Fishermen's Day

Fishermen's Day, known as Sjómannadagur in Icelandic, is an annual event dedicated to Iceland’s seamen. This celebration, traditionally held on the first Sunday in June, commemorates Iceland’s seafaring culture and sailors.

The sea and its sailors are a vital part of Icelandic culture. Every year, most of the ships in Iceland remain in the harbour over the weekend, allowing the sailors to have the day off to participate in the festivities.

The day used to be celebrated in almost every town and village but is now only celebrated in some. In the Eyjafjörður area, the day is usually celebrated in Ólafsfjörður, Akureyri, Hrísey, and Grímsey. The program traditionally includes a seamen's mass dedicated to fishermen, a wreath being placed at the seamen's monument, sailing, and various competitions by sea. In many places, there are cruises or other entertainment for the whole family.

Akureyri Program:

Saturday, June 1:

10:00 - 13:00 Sandgerðisbót (small boat harbour)

Small boat and harbour house owners have an "open house"

Barbecue for visitors and pedestrians - sausages and soda

Akureyri's brass band plays sailor songs

The docks will be open, and boats will be on display

17:00 Memorial sailing with Húni II

A sail tour to remember those who perished at sea.

Sunday, June 2 - Fisherman's Day:

08:00 Official Flag Day

The townspeople raise the flags

11:00 Seamen's Day service

Mass in Akureyri church with the participation of seamen.

After the ceremony in Akureyri church, a wreath from the sailors will be laid at the seamen's memorial at Akureyri churchyard on Naustahöfði.

12:00 - 18:00 Sea, Sweat and Salt

The window installation in Hafnarstræti 88, Brynja's studio, is called Sea, Sweat and Salt and is dedicated to fishery. As it is a window exhibition, it is accessible 24 hours and free of charge. For more details, see here.

13:30 Group sailing of the small boat sailors and Húni II

Húni II sails with the townspeople from Fiskihöfn (east of Hagkaup) in a group sailing of small boats, schooners, and seaboards. Everyone is welcome.

If needed, more sailings with Húni will also be offered (at 14:15 and 15:15).

11:00 - 15:00 Sailing Club Nökkvi. Open house in the club's facilities at Höpfnerbryggja.

Grímsey Program:

Sunday 2nd June

14:00 Concert with the Eyjafjörður Men's Choir in Múli community center

15:00 Sailor's Day coffee buffet in the community center Múli (tickets available on-site).

Hrísey Program:

10:00 Sailing (all boat owners encouraged to participate)

11:11 Seamen's mass in Hríseyjarkirkja church, sailor honored.

12:00 Ferrymen grill sausages in the area. Rescue and fire brigade equipment on display.

13:00 Games and fun in the area and at the marina.

15:00 Café in the Sports Center.

16:00 Sailing for the children on the rescue boat Kiddi.

See Hrísey's website: www.hrisey.is.