If you're visiting Iceland soon, you might be pleasantly surprised by the local festivities. Iceland celebrates their Independence Day on June 17. Icelanders selected June 17 to be the official holiday because it was the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson who is regarded as Iceland's champion to the nationalist cause.

Independence Days in Scandinavia are mostly in June, which gives travelers a great opportunity to learn more about the country they are visiting:

• Overview: Independence Days in Scandinavia
• Independence Day (National Day) in Iceland
• Useful Icelandic Phrases