What to Know About Iceland Public Holidays

Iceland observes a mixture of religious and civic holidays. This includes days tied to the Christian calendar (such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Whit Sunday, and Whit Monday). As well as uniquely Icelandic celebrations like Sumardagurinn fyrsti (the First Day of Summer). Plus, the Icelandic National Day on 17 June.

Iceland public holidays (almennir frídagar) usually mean:

• Fewer buses and more limited public transport
• Adjusted parking rules, especially in central Reykjavík
• Reduced opening hours or full closures of shops and restaurants
• Limited staff at services such as car rentals, workshops, and roadside assistance
• Lighter traffic inside Reykjavík, but often heavier traffic to and from popular travel regions

For travelers, these days can be peaceful and enjoyable. But they require a bit of planning so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected closures or busy roads.

Full List of Iceland Public Holidays Throughout the Year

Iceland’s holiday calendar includes fixed dates and several “moveable” holidays tied to Easter or Pentecost. These dates can influence everything from shop openings to the volume of cars on Iceland's Ring Road.

Here’s the complete list of the 16 Icelandic public holidays, in order:

1. New Year’s Day – 1 January (Nýársdagur)

A quiet day as most people recover from celebrations. Shops stay closed, and only a few restaurants open with reservations. Activity increases later in the afternoon.

• Road traffic: Very quiet mornings, with possible afternoon traffic near shopping areas.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is easy throughout the day.

2. Maundy Thursday – Varðdagur

It’s the Thursday before Easter, and it marks the start of Easter in Iceland. The night before feels like a weekend, and bars stay open late. Some shops and restaurants reduce hours as the holiday begins.

• Road traffic: Busier on routes leaving Reykjavík.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is generally easy.

3. Good Friday – Föstudagurinn langi

One of the quietest days of the year. Shops and entertainment venues close, and only a few restaurants operate with limited service.

• Road traffic: Very light across towns and main roads.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is widely available.

4. Easter Sunday – Páskadagur

A calm family holiday that also marks the shift into early spring in Iceland. Shops close, and only select restaurants open with pre-booked seating.

• Road traffic: Light, with some movement toward popular outdoor areas.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is easy, except near parks and viewpoints.

5. Easter Monday – Annar í páskum

The long weekend winds down. Some shops reopen with limited hours, and families return from day trips from Reykjavík.

• Road traffic: Light early in the day; busier later as people return to town.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking remains easy, though some residential streets may fill up by afternoon.

6. First Day of Summer – Sumardagurinn fyrsti

Held on the first Thursday after 18 April. Despite chilly weather, towns celebrate the symbolic start of brighter days with small parades and outdoor events.

• Road traffic: Busier around event areas; light elsewhere.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Spaces fill fast near parades in downtown and the Laugardalur area.

7. Labor Day – 1 May (Verkalýðsdagurinn)

A national holiday for workers, often with marches and demonstrations, especially in Reykjavík, where temporary road closures are common. Shops and restaurants often operate reduced hours.

• Road traffic: Busy near protest routes; detours in central Reykjavík.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Fills early near Laugavegur, Austurvöllur, and other march routes.

8. Ascension Day – Kristi himnaför

Observed 40 days after Easter Sunday. A quiet holiday with reduced shop hours, though many restaurants and bars in central Reykjavík stay open.

• Road traffic: Light, with more cars on scenic routes.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is easy across most towns.

9. Whit Sunday – Hvítasunnudagur

Falls in late May or early June. Shops close, while some restaurants open. If it’s close to summer, many locals use the long weekend for countryside trips.

• Road traffic: Light overall, with more cars heading out of town.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is easy, except at popular nature spots.

10. Whit Monday – Annar í hvítasunnu

A relaxed end to the long weekend. Shops reopen with limited hours, and activity increases as people return home.

• Road traffic: Quiet in the morning, busier in the afternoon.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking stays easy, though residential streets may fill as travelers return.

11. Icelandic National Day – 17 June (Þjóðhátíðardagur)

One of the busiest Icelandic holidays. Parades, concerts, and family activities take place across the country, especially in central Reykjavík.

• Road traffic: Heavy near event areas, with road closures and detours.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking near central events fills quickly.

12. Commerce Day – Frídagur verslunarmanna

One of Iceland’s biggest travel weekends. Þjóðhátíð in the Westman Islands and Innipúkinn in Reykjavík draw large crowds. Shops and restaurants stay busy.

• Road traffic: Very heavy leaving towns on Friday and returning Sunday.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking near festival sites and popular venues fills quickly.

13. Christmas Eve – 24 December (Aðfangadagur)

Begins at 1:00 pm. Shops close early, and the afternoon becomes very quiet. Some restaurants offer holiday dinners with required reservations.

• Road traffic: Busy early, then very light after 4:00 pm.
• Parking: Standard parking rules and fees apply. Parking is limited near major shopping streets earlier in the day, but easy afterwards.

14. Christmas Day – 25 December (Jóladagur)

A calm holiday with most shops closed. More restaurants and bars open in the evening, and bars stay late since few people work the next day.

• Road traffic: Very light by day, with small increases in the evening.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking is easy throughout the day.

15. Boxing Day – 26 December (Annar í jólum)

A relaxed day with most shops still closed or on reduced hours. Many restaurants and bars operate more normally, making towns livelier.

• Road traffic: Light in the morning, busier around restaurants and bars.
• Parking: Free in Reykjavík zones. Parking near bars and dining spots may fill later in the day.

16. New Year’s Eve – 31 December (Gamlársdagur)

The holiday begins at 1:00 pm. Shops close early as people prepare for bonfires, fireworks, and evening gatherings. Some restaurants offer special menus, but require reservations. That’s especially true in Michelin-starred restaurants in Iceland.

• Road traffic: Steady in the afternoon; very active around bonfires and midnight.
• Parking: Standard parking rules and fees apply. Parking near bonfires and popular viewpoints fills early.

How Iceland Public Holidays Affect Driving and Road Conditions

Driving patterns in Iceland shift noticeably on holidays. Cities like Reykjavík tend to be quieter in the mornings, while popular tourist regions often get busier.

Here are the main things to expect during public holidays in Iceland:

1. Outbound traffic on long weekends

Holidays such as Maundy Thursday, Whit Sunday, and Commerce Day trigger an exodus of cars leaving Reykjavík. Roads leading to the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Diamond Circle can be significantly busier.

2. Road conditions may vary seasonally

Road conditions in Iceland change with the seasons, and public holidays can highlight these shifts. Drivers should keep the following patterns in mind:

• Winter holidays (New Year’s Day, Christmas Day) often fall during icy or snowy periods.
• Spring holidays (Maundy Thursday, the First Day of Summer) can bring rapidly changing conditions.
• Summer holidays (Icelandic National Day and Commerce Day) usually mean safer roads but more congestion.

Checking safetravel.is and road.is before you drive is especially important on holiday weekends.

3. Local closures and detours

Events for Icelandic National Day, Labour Day, and the First Day of Summer often include parades, concerts, or community gatherings. These activities can require temporary road closures in central areas. Drivers should expect short detours, slower traffic near event areas, and limited access to central streets during peak hours.

4. Reduced roadside assistance availability

Roadside assistance is still available during public holidays, but reduced staffing can lead to slower response times. Remote areas may take longer to reach, and repair shops are usually closed. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before setting out, and plan extra time for any unexpected delays.

Parking Rules in Iceland on Public Holidays

Parking in Iceland during public holidays differs from regular days, especially in Reykjavík’s P1–P4 paid zones.

General guidelines:

• On most full public holidays (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, etc.), parking in Reykjavík is free.
• On partial holidays (e.g., Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), some zones may still require payment earlier in the day.
• Municipalities outside Reykjavík might follow different rules, so visitors should check local signage.

Fewer people work on public holidays. So, parking availability tends to be better in residential areas but worse near event locations and popular attractions.

Shops and Restaurants During Iceland Public Holidays

If you're used to 24/7 services, Iceland’s holiday closures may surprise you. Many public holidays come with restrictions similar to Sundays. But some days—particularly Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day—have strict limitations on commercial activity.

What to expect:

• Supermarkets: Often closed on major public holidays; some may open for limited hours on partial holidays.
• Restaurants: Many close on Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Day; tourist-oriented restaurants often remain open but may require reservations.
• Shopping centers: Closed on major holidays; open with reduced hours on days like Maundy Thursday and the First Day of Summer.
• Gas stations: Larger chains remain open but may operate with limited service or self-service only.

Visitors should plan meals and supplies ahead of time, especially during the Christmas season.

Car Travel Tips for Visitors During Iceland Public Holidays

Public holidays can be excellent days for exploring Iceland if you plan wisely. Here are some practical driving tips:

• Fuel up early: Although many gas stations are automated, rural areas may have fewer options, especially on holidays.
• Expect crowds at popular stops: On summer holidays, major attractions such as Þingvellir, Geysir, and Seljalandsfoss can be much busier than usual.
• Pay attention to the weather and daylight: Days around Christmas and New Year’s Eve have only a few hours of daylight. Plan accordingly, particularly if driving long distances.
• Choose a 4x4 for winter driving in Iceland: MyCar 4x4 SUV rentals offer better stability, traction, and safety on icy or snowy roads, especially in rural areas.
• Book rental cars in advance: During peak travel holidays, car rentals in Iceland can sell out. This is especially true around Easter, summer weekends, and late December.
• Check local event schedules: Parades, races, and festivals may block roads or create congestion.

Public Holiday Closures and Road Services in Iceland

Public services often operate on reduced schedules during holidays:

Emergency and road services

Iceland’s emergency number 112 is always available. Road clearing continues in winter, but response times may be slower.

Car workshops and garages

Most are closed on major public holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day. If you run into mechanical issues, you may have to wait until the next business day.

Public transport

Reykjavík buses run on a Sunday schedule or may suspend early-morning and late-evening routes on holidays.

Tunnels, ferries, and rural services

Generally operate as usual, but staffing and office hours may be limited.

Planning Your Trip Around Iceland Public Holidays

Planning ahead helps you move smoothly during Iceland public holidays. Traffic patterns can shift quickly on these dates. Parking rules may also change, especially in central areas. Shops and services often follow shorter schedules, which can affect your plans.
Checking weather and road conditions before you drive can prevent unexpected delays. A simple review of holiday events can also help you choose better routes. These small steps make driving in Iceland safer and more predictable. And when you explore Iceland with a MyCar rental, good planning helps you enjoy every holiday journey with confidence.