Spending Easter in Iceland
Exploring Iceland during Easter
Easter in Iceland: Chocolate, Tradition & Northern Magic
If you're dreaming of a spring getaway that’s a little off the beaten path, let me introduce you to a hidden gem: Easter in Iceland. While most people associate Iceland with the Northern Lights or its rugged landscapes, the Easter season here brings a unique charm all its own—cozy traditions, rich history, and chocolate eggs bigger than your head. Yes, really.
A Peaceful Pause: Iceland’s Long Easter Holiday
In Iceland, Easter isn’t just a Sunday thing—it stretches into a five-day holiday, starting on Monday Thursday and ending with Easter Monday. That means schools, offices, and even many stores shut down, giving people time to slow down and spend time with family. The rhythm of life softens, and there’s a calmness in the air that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Chocolate Eggs with a Surprise Twist
Let’s talk about the real star of Icelandic Easter: the chocolate egg (páskaegg). These aren’t your average candy eggs. They’re large, elaborately decorated chocolate shells filled with more candy—and the best part? Inside each one is a traditional Icelandic proverb or saying.
It’s a mix of sweet treats and life wisdom. Kids and adults alike look forward to cracking open their egg to see what kind of poetic or humorous phrase awaits them. Some families even do egg exchanges, each person picking out the perfect size or proverb for someone else. It’s equal parts fun and thoughtful.
Church Bells and Music
While Iceland is quite secular, Easter still holds religious significance for many. Some families attend Easter mass, where music plays a central role. Icelandic hymns, both somber and soaring, echo in beautifully simple churches around the country. Even if you're not religious, the experience of stepping into one of these warm, candlelit churches while snow gently falls outside feels like stepping into a storybook.
Why You Should Visit During Easter
Now, you might be wondering—why Easter? Why not summer, when it’s warmer and everything’s green?
Here’s the thing: Easter is the perfect in-between moment. You still might catch the Northern Lights dancing over the horizon. You can soak in a quiet, snow-dusted Blue Lagoon without the high-season crowds. And you’ll get to experience a side of Icelandic culture that’s deeply rooted, sweet (literally), and rarely seen by tourists.
Plus, if you’re into photography or art, Easter’s soft light and moody skies are unforgettable. Think misty mountains, pastel sunsets, and cozy cafés glowing from within.
So, Should You Go?
If you're craving something peaceful, authentic, and a bit magical—Easter in Iceland is your ticket. Come for the chocolate, stay for the culture, and leave with a heart (and camera roll) full of Icelandic wonder.