Icelandic Association of Washington DC

08/11/2026

Michael’s Icelandic Adventure: A Big Thanks to Icelandair 🇮🇸✨

After two incredible weeks in Iceland, Michael has returned to DC, fully immersed in the language and culture. He made significant progress, mastering sentence construction and confidently asking for services in Icelandic. In a creative twist, he even wrote a song in the language!

We are immensely grateful to Icelandair for their partnership, which allows us to offer this scholarship and create these unique opportunities.

Don’t miss out! Our scholarship is offered every year. Stay tuned for your chance to enter the lottery and become next year’s candidate! 🎉

08/08/2026

Update from Michael: Over the past few days we’ve been going at breakneck speed, learning everything from describing our families to buying food in a store to explaining how we feel. I can talk about the weather and what I like to do for fun. At the pool over the weekend I actually understood some Icelandic conversation from people talking about where they came from, how long they had to drive, and who they were. It’s super fun to already have mastered some basics! I also learned how to swear so don’t speak badly about me in Icelandic 🇮🇸

07/31/2026

Update from Michael 🌍

Daily report day 2: we spent the morning in classes, working hard on learning key approaches to basic conversation. In the afternoon, I spent a couple of hours in an elective class working on pronunciation, followed by “board games”. The one I chose was very hard, requiring me to answer specific questions in Icelandic. The more advanced students were kind and excited to help me through it. We ended the day with drinks outside at Dokkan Brugghús before I retired to the campsite for a beautiful sunset.

Daily report day 3: in our morning classes, we went over previous material and then explored gender and basic conjugations (ég, þú, hann/hún/hán, við, þið, þeir/þær/þau). We talked about professions and introduced each other in that way. The afternoon was free, which I used for self study and a nice visit to the pool in Bolangarvik, a short 15 minute drive away
In the evening, we were invited to a steep guided hike to Naustahvilft (the Troll Seat) just outside of Isafjorður. The best part: a dozen or so Icelanders were invited to join us and the suggestion was that only íslensku could be used on the hike. We did our best to integrate and practice our Icelandic with the willing locals.

07/28/2026

🇮🇸 Meet Our 2026 “Give Icelandic A Chance” Scholarship Recipient: Michael Halpern!

We’re excited to introduce Michael Halpern, this year’s recipient of the Icelandic Association of Washington DC’s “Give Icelandic A Chance” Scholarship.

Michael first visited Iceland in 2005 and immediately fell in love with the country. From the swimming pools and breathtaking nature to the literature, humor, and unique culture, Iceland left a lasting impression. Since then, he has returned many times and is now on his ninth visit to Iceland.

A longtime member of the Icelandic Association of Washington DC, Michael has also volunteered at several association events over the years and has been an active part of our community.

This summer, Michael is taking the next step in his Iceland journey by studying Icelandic at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður through our scholarship program. Designed to support the study of Icelandic language and culture, the scholarship provides recipients with the opportunity to participate in an immersive two-week language program in Iceland.

After years of trying to learn Icelandic through books and online resources, Michael is excited to finally immerse himself in the language and build the confidence to have everyday conversations in Icelandic. Currently based in Ísafjörður, he’s diving into greetings, pronunciation, and small talk while experiencing life in the Westfjords firsthand, with a tent-on-top 4x4 serving as his home base for the adventure.

We’re proud to support Michael through this experience and look forward to sharing updates from his time in Iceland.

Follow along over the coming weeks as we share Michael’s experiences, challenges, and milestones as he learns Icelandic and explores life in the Westfjords.

Gangi þér vel, Michael! 🇮🇸✨

07/27/2026

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Christmas Market November 7th

Click on the link in our bio to register for one or more tables at the finest Icelandic market of the year in the Washington, D.C., area.

We expect between 1,500 and 2,000 guests – all hungry for tasty treats and eager to buy YOUR unique wares for their holiday gift giving.

Event details and table prices are all detailed on our website!

Have questions? Email us at [email protected]

07/25/2026

Registration is open for the November 7th annual Christmas Market! --> If you have any questions, message us here or email [email protected].

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Christmas Market November 7th – Click here to register for one or more tables at the finest Icelandic market of the year in the Washington, D.C., area. We expect between 1,500 and 2,000 guests – all hungry for tasty treats and eager to buy YOUR unique wares for ...

06/16/2026

We can’t wait to see you all this Saturday, June 20th in Alexandria as we celebrate June 17th with a day full of fun!

This is a members-only event - please check your email for details

Not a member yet? Join us using the link in our bio or visit icelanddc.com to register.

06/12/2026

Hæ, hó, jibbí jei 🇮🇸 Join Us for Our 17. Júní Celebration – Saturday, June 20 in Alexandria! 🇮🇸

We’re looking forward to celebrating Iceland’s National Day together at our annual 17. Júní gathering!

📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Send us a message for the address

The celebration is open to association members and will feature Icelandic food, fun activities for kids and adults, great company, and a chance to spend time with friends old and new!

Not a member yet? Sign up using the link in our bio and join us for the festivities!

We can’t wait to see you all next Saturday and celebrate together 🇮🇸✨

05/06/2026

A special note to all Association members 🥳

We have emailed each of you a personal invitation to the Annual General Meeting. The invitations include the meeting link in case you can’t attend in person.

We really hope you can join us!

05/03/2026

Our Annual Meeting is Sunday afternoon, May 10th, in Arlington, Virginia!

We would love to see you -- come learn about the health of our organization, plans for the coming year, and opportunities to help us grow.

Send us a direct message here on Facebook to get the time and location.