5 Reasons Why Your Summer Solstice Should Be Spent in Iceland

Article by: Ian Young|@nounpusher

Thu May 24, 2018 | 13:30 PM


For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is a time for celebrating. In Finland, they vacation in the countryside. In Latvia, they make wreaths. In Iran, they sing, dance and…eat spinach soup.

But in Iceland, the land of fire and ice, the land where people eat fermented shark and drink liquor called "black death," they take the summer solstice to a whole new level.

Meet Secret Solstice, the nearly non-stop, 96-hour festival that takes place June 21-24 in Reykjavik. With constant sunlight as a signature attraction, the festival takes full advantage of that by scheduling a range of once-in-a-lifetime activities for attendees. Where else can you rave inside an ancient glacier, party deep within a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel, or chill in a Viking hot tub suspended 15 feet in the air?

If you’re still not convinced, here are five more reasons why your summer solstice needs to be spent in Iceland.

No Cookie-Cutter Lineup

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If you’re tired of seeing the same acts appear on every festival poster, wait until you see this year’s eclectic Secret Solstice lineup. Stormzy, Gucci Mane, Bonnie Tyler, Slayer, Death from Above, Steve Aoki, George Clinton.... and that’s just the beginning.

Iceland’s Got Talent

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Icelandic music is more than just Bjork and Sigur Ros, and Secret Solstice runs deep with the best local bands, singers, rappers and DJs. From all-female hip-hop collective Reykjavíkurdætur to the sweet electro pop sounds of Vök, your next favorite act is waiting to be discovered.

No Need to Sweat It

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While other summer festivals can be sizzling hot, Iceland tends to be on the cooler end of the spectrum with temperatures in the high 60s F/high teens C. (That’s great news especially if you’re camping.)

Nature is a Headliner, Too

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Majestic waterfalls. Black sand beaches. Million-year-old glaciers. Nature’s best is on display everywhere you look in Iceland, making the festival’s backdrop one you’ll never forget. To honor the natural beauty of its home, Secret Solstice became a carbon neutral event in 2016.

It’s More Affordable Than You Think

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Since Iceland has become such a popular tourist destination, flight prices from major cities in the U.S. and Europe have dropped in recent years. Secret Solstice also has packages that include discounted hotels or camping.

Get VIP for the price of GA at Secret Solstice (or use code 'EVERFEST15' for 15% off standard passes) with Everfest Premium!