Foo Fighters, The Prodigy headline Secret Solstice Festival

Iceland’s Secret Solstice festival has many reasons to be called the most unique festival on the planet, having garnered that title in one form or another by several news outlets around the world.

And it’s not hard to see why. With extreme side events including the world’s only party inside a glacier (the second biggest in Europe, no less), the chance to adventure around some of the country’s spectacular scenery just a stone’s throw from the festival site, and a 2017 lineup featuring the likes of Foo Fighters, The Prodigy, Rick Ross, Big Sean, Chaka Khan, Seth Troxler, Kerri Chandler, Richard Ashcroft and many more, guests are well catered to.

But for foreigners making the trek to Reykjavík for Secret Solstice, it’s definitely the fabled “Midnight Sun” that has generated the most palpable sense of wonder. Due to Iceland’s close proximity to the Arctic, the sun never sets during the summer solstice weekend when the festival is held, meaning guests experience never-ending daylight for the entirety of the event.

Much of Secret Solstice’s acclaim has been as a result of their utilization of the natural Icelandic setting as is the case with their unique side events, though most would be surprised it goes far beyond simply using nature for event spaces.

The North Atlantic island nation exploits the very power of the planet itself, with the abundant volcanic activity being used to generate the renewable geothermal energy that powers almost the entire country. It’s this power that provides all on-site energy needs for Secret Solstice, which is one of the reasons the event was very easily able to achieve carbon neutral status, something it’s held for two consecutive years now.

Secret Solstice festival director Fred Olafsson further elaborated more on the event’s green initiatives, “we try to lessen the impact of Secret Solstice in all areas, whether it’s partnering up with other carbon neutral brands like Icelandic Glacial water, or working with Toyota Iceland who provide us with hybrid vehicles.”

Since launching them in their first year in 2014, Secret Solstice has always been known for their special side events, including the already-announced Midnight Sun Boat Party, as well as their ultra-special Secret Solstice presents Into The Glacier events. Presented by brands like Ministry of Sound, Red Bull and 66ºNorth, both are [on sale now]. However, as has become tradition for the Icelandic music festival, they’re adding a brand new music-driven nature adventure to this year’s calendar.

Secret Solstice presents The Lava Tunnel will be two exclusive events held underground within natural lava tubes that form natural subterranean arteries. These amazing snaking chambers will become host to two acoustic performances by a prominent Icelandic artist, that’ll be witnessed on June 17th and 18th by a small handful of guests.

The location – Iceland’s Raufarholshellir lava tunnels – was formed over 5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, and has left a mark on the landscape that’s lasted throughout the centuries. This one-of-a kind experience is sure to leave a mark on the exclusive audience of 50 people who are lucky enough to secure tickets for each show, which are on sale now to the general public.

Although seen by many as remote, Iceland is easier to get to now than ever before, especially for this year’s Secret Solstice. In partnership with airline WOW air, Secret Solstice are offering all-in package deals from North America and Europe including flights, accommodation, and a festival pass starting at only $618 USD from some cities. Even better, by using the codes “wowairhotel” and “wowaircamp” (depending on what accommodation you’re choosing to go with) at checkout, early buyers will receive 20% and 25% respectively, while these limited deals are available. WOW air travel packages currently depart from these North American cities – Boston, Los Angeles, Montreal, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Baltimore.

Those planning on heading to Iceland for Secret Solstice’s fourth edition between June 16th-18th, 2017 can book now via Eventbrite or Tix starting at 24,900kr (approx. £183/€210/$224) for a full festival three-day event pass or purchase the aforementioned package deals via the festival’s website.

Whether it’s the lineup, setting in the world’s most northerly capital city, Iceland’s stunning nature, 72 hours of never-ending daylight, or spectacular event experiences you can’t find anywhere else, Iceland’s Secret Solstice is yet again sure to keep its title of the “most unique festival” on the planet in 2017.

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Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn