Secret Solstice Is Iceland's Most Exclusive Festival Here's Why

Secret Solstice takes place annually from 21-24 June in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik. For the 2018 edition of the festival, gigs and events are spreading out to all corners of the country, however. During this time in Iceland, there are roughly 96 hours of sunlight as it is the turning point when the longest days of the year are reached and afterward the days begin to slowly become shorter. The line-up includes such acts as UK’s Stormzy and Bonnie Tyler, US’s Steve Aoki and Death From Above and Iceland’s Jet Black Joe. Find out what makes this festival one of Iceland’s most exclusive.

Watch the FIFA World Cup: Iceland vs. Nigeria

As the festival coincides with the World Cup, organizers are offering a live viewing event as part of the festival. Get into the local spirit and cheer the Icelandic team from their own home turf.

Everything is powered by geothermal energy

For the fifth edition of the Secret Solstice festival, the organizers have decided to power the whole event solely using geothermal energy. While in the past, and as is the norm with most music festivals, operations are powered using generators running on fossil fuels. This year organisers have opted to use the prevalent energy source of Iceland’s geothermal energy. The festival is also banning all use of plastic straws and are going cashless!

The $1 million luxury package option

While standard passes for the weekend are on offer for the multi-stage festival for about $215, those who are up for something a little extra can take the six-person, all-expenses-included ticket available for about $1 million. The package, along with the multi-stage festival access, includes transportation in a private jet, access to a ‘glam squad’, a VIP yacht party and helicopter tours over nearby glaciers and volcanoes.

You can listen to an acoustic gig inside a lava tunnel

Raufarhólshellir is the country’s fourth-largest lava tunnel and for the first time ever, the location of a concert. For Secret Solstice, the festival is capping the concert in the lava tunnel at 50 guests who are brought down into the tunnels, given a tour and afterward, given an intimate concert by a small group of musicians. The festival is the first to ever organize such a gig, an event which is very much in line with the types of festival experience that are popping up more and more around the world – festivals that offer very unique group experiences that are more than just the headline acts.

Party inside a glacier

Limited to only 120 guests, this exclusive party will be held within the Langjökull, Europe’s second largest glacier. Tickets, however, must be purchased as an extra alongside the main festival ticket for about $400. The ticket includes transportation to and from the glacier via Reykjavik, a tour of the glacial cave and two drinks, as well as a performance by the US band Dubfire. Organizers advise that guests dress accordingly.

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