HONOURING THOSE WHO SAIL – SEAMAN'S DAY IN ICELAND
The sea gives, and the sea takes—but above all, it connects us.
Here in Iceland, especially in coastal towns like Húsavík, the ocean isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of daily life. This is why Sjómannadagurinn, or Seaman’s Day, means so much. It’s a time to honour the brave and hardworking people who spend their lives at sea—past and present—and to celebrate the deep relationship between Icelanders and the ocean.
RIB boats passangers getting ready for their trip
This special day has been celebrated since 1938, always on the first Sunday of June (unless Pentecost pushes it to the second Sunday). It began as a way to pay tribute to Icelandic fishermen, whose lives were once far more dangerous before modern technology made life at sea safer. Still today, we remember their courage, and everything they made possible for coastal communities.
Our staff on Flatey
In towns like Húsavík, where the rhythm of daily life is still tied to the sea, this day carries a special weight. Even if we’re not hauling fish in stormy seas, many of us—guides, sailors, and tour operators alike—spend our days working on the ocean. There’s a shared respect for the power of nature, and for those who came before us.
Our beautiful Húsavík during a sunset
Happy Seaman’s Day—from all of us who work with and love the sea.
Gleðilegan sjómannadag!
—Nikolina Sokcic, Guide