Iceland in June: Midnight Sun Adventures & Viking Festival
June in Iceland is a month like no other. As a Wingman audio tour guide, I can tell you: this is when the land of fire and ice truly comes alive—with endless daylight, vibrant festivals, and a Viking spirit that pulses through every celebration. If you’re planning your adventure, here’s why June is the ultimate time to visit.
The Magic of the Midnight Sun
From mid-May to mid-August, Iceland basks in the glow of the midnight sun, but it’s in June—especially around the summer solstice on June 21st—that the phenomenon reaches its dazzling peak. In Reykjavík, the sun barely dips below the horizon, creating a surreal twilight that stretches through the night. You’ll have up to 21 hours of daylight, giving you more time than ever to explore, hike, and soak in Iceland’s wild beauty.

What Can You Do Under the Midnight Sun?
- Hiking and Sightseeing: With nearly 24 hours of light, you can set out on glacier walks or hike up mountains like Helgafell after dinner, enjoying golden vistas with barely another soul around.
- Whale Watching: Head out from Reykjavík’s old harbour for late-night cruises in Faxaflói Bay—whales are active and the scenery is unforgettable in the glowing light.
- Horseback Riding: June is when Iceland’s famous horses roam free in the hills. Trails are bursting with wildflowers, and you can ride under the endless sky.
- Geothermal Pools: Relax in the Sky Lagoon or one of Reykjavík’s many pools, where the midnight sun glimmers on the water late into the night.
- Golf and Running: Play a round at the Arctic Open in Akureyri or join the Suzuki Midnight Sun Run in Reykjavík’s Laugardalur valley—a half marathon that starts in full daylight at midnight.

The Viking Festival: Step Into the Saga
For a true taste of Icelandic heritage, don’t miss the Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík. From June 13th–18th, 2025, Víðistaðatún Park transforms into a bustling Viking villages. Here’s what to expect:
- Epic Reenactments: Watch twice-daily Viking battles—realistic (but safe) clashes that bring the sagas to life. Don’t be surprised if Vikings “fall” in battle and then leap up to charge the crowd with a roar
- Viking Market: Browse stalls selling hand-crafted leather goods, jewelry, swords, and traditional foods. Try roasted lamb or sip from a horn as you wander among the tents
- Family Fun: Kids can join Viking School, learning to wield wooden swords and try their hand at archery. There’s storytelling, music, and plenty of laughter
- Feasting and Fellowship: When the market closes, the festivities continue at the Viking Village restaurant, with feasts, concerts, and Viking dancing that last into the bright Icelandic night

National Day and Jónsmessa
June also brings Iceland’s National Day on June 17th, marked by parades, music, and celebrations throughout Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður. Just a week later, on June 24th, the mystical Jónsmessa is celebrated—a night steeped in folklore and believed to hold healing powers.
Tips for Your June Adventure
- Bring a sleep mask—those long days can make it hard to rest.
- Dress in layers. June is the warmest month, but temperatures are still cool, especially at night
- Use your Wingman app to explore hidden gems and get the stories behind every site.
Why June in Iceland is Unforgettable
From midnight sun hikes to epic Viking battles, June is when Iceland’s natural wonders and cultural traditions shine brightest. Whether you’re chasing sunsets that never end or stepping into a thousand-year-old saga, you’ll find adventure—and a touch of magic—at every turn.
Ready to explore? Let Wingman guide you through Iceland’s most luminous month. Skál!