Fishermen's Day is an event dedicated to Iceland’s seamen, called Sjómannadagur in Icelandic. This is an annual event that commemorates Iceland’s fishermans culture. The celebration traditionally take place on the first Sunday in June.
The sea and its sailors are a vital part of Icelandic culture and every year most of the ships in Iceland remain in the harbour over the weekend while the sailors have the day off to take part in the festivities.
The day used to be celebrated in almost each town and village, but is now only celebrated in some. In the area of Eyjafjörður the day is usually celebrated in Ólafsfjörður, Akureyri, Hrísey and Grímsey.
The Fishermen's Day is on 7th June 2026 (Program is both 6th and 7th June)
The program 2026
Akureyri 2026
Saturday, 6 June
10:00–14:00 – Sandgerðisbót
The fishermen’s huts at Sandgerðisbót small boat area is open to visitors.
Local fishermen offer seafood tastings.
Traditional fishermens' songs fill the harbour area.
Free grilled hot dogs and Coca-Cola courtesy of Kjarnafæði/Norðlenska, Myllan, and Vífilfell.
Fish exhibition.
Harbour piers open to the public, with boats on display.
Demonstrations of net mending and rope splicing.
Model ships on display.
17:00 – Fishing Harbour
Memorial Cruise aboard Húni II
A ceremony in memory of deceased fishermens.
Flowers will be laid at sea in remembrance of those lost while working at sea.
All are welcome, subject to available space on board.
Sunday, 7 June – Seafarers’ Day
08:00 – Flag Day
Residents raise the national flag.
11:00 – Fishermen's Service
Service in Akureyrarkirkja honouring fishermen.
13:00 and 14:15 – Boat Parade and Harbour Cruises
The boat Húni II sails in a group sailing of small boats in Eyjafjörður. Everyone Welcome.
15:30 – Höefners Pier Area
Unveiling of a memorial dedicated to side trawlers and the fishermen who served aboard them.
Grímsey – Fishermen's Day
The women’s association Baugur will host a coffee buffet at the community hall Múli on Sunday.
Hrísey – Fishermen's Day
10:00 Boat trip.
11.11 Fishermen's service in Hrísey Church.
12:00 Ferry staff grill hot dogs.
Rescue team and fire brigade equipment on display.
Games and activities around the harbour and marina.
15:00 Coffee and refreshments
Hosted by the women’s association at the sports centre.
16:00 Sailing trip
for children aboard the rescue boat Kiddi.
For more information, visit the official website of Hrísey: Hrísey Official Website