Iceland’s Secret Solstice Festival Takes Advantage of Three Days of Continuous Sunlight

Jordan Bailey

The chance to experience one of the world’s northernmost countries is a rare treat. Suffice it to say, when the inclement weather breaks the Nordics don’t hold back and this summer is proof. From June 17-19, Reykjavik’s own Secret Solstice Festival will take place in the Hot Spring Valley for the third year in a row providing the perfect opportunity to head north.

The beauty of Iceland is obviously enough to draw the attention of any avid traveler but when a summer music festival just outside of one of its major cities is thrown into the mix featuring hugely popular international artists, well, that’s just icing on the cake. Aside from these perks, Secret Solstice Festival offers one particularly unique treat; three consecutive days of sunlight. That’s right, during a brief period every year, the sun never fully sets and instead simply rests on the horizon before returning to the sky the following day. Imagine dancing to a lineup featuring rock-gods like Radiohead and Deftones, Iceland’s own Of Monsters and Men as well as New York hip-hop artists like Action Bronson and Flatbush Zombies without missing some of the best electronic DJs around. All of this, while never feeling like the days end.

Secret Solstice Festival is almost directly in the city center of Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik. For those looking for some of downtown’s most popular places to eat, drink and stay, Entertainment Voice has compiled a worthy list featuring the best of the best.

Eat
Iceland is a country with a strong sense of history and traditions and with a restaurant like Dill, they unabashedly embrace these values. Be sure to load up on Nordic staples like smoked cod, dried catfish and butter-soaked mussels for the true Icelandic palate pleasure. Speaking of fish, the Fiskfelagid Fish Company specializes in Icelandic cuisine prepared by a native Nordic chef. If you’re looking for something a little more casual with a bistro twist, try Snaps for delectable entrees like Moules-frites or Confit de Canard.

Drink
For the cocktail lovers, don’t sleep on Slippbarinn. Here, the drink menu changes often based on local produce availability and seasonal herbs. Try their Sourlock Holmes or the Octopussilicious. The Klaustur Bar, fittingly enough inside the Klaustur Hotel downtown, features a cozy and relaxed atmosphere pouring Icelandic craft beers galore. One bar certainly not to be missed is the Lebowski Bar, and yes, we’re talking about “The Dude.” This watering hole is themed directly from the Coen brothers’ film “The Big Lebowski.” If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stick to the White Russians.

Stay
Secret Solstice Festival comes to you complete with its own on-site camping but if you prefer to be closer to the action of the city, rather than the festival, we’ve got you covered. Known for its Nordic design aesthetics, 101 Hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and style just near the harbor. CenterHotel also notes itself as an epic design-hotel and it’s perfect for folks looking to stay closer to the city center (hence the name). Hotel Borg also planted its roots in the center of Reykjavik, though, with this downtown boutique hotspot you’ll be submerged in more charm and character than you can handle.

Secret Solstice Festival has been deemed a festival unlike any other on the planet and it’s easy to see why. Not only does a 24-hour party exist here but imagine yourself soaking in the nearby natural hot springs or perhaps the 100-foot-tall on-site hot tub is more fitting. Don’t forget to check out the dance party inside of an actual glacier or the midnight sun boat party complete with world-class DJs. This festival is the ultimate combination of natural beauty, fantastic music and sheer festival-like revelry.

Secret Solstice Festival will take place in Reykjavik, Iceland, from June 17-19. Tickets can be found here.