Seamen’s Day
There is a long-standing tradition of celebrating Seamen’s Day throughout the Eyjafjörður region, including places such as Grímsey, Hrísey, Ólafsfjörður, and Akureyri.
Seamen’s Day is celebrated across Iceland, and in Eyjafjörður, it is marked with various events. In Akureyri, the day is observed with ceremonies such as wreath-laying at the Seamen’s Memorial, church services dedicated to seafarers, and boat trips on the fjord. In many places, boat rides and family-friendly entertainment are on offer.
Akureyri 2025 Program
Saturday, May 31
09:30–13:00 – Sandgerðisbót Harbour
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The old fish huts at Sandgerðisbót open to visitors.
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Local fishermen offer seafood tastings.
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Karlakór Akureyrar-Geysir (Akureyri Men’s Choir) performs traditional seamen’s songs.
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Grilled hot dogs offered by Kjarnafæði, Myllan, and Nettó, served with Coke.
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Fish exhibition.
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The harbor docks open, and boats will be on display.
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ICE-SAR (Landsbjörg) demonstrates sea rescue equipment.
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Rope splicing demonstrations.
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Net-mending demonstrations.
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Bouncy castles for children.
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Ship models on display.
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Photography exhibition by the Icelandic Lighthouse Association.
17:00 – Memorial Sail with Húni II
In memory of lost seamen.
“No flowers grow on graves that lie in the watery deep.”
Flowers will be cast into the sea at seamen’s traditional workplaces following a memorial led by Reverend Magnús Gunnarsson from Laufás.
Everyone welcome – space on board is limited. Don’t forget to bring a flower.
Sunday, June 1 – Seamen’s Day
08:00 – Flag Day
Residents are encouraged to raise the Icelandic flag.
11:00 – Seamen’s Day Service
A special mass will be held at Glerárkirkja Church.
After the service, a floral wreath from the seamen will be placed at the Seamen’s Memorial.
Soup will be served at the church hall, courtesy of the Eyjafjörður Seamen’s Association.
13:00 – Communal Boat Trip with Small Boats and Húni II
Húni II and other small boats set sail with town residents.
All are welcome.
Grímsey – Seamen’s Day
On Sunday, the Women’s Association Baugur hosts a coffee buffet at the community center Múli.
Hrísey – Seamen’s Day
10:00 – Boat Tour
11:11 – Seamen’s Day Mass at Hrísey Church. A local seaman will be honored.
12:00 – Hot dogs grilled by the ferry crew. Rescue team and fire brigade equipment on display.
13:00 – Games and fun in the area and by the small boat harbor.
14:00 – Opening of the photo exhibition “The Beauty of the Fjords” at Verbúðin 66.
15:00 – Coffee sale at the Sports Center.
16:00 – Boat ride for children on the rescue boat Kiddi.
For more information, visit Hrísey’s website: www.hrisey.is