The first Monday is August is always a public holiday in Iceland and Verslunarmannahelginn (literally the tradesmen’s weekend) has become the country’s biggest travel and festival weekend of the year.

Tens of thousands of people are away from home visiting other areas of Iceland this weekend. Many people go on hikes and peaceful camping trips in the countryside; but many more go to one of the many festivals around the country.

The biggest festival is held on the Westman Islands where the town’s population will roughly triple to over 15,000 and all flights and scheduled ferry sailings are fully booked. Icelandic music stars including Dikta, Haffi Haff, KK & Ellen and Bubbi Morthens will entertain the crowds this year.

Akureyri has been engulfed by the Ein Med Ollu festival and the thousands of visitors intent on having a good time. Neskaupstadur and Stykkisholmur are also expecting large crowds for their festivals.

Last but not least is the European mud soccer championships held this weekend every year in the northwest town of Isafjordur. This year for the first time, there will also be swamp bungee and swamp long jump – not to mention a full schedule of parties and live music.

Photo: eyjan.is