The Breeze in the Heavens – 180th Anniversary of Árni Thorlacius’s Weather Measurements

11.10.25

November 2025 will mark 180 years since Árni Thorlacius began continuous weather measurements in Stykkishólmur, which have continued uninterrupted ever since. Árni was born in 1802 and became a prominent merchant and scholar in Stykkishólmur after returning from his studies in Copenhagen. These measurements are considered among the oldest continuous weather records in Europe, and in 2019, the World Meteorological Organization awarded the town of Stykkishólmur a certificate of recognition for this achievement. Their societal importance is no less than their global significance, as they provide us with valuable insight into nearly two centuries of weather variability in the North Atlantic and have thus long been beneficial for various national and international climate research projects.

To mark this anniversary, a symposium will be held at the Library of Water in Stykkishólmur on October 11th. The main theme of the symposium will be Árni’s weather measurements, to celebrate this part of Stykkishólmur’s history, clearly communicating its societal importance, and placing the measurements in a global context, including their significance in international climate research projects. In order to bridge the gap between society and science, particularly concerning climate issues, and to create a dialogue, we will also hear artists’ perspectives on the role of science (including climate/weather, etc.) in their creative work. The symposium will conclude with the opening of an exhibition at the Norwegian House featuring works by artists under the theme Tipping Points.

The project is carried out with the support of the municipal council of Stykkishólmur, the Museum Council of Iceland, and the West Iceland Regional Development Programme.

European Week of Sport in Grundarfjörður

23–30.09.25

The European Week of Sport begins on Tuesday, September 23rd. As usual, the town of Grundarfjörður is participating and has put together an impressive schedule in cooperation with its partners. There will be free admission to the swimming pool and golf course every day, as well as free open classes at Líkamsræktin, Box7, and Health Promotion 60+.

During the Week of Sport, Europeans unite under the slogan #BeActive, with the goal of promoting sports and general physical activity to counteract the increasing lack of movement among the public. The Week of Sport is for everyone—regardless of age, background, or physical condition. A special emphasis is placed on reaching grassroots activities and encouraging the public to move more often and more in their daily lives.

Lecture on physical and mental health with Margrét Lára

25.09.25

Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir, psychologist and former national soccer player, and Einar Örn Guðmundsson, physiotherapist, will give a lecture on physical and mental health. The lecture will be held at Grundarfjörður Community Center, Sólvöllir 3. The lecture begins at 7:30 PM.

Mugison

08.12.24

Mugison is touring Iceland and performing in 100 churches in 100 postal codes.

He will be performing in the idyllic black church in Búðir and the beautiful Ingjaldshóll church on the 8th of December. The performance in Búðir starts at 2pm and the one in Ingjaldshóll starts at 8pm.

Guðrún Árný

01.12.24

Icelandic singer and pianist Guðrún Árný performs in Stykkishólmur Church.

Rökkurdagar

24.10–17.11.24

Rökkurdagar is a cultural festival in Grundarfjörður, celebrated each year in October and November.

Danskir dagar

16–17.08.24

Local town festival in Stykkishólmur.

The weekend will be packed with family-friendly fun and activities – and you are welcome to join the party!

Á góðri stund

26–28.07.24

Local town festival in Grundarfjörður.

The weekend will be packed with family-friendly fun and activities – and you are welcome to join the party!

Bríet

18.07.24

Bríet is performing in Grundarfjörður on July 18. One of the biggest pop stars in Iceland.

Júníus Meyvant

17.07.24

Júníus Meyvant is a popular Icelandic musician, performing in The Freezer Hostel in Rif on July 17.

Sandara- og Rifsaragleði

12–14.07.24

Local town festival in Hellissandur and Rif.

The weekend will be packed with family-friendly fun and activities – and you are welcome to join the party!

Ásgeir Trausti

28.06.24

Ásgeir Trausti is an Icelandic singer-songwriter and musician who will be touring Iceland this summer.

He will perform in The Freezer Hostel in Rif on June 28.

Snæfellsjökull Glacier Run

22.06.24

A popular 22km trail run across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Once voted the best trail run in Iceland, the run starts at the idyllic village Arnarstapi and ends in Ólafsvík. Mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the landscape and the area is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Icelandic National Day

17.06.24

Icelandic National Day is an annual holiday in Iceland which commemorates the foundation of the Republic of Iceland on 17 June 1944.

Celebrations and local gatherings in municipalities throughout the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Great day to meet the inhabitants and enjoy local festivals.

Sátan Metal Festival

06–08.06.24

Sátan is a three day metal festival in Stykkishólmur. The festval focuses on offering a variety of Iceland’s best metal bands as well as a carefully curated selection of international bands.

Fisherman’s Day

02.06.24

We celebrate the Fisherman’s Day in honour of the brave people who have worked hard to support Iceland’s main industry and lifeline.

On Fishermen’s Day, family-friendly celebrations take place in towns and municipalities in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with typical festivities including boat rides, speeches and dances and various other nautical on the waterfront.

Ólafsvíkurvaka

29.06–02.07.23

Local town festival in Ólafsvík. The weekend will be packed with family-friendly fun and activities – and you are welcome to join the party!

Danskir dagar

23–25.06.23

Vantar lýsingu

Snæfellsjökull Glacier Run

24.06.23

A popular 22km trail run across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Once voted the best trail run in Iceland, the run starts at the idyllic village Arnarstapi and ends in Ólafsvík. Mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the landscape and the area is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Icelandic National Day

17.06.23

Icelandic National Day is an annual holiday in Iceland which commemorates the foundation of the Republic of Iceland on 17 June 1944.

Celebrations and local gatherings in municipalities throughout the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Great day to meet the inhabitants and enjoy local festivals.

Fisherman’s Day

04.06.23

We celebrate the Fisherman’s Day in honour of the brave people who have worked hard to support Iceland’s main industry and lifeline.

On Fishermen’s Day, family-friendly celebrations take place in towns and municipalities in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with typical festivities including boat rides, speeches and dances and various other nautical on the waterfront.

Bjartmar Guðlaugsson

21.04.23

Live music in the Freezer Hostel with one of the most iconic musicians in Iceland, Bjartmar Guðlaugsson.

Stykkishólmur Cocktail Weekend

06–09.04.23

Stykkishólmur Cocktail Weekend will be celebrated during the Easter holiday in 2023.

Júlíana – hátíð sögu og bóka

23–25.03.23

Vantar lýsingu.

Grand opening of a Visitor Centre for the Snæfellsjökull National Park

24.03.23

A long awaited grand opening for a new Visitor Center for the Snæfellsjökull National Park will be held March 24th.

The Northern Wave Film Festival

11–13.11.22

The Northern Wave International Film Festival was founded in 2007 and takes place in October/November each year. The Northern Wave weekend consist of a numerous screenings of a variety of international short films. The program also includes a lecture from a professional from the film industry, a fish soup competition at the local fish market and numerous concerts and events during the weekend.

Emmsjé Gauti

12.11.22

A part of The Northern Wave Film Festival, rapper Emmsjé Gauti performs on the festival Saturday in the Freezer Hostel, November 12th. This is the best way to get the blood flowing after all the movie-watching we’ll be doing, so we ask you to come join us for a dance.

Northern Lights Festival in Stykkishólmur

20–23.10.22

The cultural festival is usually held in October or November and enlivens the dark winter days, where townspeople and visitors have the opportunity to rejoice together and enjoy cultural events. The festival is mostly devoted to music, drama and art.

Bjúgnahátíð

22.10.22

A yearly food festival in Langaholt focusing on various dishes of Icelandic cuisine “bjúga”.

Mugison

21.10.22

Concert with Icelandic musician Mugison in Stykkishólmur.

Rökkurdagar cultural festival

09–16.10.22

Rökkurdagar is the Cultural Festival in Grundarfjörður which takes place every year in October.

Songs of Leonard Cohen

15.10.22

Icelandic musician Daníel Hjálmtýsson plays songs by Leonard Cohen in two concerts in the little black church of Búðir.

Sóli Hólm

13.10.22

A stand-up comedy in Grundarfjörður with Icelandic comedian, Sóli Hólm.

Bríet

10.08.22

Concert with one of the biggest pop stars in Iceland in the Freezer Hostel.

West Iceland’s Pride Festival

22–24.07.22

West Iceland’s Pride Festival in Ólafsvík July 22 – 24th 2022.

The weekend will be packed with family friendly fun and activities. The festival will draw colourful rainbows and a huge crowd to the seaside village. The big Pride Parade on Saturday is a special highlight.

Á góðri stund í Grundarfirði

21–24.07.22

Locals in Grundarfjörður celebrate their annual town festival on the last weekend in July.

Á góðri stund is usually translated as Good Times in Grundarfjörður, which does the festival justice! The town event offers fun activities for the whole family, ranging from art exhibitions to music concerts.