What To Do This Week | Bun Day, Viking Workshop and Other Events

2026-02-15 - 16:18

Food takes centre stage this week. In many parts of the world, the final weeks of winter coincide with Lent or Ramadan. Although most Icelanders are not strictly religious, many of the country’s traditions are rooted in the Christian calendar. One such celebration is Bolludagur (Bun Day), when people traditionally indulge before the fasting season of Lent begins. Beyond the beloved cream buns, several local cafés are marking the occasion with special dinners that offer a creative twist on tradition. And nourishment isn’t limited to the table—there’s food for the soul as well, from live music and immersive audiovisual experiences to nature-inspired art exhibitions. Explore our events calendar to discover what’s on. Monday, 16 February Photo: DEIG Bakery Bolludagur at DEIG bakery, 7.00-16.00 Bolludagur, or Bun Day, is a beloved Icelandic celebration held just before the long season of Lent. The star of the day is the traditional cream-filled bun—rich, fluffy, and undeniably indulgent. While it may feel a bit decadent for anyone watching their diet, Icelandic buns are simply too delicious to resist. If you’d like to experience them at their very best, stop by DEIG Bakery. Alongside their famous buns, you’ll find freshly baked bread and a tempting selection of traditional pastries, all made with exceptional care and quality. Tuesday, 17 February Photo: Troll.is Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small Group Day Tour, 8.00 The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its dramatic landscapes that appeared in several Hollywood films (Game of Thrones, Captain America, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty). The ten-hour tour to the most captivating spots of this region which is believed to be extremely volcanically active 15 to 7 million years ago. Book your tour on Troll.is. Wednesday, 18 February Sérstæðan, a performance at Tjarnarbíó, 20.00 Sérstæðan is an interdisciplinary dance performance where choreography, poetry, music, and scenography seamlessly intertwine. It unfolds the narrative of a futuristic being who, having transcended her physical body, now exists solely in the digital realm. Through a fusion of movement, sound, and visual design, the performance explores themes of identity, transformation, and the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds. More information about the event here. Thursday, 19 February Lindy Lin, a concert at Mengi, 20.00 Lindy Lin is an electroacoustic composer and audiovisual experimentalist whose practice spans Reykjavík and Shanghai. Blending cultural heritage with personal expression, she creates immersive, tactile soundscapes using everyday objects like the Xiao flute, guitar, fabric, and mechanical tools. Her works combine natural soundscapes with intricate sonic textures, often evoking surreal, psychedelic atmospheres. By means of multimedia techniques, Lin explores themes of identity, equality, and societal imbalance, challenging conventional perceptions and inviting deep reflection. Check this link for more information. Friday, 20 February Plantan Kaffihús: welcoming. Photo: Iceland Review. Authentic Mexican dinner at Plantan Bistro, 19.00 Cravings for hot and exotic food are normal in Iceland where cold weather is a constant companion. Luckily, there are many places that can boost your serotonin levels with delicious food from overseas. On Friday evening, Mexico-born Catherine Rivadeneyra will create an authentic dining experience with recipes from her homeland. A nostalgic, true Mexican food in a plant-based interpretation. Saturday, 21 February Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir – Leiðir, an exhibition opening at Kjarvalsstaðir, 15.00 Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir is one of the venerable figures in Iceland’s contemporary art. Her first solo exhibition took place in Kjarvalsstaðir in 1986. The artist’s current project at the same space brings the vastness of nature closer to the spectator. These minimalist and well-balanced works explore the relationship between nature and man, shaped by the weather and light in Iceland. Sunday, 22 February Winter Break at The Settlement Exhibition Aðalstræti, 10:00–17:00 Vetrarfrí or Winter Break is a short-term break from school for children and teaching staff. During this time, various cultural institutions offer different activities for children and their parents. There are workshops galore. Take for example, Boats, Buildings and Beards – a crash course on Viking lifestyle at The Settlement Exhibition on Aðalstræti. Check this and other Vetrarfrí events here.