Reykjavik International Literary Festival

Lestrarkeppni Reykjavíkur

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Arts & CultureReykjavík
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival's biennial schedule, running
Language["is"]Currency: ISK
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Reykjavik International Literary Festival in Reykjavík

Founded in 1984 by Knut Odegard, Thor Vilhjalmsson, and Einar Bragi, with a first edition in 1985, this biennial festival brings international authors to Reykjavik in odd-numbered years. Past guests include Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Atwood, and Haruki Murakami. Since 2019 it has awarded the Halldor Laxness International Literary Prize, given most recently to Salman Rushdie in 2024.

Norwegian-born writer Knut Odegard, together with Icelandic authors Thor Vilhjalmsson and Einar Bragi, founded the Reykjavik International Literary Festival in 1984, holding its first edition in 1985 with the goal of introducing foreign authors and literary trends to Icelandic readers on a small, isolated island market.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's biennial schedule, running only in odd-numbered years rather than annually, sets it apart from most literary festivals and reflects its origin as a small, founder-driven project rather than a tourism-scale production

02

The mystery stays covered

Its Halldor Laxness International Literary Prize, launched in 2019 and named for Iceland's Nobel laureate, gives one international author per edition a named honor tied directly to Icelandic literary history rather than a generic festival award

03

The city starts moving

The festival's documented role in Reykjavik earning UNESCO City of Literature status in 2011 also ties it to civic literary policy rather than pure entertainment programming

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Presenting the Halldor Laxness International Literary Prize to one international author each edition has been a fixed centerpiece since 2019

Water and renewal

Living ritual

tying the modern festival to Iceland's Nobel literary legacy

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

For Reykjavik International Literary Festival, plan transport around the exact Reykjavik venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Smart-casual attire suitable for indoor readings and panel discussions, with a warm layer for moving between venues in Iceland's changeable weather.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Reykjavik International Literary Festival, stay near the part of Reykjavik you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["is"] · ISK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map64.14 N, 21.90 WOpen in Google Maps

Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Nearest airportKEF — Keflavik
TransportFor Reykjavik International Literary Festival, plan transport around the exact Reykjavik venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Reykjavik International Literary Festival, stay near the part of Reykjavik you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Reykjavík via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Reykjavík, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearSmart-casual attire suitable for indoor readings and panel discussions, with a warm layer for moving between venues in Iceland's changeable weather.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Iceland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Reykjavik International Literary Festival?

Reykjavik International Literary Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Reykjavik International Literary Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Reykjavík, Iceland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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