Fireworks on New Year's Eve in Reykjavik

Perlan is one of three locations ideal to visit on …

Perlan is one of three locations ideal to visit on New Year's Eve to shoot up fireworks Photo: Iceland Monitor/Árni Sæberg

Icelandic people love their fireworks, not only to watch them but to shoot them up as well. Selling fireworks is the biggest fundraiser for The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue so people don't only buy them for the fun of it, also to support a good cause.

There is a long standing tradition to go to a bonfire and watch a firework display around 21:00 on New Year’s Eve, a lovely family activity.

After that people hurry home to prepare for their very own show. When the clock strikes twelve the people of Iceland shoot up their own fireworks, toast, and welcome the new year.

There is no organized firework display on midnight, but as most Icelanders shoot up their own fireworks there is plenty of them to be seen, just a bit more hectic. So if you are staying in Iceland for New Year's Eve it is not really necessary to buy fireworks, you’ll see plenty just by walking on the street.

If you do want to participate there are three locations in Reykjavik that are ideal to meet people, shoot up fireworks or just look at others doing so, all of them distinctive landmarks. These are by Hallgrímskrikja Church, by Harpa Concert hall and Conference Centre, or by Perlan.

After a long line of storms hitting Iceland, the weather forecast for New Year's Eve is ideal for fireworks. The sky will be mostly clear and the wind not to strong.

Seeing a bonfire is an important part of New Year's …

Seeing a bonfire is an important part of New Year's Eve for many. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Árni Sæberg

Most Icelanders buy fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Most Icelanders buy fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Guðmundur Rúnar Guðmundsson

There are plenty of fireworks on New Year's Eve in …

There are plenty of fireworks on New Year's Eve in Iceland. Phtot: Iceland Monitor/Ómar Óskarsson

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