5 things to do at Iceland Airwaves 2024
With the likes of Joy Anonymous, Overmono and The Vaccines leading the music programme, there’s also plenty more to discover on your trip to Reykjavík
Iceland Airwaves festival returns to Reykjavík from November 7-9 this year, and Rolling Stone UK will be heading to the Nordic isle to bring you all the biggest and best moments.
The music programme for this year is led by Joy Anonymous, Overmono and The Vaccines, with the likes of Bar Italia, Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul, Mandy, Indiana and Mary in the Junkyard also appearing.
Alongside the stellar musical line-up, Reykjavík and its surrounding areas also offer significant cultural history, with plenty to explore.
Ahead of this year’s festival, we’ve highlighted 10 things to do on your trip to Iceland Airwaves 2024.
12 Tónar
Founded in 1998, 12 Tónar is a label and record shop in downtown Reykjavík and the beating heart of the local music scene. Since 2019, they have also incorporated a café and bar into the space, with instore gigs and events also taking place, making it an unmissable spot on your trip.
Find out more here.
Sky Lagoon
Iceland is blessed with natural hot springs, and is a journey not to miss on any trip to the island. The Sky Lagoon is located a 15-minute drive outside of town, and offers breathtaking views in its location, ‘where the sea meets the sky’. With both a cold plunge and toasty lagoon, it’s a treat for all the senses. Read up on the traditional Skjól Ritual before your trip to find out how best to enjoy the experience.
Find out more here.
Smekklesya
This famous record store is also home to the Bad Taste record label, founded by members of Björk’s first band, The Sugarcubes. A manifesto from the label reads: “As “good taste” and “financial restraint” are the main enemies of creativity and well-being, Bad Taste will work concertedly against anything that can be categorised as good taste or financial restraint.”
Find out more here.
Sea Baron
No trip to Reykjavík is complete without trying Iceland’s iconic lobster soup, and it’s done best at local spot Sea Baron. Located right on the harbour, this restaurant is deeply connected to the Icelandic fishing industry, and is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. Make sure to go for the Humarsúpa for the proper authentic experience.
Find out more here.
Hallgrimskirkja
With its unique architecture and beautifully colourful buildings, Reykjavík is worth seeing from up high. Towering over the city is the beautiful Hallgrimskirkja church, which offers trips up to the top floor to see the city in all its striking beauty, looking out over the Atlantic ocean.
Find out more here.
Iceland Airwaves takes place November 7-9, 2024. Tickets and travel packages are available now in partnership with Icelandair.