Reykjavík Marathon & Culture Night: The Grand Finale of Icelandic Summer

Culture Night, known in Iceland as Menningarnótt, is an annual festival that commemorates Reykjavik’s birthday. Though the city was founded in the 9th century, it became the official administrative centre under Danish control much later, on August 18th, 1786. This particular celebration began in 1996.

Yet just because its origins are relatively recent, that doesn’t make it any less special. The team from Reykjavik’s Cultural Office enlist the help of other departments, societies and organisations, local clubs, musicians and artists to stage activities and events right across the capital region.

August is Party Time

Culture Night follows Reykjavik Pride, when the streets of the Icelandic capital are awash with rainbow flags and a colourful parade. Culture Night is equally inclusive, with a fun calendar that changes every year. For visitors from overseas, it’s a chance to experience Icelandic hospitality at its fullest – residents are in party mode, and everyone’s welcome to join in. Pride kicks off early August, while Culture Night and the Marathon close the month, marking the end of summer.

This year, Culture Night takes place on Saturday, August 24th. The events kick off in the morning and culminate in a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour at 11 p.m., though informal get-togethers go on late into the night. It’s an eclectic programme that always includes music, sports, and cultural events, all of them free. Some indoor venues have capacity constraints, so it’s advisable to arrive early for these activities.

In keeping with its spirit of universality and inclusion, Reykjavik Culture Night takes place across the whole city. Events concentrate in the city centre, from Langahlíð in Austurbær to Hagatorg in Vesturbær and all the way north to Grandi. The night’s formal events schedule wraps up with a fireworks display at Arnarhóll as the sun sets on another successful year in the Icelandic capital.

Kicking off the proceedings for 2024 is a family-friendly campout and sing-along at the library. As the day gathers momentum, you might watch an opera performed by Óður, drop in on an organ marathon at Hallgrimskirkja or enjoy jazz and swing music from the talented Fjaðrafok.

The city’s museums get involved too: participate in a scavenger hunt hosted by The Settlement Exhibition, re-enact the time of the Vikings at the National Museum of Iceland or come to Hafnarhús for the opening of Flood, an art exhibition brought to you by Jónsi – you might know him as the lead vocalist of Sigur Rós.

Poetry meets world-class imagery at the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, which is staging Hlynur Pálmason’s Lament for a Horse. You’ll also want to catch the improv happening at the National Theatre as performers create a new show on the hoof every hour. It’s a long-established tradition on Culture Night and iseagerly anticipated.

This is also a celebration of multiculturalism, particularly when it comes to food and music. Whether you’re a fan of K-Pop or keen to learn how to dance Latin American favourites like tango or salsa, you’ll find it in Reykjavik this Culture Night. But global responsibilities haven’t been forgotten either, as The Youth Environmentalists invite anyone who’s interested to join them as they debate climate change and other important issues affecting our planet.

This sporting event also takes place on Culture Night, from early in the morning until mid-afternoon. The first Reykjavik Marathon took place in 1984. The race has been the responsibility of the Reykjavík Sports Association (ÍBR) since 2003. A sizeable chunk of the money raised from this event is invested in sports clubs across the city, while many participants also choose to raise money on behalf of their own chosen charities.

The inaugural event attracted 214 runners, 56 of which signed up to run the whole distance. Today, many thousands take part, and it draws a large crowd of spectators. The full marathon begins on Sóleyjargatu in the middle of Reykjavík. The route winds its way along Ægisíða, Grandi, Sæbraut, Laugardal, Elliðaárdal, Bryggjuhverfi, Fossvog and Þingholtin, finishing up at Lækjargatu.

While the marathon is strictly for adults, there are three other shorter race categories which are suitable for younger people. The half marathon is open to anyone aged 15 or above, while 12s and over can register for the 10K run. The fun run is for everyone; there are two short routes of 1.7km and 3km to choose from, with plenty of entertainment along the way. Register online to participate.

As you can imagine, the streets of Reykjavik are pretty busy while the Culture Night events are taking place, so it’s better not to have to try to find a parking space. Road closures are in effect in some parts of the city centre, for instance, across the Reykjavik Marathon route. A map of road closures is uploaded to the Culture Night website so that you can see how you might be affected.

If you really must drive, the organisers suggest you park up and connect with free shuttles that will take you to the city centre. These run from 7.30am to 1am; they depart from Laugardalshöll Arena, stop at Borgartún and continue on to Hallgrímskirkja. Taxis will be permitted to drop off and pick up at designated locations on the edge of the city centre.

Public transport is available throughout the day and until late at night. As the majority of festival goers congregate on the waterfront to watch the fireworks, Straeto services are diverted at the end of the evening to transport everyone home after the culmination of the display. You’re invited to make your way towards the Sun Voyager statue to catch your bus home.