Taking place in the West Fjords is the Mýrarbolti, an annual soccer tournament. This is The European championship in Swamp soccer, held every Verslunarmannahelgi at Ísafjörður (Verslunarmannahelgi is the first weekend in August, and the Monday is a national holiday) One might ask. What is Swamp soccer? The answer is simple. It is soccer, played in a swamp. It is messy, muddy and the rules seem to be very flexible. Let’s just say that it pays off to be nice to the judge. Each match is short, as there are many teams and running in mud is a bit tiring.

Some participants have already formed teams, perhaps even bought a matching shirts, others just show up and find people to compete with at the location. This is a no fuss festival/sport event. There are some rules, but not to many, and there are all sorts of things to do and people to meet.

A part of the Mýrarbolti Swamp Soccer Tournament are many concerts and other entertainment. Only a part of those who come to Ísafjörður over the weekend actually compete in the championship. Many come by to enjoy the music and watch those competing trying to run in ankle deep mud, fall over (as they do, a lot) and get very muddy.