Strandmenningarhátíð á Siglufirði

August 27–30, 2026

The coastal culture festival Auður hafs og stranda will take place in Siglufjörður from August 27–30, 2026. The festival is organized by Vitafélagið – Icelandic Coastal Culture Association, in collaboration with a wide range of partners in Siglufjörður, the Northwest Iceland Comprehensive College in Sauðárkrókur, artists, craftspeople and others.

The festival offers a diverse programme celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Iceland's coastal communities and the country's long-standing connection with the sea.

A special focus will be placed on the traditional craft of building Nordic clinker boats, which was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. This shared Nordic tradition will be celebrated through demonstrations, exhibitions and opportunities to learn about traditional boatbuilding techniques.

Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy craft exhibitions, live music, film screenings, food workshops, art exhibitions, sailing trips, poetry and traditional folk music. The programme brings together history, seafaring, craftsmanship, nature and cultural heritage in a variety of ways.

With its remarkable history as one of Iceland's most important fishing and herring towns, Siglufjörður provides a fitting setting for a festival dedicated to Icelandic coastal culture.

The festival aims to raise awareness of traditional boatbuilding and other aspects of Iceland's coastal heritage, while strengthening knowledge of the history and traditions of fishing communities. It also explores how this heritage can inspire innovation and new opportunities today.

At the same time, the festival creates a place for locals and visitors to come together, learn, experience art and culture, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Siglufjörður.

The festival is open to everyone, with events suitable for families as well as anyone interested in history, culture, seafaring, nature and travel – or simply looking to experience a lively cultural festival in one of Iceland's historic coastal towns.

Admission is free to most festival events, although voluntary contributions are greatly appreciated.

For the full programme and further information, visit the website of Vitafélagið – Icelandic Coastal Culture Association.