Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Reykjavik’s Magic Ice Bar is a compact room built almost entirely from ice, from the Viking carvings on the walls to the glass holding your welcome drink. It is a quick, unusual break from the city’s usual museums, pools, and northern lights outings.

I like the ice glass and signature drink, which give the visit a clear little ritual, and I like the staff’s playful approach to photos. Roman, Roma, Asteris, and others have helped make the stop more personal for many people. The main drawback is size: you may expect several rooms and find one smaller gallery instead.

Key points to know before you go

• More than 60 tons of ice fill the gallery: International artists carve the walls, furniture, and sculptures.
• Viking stories shape the artwork: The carvings connect to Norwegian sailors, myths, and the Atlantic journey to Iceland.
• Your welcome drink comes in an ice glass: Additional drinks cost extra.
• Poncho and gloves are supplied: Still wear warm layers, since the room is genuinely cold.
• The venue sits below the Álafoss store: Enter the store first, then head downstairs.
• The visit works best as a short city break: It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and anyone wanting something different.

Entering the Magic Ice Bar below Álafoss

Finding the venue takes a little attention. The Magic Ice Bar is below the Álafoss store, so you enter through the store and go downstairs. This is not a street-level bar with a large entrance taking up a corner of downtown. If you walk past without checking the store, you could miss it.

At the entrance, friendly staff provide a poncho and gloves before you go into the cold room. You should still wear warm clothing. The supplied gear helps, but it does not turn the place into a comfortable indoor lounge. One useful way to think about the visit is as an art gallery with a drink, not as a conventional bar where you might spend a full evening.

The room is kept cold so the ice survives. That chill is part of the fun, but it also sets a natural limit on how long you will want to stay. Bring your camera or phone, and keep your hands ready for pictures once you have the gloves on.

Viking stories carved into the walls

The theme is not random winter decoration. The ice carvings tell stories connected with Norwegian Viking sailors who crossed the rough Atlantic and settled in the land of fire and ice.

That Viking focus gives the room more purpose than a collection of unrelated frozen shapes. As you move around, you can look for figures, scenes, and details in the carvings. The art works best when you slow down and inspect it rather than simply taking one quick look at the room.

More than 60 tons of ice went into the gallery, and international ice artists created the sculptures. You can see the craftsmanship in the surfaces and edges, especially when light catches the carved forms. The exact display may change as ice is maintained or artwork is refreshed, so the room is not meant to be a permanent museum collection.

The artwork is also the main reason to bring a camera. The ice creates clear photo opportunities, and staff often help with poses and phone pictures. Several hosts have been praised for taking creative shots rather than just pointing a camera and stepping away. If you want a good photo, ask politely and be ready to pose quickly in the cold.

Your drink arrives in an ice glass

Admission includes one Magic Ice Bar signature drink. It is served in a glass made of ice, a small detail that makes the welcome drink feel tied to the setting rather than added as an afterthought.

The included drink has received strong praise for its taste, though the exact beverage can depend on what the bar is serving. Some people have paid a small upgrade fee for an additional drink and found it worthwhile. Extra drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included in the $34 entry price.

I like this setup because you do not need to order a drink simply to justify sitting at the bar. Your ticket already includes one. At the same time, you should judge the price as an admission ticket with one drink, not as a bargain night out with several rounds.

The ice glass is for the experience as much as for the drink. Hold it carefully, follow the staff’s instructions, and take your picture before the glass begins to change in your hand. You might find the presentation more memorable than the amount of time you spend drinking.

A small room with a big photo factor

The most repeated positive feature is the staff. Hosts such as Roman and Roma have helped with photos, mixed drinks, and kept the mood light. Asteris was singled out for a warm welcome and for making photo opportunities easy. Juliana and other team members have also been praised for being friendly and accommodating.

This matters because the venue itself is compact. A helpful bartender can turn a short stop into a social experience, while a distracted host would leave you looking at sculptures in silence. Service makes a noticeable difference here.

You may find a hockey table, ice seating, an ice throne, and other playful features in the gallery. These details give you more to do than simply walk around the walls. They also make the venue suitable for a group photo, a couple’s stop, or a solo visit where you want staff help with the camera.

The atmosphere can include music, but this is still a cold art room rather than a large nightclub. If you want a lively evening venue with lots of space, this may feel limited. If you want an unusual setting for one drink and a few photographs, its small scale is easier to appreciate.

Is $34 a fair price?

At $34 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Reykjavik. The value depends on what you want from it.

You are paying for entry to Iceland’s only ice bar and gallery, the ice sculptures, poncho and gloves, staff service, and one signature drink in an ice glass. That is a fair package if you enjoy unusual attractions, themed art, and taking photographs. It is less convincing if your main goal is simply to have a drink, since an ordinary Reykjavik bar gives you more space and usually more time for the money.

I would compare it with the cost of another paid attraction that day. If you already have a full schedule of museums and tours, this can be a pleasant small addition rather than the main event. It also fits well before dinner or after exploring central Reykjavik, since you do not need to set aside a whole day for the visit.

Some people find the bar smaller than expected or slightly pricey for its size. That is the key value warning. The venue’s appeal comes from the novelty and the craftsmanship, not from a long itinerary or a large complex.

Who will enjoy the cold?

You do not need to be a serious Viking-history fan to enjoy the bar. The story gives the artwork a theme, but the main draw is seeing furniture, decor, and sculpture made from ice.

I think it suits:

• Couples looking for an unusual photo stop
• Families who enjoy playful themed attractions
• Solo visitors who do not mind asking staff to take pictures
• Friends wanting a quick activity between city stops
• First-time visitors seeking something different from a standard bar
• Older visitors who prefer a short, contained attraction

One review described it as a good activity for a person traveling alone, while another found it comfortable enough for an 81-year-old father when visiting early. Those details suggest the experience does not depend on nightlife or a young crowd.

The cold is the main physical consideration. Wear layers and keep the provided poncho and gloves on. A visit during Iceland’s winter may feel less jarring because you are already dressed for cold weather, but you should not assume the room will feel warm just because the air outside is colder.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since the entrance is downstairs through the Álafoss store, you may want to confirm the current access arrangement when booking if you need specific assistance.

How to plan the stop in Reykjavik

The experience is valid for one day, and you should check availability for starting times. The supplied information does not give a fixed visit length, so plan it as a short stop rather than an all-day outing.

I would place it beside another central Reykjavik activity, a meal, or an afternoon walk. Several people have used it as a break in the middle of city exploration, while others have gone on to dinner afterward. That is a sensible plan because the ice gallery gives you a change of pace without taking over the day.

Prebooking is useful if you have a set schedule, though the attraction can also suit a spontaneous decision when you happen to be nearby. Give yourself time to find the Álafoss store and head downstairs. The meeting point is simple once you know to look below the store, but less obvious if you expect a separate ice-bar entrance.

English is the listed language for the host or greeter. The activity is designed to be self-contained, with staff explaining the basic process and helping with drinks and photos.

What the visit feels like from start to finish

First, you enter through the Álafoss store and go downstairs. Staff greet you, issue a poncho and gloves, and prepare you for the cold.

Next, you cross into the ice gallery. The first impression comes from the temperature and the frozen walls, followed by the Viking carvings and sculpted details. Take a few minutes to look at the scenes rather than rushing straight to the bar.

Then you receive the included signature drink in an ice glass. This is the natural point to take pictures, since the drink, frozen surroundings, and ice furniture work together in a single frame.

After that, you can explore the rest of the room, sit on ice furniture, look for additional sculptures, and ask the host to take pictures. Staff members have often been the difference between an ordinary snapshot and a fun group photograph.

Finally, you return the poncho and gloves as you leave. If you want another drink, you can purchase one, but the basic admission already covers your welcome drink.

The drawbacks you should weigh

The biggest issue is expectation. Promotional descriptions of 60 tons of ice can make you picture a large multi-room attraction. In practice, the venue may feel smaller than expected. Several people still found the sculptures beautiful and the idea worthwhile, but the compact layout is worth knowing before you pay.

The second issue is price. At $34, you are paying for a themed experience rather than a long program. If you do not care about photos, ice art, or unusual venues, the cost may feel high.

The third issue is service consistency. Many hosts have been warm, funny, and helpful, but one person may encounter a bartender who is less engaged. That is not a reason to skip the bar on its own, but it is another reason to keep expectations realistic.

Finally, the cold can be both the attraction and the nuisance. You can wear the supplied gear, but you will still feel the temperature. Plan your visit when you are happy to spend time in an arctic room, not when you are already tired, wet, or badly underdressed.

Should you book the Magic Ice Bar?

Book it if you want a memorable novelty stop, enjoy taking pictures, and like the idea of drinking from a real ice glass while surrounded by Viking carvings. The friendly staff, especially hosts such as Roman, Roma, and Asteris, can add a welcome personal touch.

Skip it if you expect a large ice palace, a long guided tour, or excellent value from several drinks. At $34, the visit makes the most sense as a short, unusual Reykjavik activity that you pair with dinner or sightseeing nearby.

For me, the deciding question is simple: would you be happy paying for a small art installation with one themed drink and plenty of photo potential? If yes, the Magic Ice Bar is a fun addition to a Reykjavik stay. If not, spend the money on a longer attraction.

FAQ

Where is Reykjavik’s Magic Ice Bar located?

It is below the Álafoss store in Reykjavik. Enter through the store and head downstairs.

What is included with admission?

Admission includes entry to the Magic Ice Bar, one welcome drink, a poncho, and gloves.

Is the welcome drink served in an ice glass?

Yes. The included signature drink is served in a glass made of ice.

Can I buy additional drinks?

Yes. Extra drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the admission price.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $34 per person.

How cold is the Magic Ice Bar?

The room is kept cold because it is made from ice. Warm clothing is recommended, and ponchos and gloves are provided.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a camera.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What language is used?

The host or greeter language is English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.