip and a beer (or wine) in one of our soothing hot tubs).
Whether you’re a regular golfer or just want to try something new in Iceland’s clean, crisp air, this is the weekend to do it.
Suggested Long Weekend Itinerary
This is your chance to experience Iceland like a local, at the perfect pace, with a glass of something cold in one hand and the smell of hot spring steam in the air.
So, because I like you and I want you to have a great time, I’ve mapped out an itinerary that’s more deliciously slow-burning than a whirlwind sprint in the capital, and it all starts at The Hill Hotel (a bit of a shameless plug, but trust me, it’s worth it).
Friday: Arrive and Unwind
Check into The Hill Hotel.
Drop your bags, take a deep breath, and go and take a well-earned dip in the Secret Lagoon.
In the evening, you should definitely get a table at the new Vínstofa at Friðheimar for the ultimate fresh Icelandic produce made under geothermal heating (you’re eating vegetables that were picked about 15 minutes ago).
Sleep comes super easy after that (especially if you tried a couple of Bloody Marys).
Saturday: Explore the Golden Circle
After a slow breakfast, it’s time to use that food fuel (get the eggs) and explore the Golden Circle.
Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss can easily be visited within half a day, or perhaps a little slower if you’d prefer a less F1 style pace.
Stop by Friðheimar for the lunch time soup (with unlimited and extra awesome bread) in a greenhouse (look out for the boxes of bees).
Back in Flúdir for an evening hot tub chill and drink, before a final couple of glasses of wine at the bar.
You earned it.
Sunday: Hot Springs, Hiking, and Slow Living
Take a hike to Hrunalaug.
Or just take your book to the hot tub. Both are great options.
Wander the walking trails behind the hotel if you’re the adventurous type and want to take in the area from a different perspective.
Head across the road to our guesthouse restaurant, The Drunken Sheep, for a post-hike burger and a beer (the fries are amazing!)
Monday: A Scenic Drive Home via Kerið or Reykjadalur
On your way back to Reykjavík, detour via Keríð Crater.
Or if you’re up for another hike, and fancy sampling a proper natural hot spring, then head to Reykjadalur.
You’ll easily be back in Reykjavík by afternoon, glowing slightly from all the geothermal goodness.
Tips to Celebrate Like a True Icelander
Bring layers (and then more layers).
Even if it’s sunny at breakfast, it might try to snow by dinner.
Don’t over-schedule.
This is a weekend for relaxing, not racing.
Join in where you can.
Say hi to strangers in the pool.
Try the weird meat at the buffet.
Sing along even if you don’t know the words.
And enjoy every second of daylight. But, do get some sleep to avoid becoming Al Pacino in Insomnia (not Scarface, thankfully!)
Final Tip: Book Your Long Weekend in Iceland Early (The Secret Is Out)
Verslunarmannahelgi is no longer Iceland’s best-kept secret.
More and more visitors are discovering that this long weekend offers a unique look at Icelandic life, with all the perks of summer but fewer of the crowds (if you know where to go).
Rooms at The Hill Hotel fill up quickly this time of year.
So if you’re dreaming of a summer escape that includes geothermal soaks, fresh Icelandic food, and sunsets that go on forever, now’s the time.
Our team will keep the water warm for you.