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June 17 National Holiday? What will be open or closed?

Posted by (New England) on

Hi all, our family is making our first trip to Iceland this summer. I have seen that June 17th is a national holiday (Independence Day). What might/will be closed?

I have NOT seen any change in reservations slots for thermal spas or museums, but surely some things would be closed or have reduced hours? We arrive this day, and will spend a few hours in Reykjavik, then drive north for our first night (not staying in Reykjavik that first night). I had hoped to collect basic groceries (trail/car snacks, breakfast items), a few bottles of wine at an Vínbúðin, and possibly top off gas.

The 2nd day is a 300-mile loop on the Snaefellsness Peninsula, and I don’t want to waste any of that day on these kinds of activities, if that can be avoided.

Posted by
3751 posts

Seriously consider staying close to Reykjavik that night if arrival. Even Borgarnes is really pushing it. Iceland has a big problem with visitors coming in on overnight flights and driving too far and causing accidents due to being drowsy.

That said, in Reykjavik itself the city will be bustling and driving in there will be difficult with closed streets. Restaurants will be open and shops will be a mixed bag. You may want to hit the grocery stores near KEF just to be safe. Gas stations will mostly be open but may have very limited hours.

Posted by
31 posts

Thanks mikliz97. We're not concerned about the driving. Half our group will be arriving from the UK and won't be jetlagged. We're all registered as drivers with our rental agency. We also won't have any problem with finding somewhere convenient to a bus stop and being "foot tourists" for the day - no need for us to find parking right in downtown. If you recommend the stores by the airport, I'll definitely look those up and check their operating hours before we arrive.

Posted by
3751 posts

Celtia—that is all great news! There is a Bonus and a Kronan in the same little parking lot not far from KEF. There is also a Costco near there.

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