Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Inside Reykjavik’s Magic Ice Bar, the walls, seats, sculptures, and even your drinking glass are made of ice. The gallery uses more than 60 tons of it to tell stories of Viking sailors and their journeys across the Atlantic, giving you a distinctly Icelandic theme in a playful, compact setting.

I like two things in particular: the intricate ice carvings make the room more than a chilly photo backdrop, and the included signature drink arrives in an ice glass. Staff also often help with photos, which is handy when you want a picture of the whole group rather than a selfie.

The main caveat is scale. The bar is smaller than some people expect, and at $34 per person, the value depends on how much you enjoy unusual settings, sculpture, and a themed drink. Think of it as a short, memorable break in town, not a large museum or a full evening’s entertainment.

At a glance

• More than 60 tons of ice: The bar is filled with carved walls, seats, and sculptures made by international ice artists.
• Viking stories in ice: Carvings depict the adventures and myths of Norwegian sailors who crossed the Atlantic to settle in Iceland.
• One drink is included: Your signature drink is served in a glass made of ice. Additional drinks cost extra.
• Warm layers still matter: The venue supplies a poncho and gloves, but you should bring warm clothing.
• A photo-friendly stop: Staff members often help set up pictures, and hosts including Roman and Juliana have been praised for their friendly service.
• Find it below the Álafoss store: Head downstairs through the store to reach the bar.

Finding the bar beneath Álafoss

The entrance is below the Álafoss store. Go downstairs through the store to reach the ice bar, rather than looking for a street-level entrance to a separate building. It is a useful detail to know before you arrive, especially if you have booked a time and want to avoid a last-minute search.

The setting makes the visit easy to pair with time in central Reykjavik. You can make it a brief break in a day of exploring, or use it as an unusual stop before dinner. There is no transport component to plan around: this is admission to the bar, not a guided city tour.

Getting suited for the cold

Staff greet you and provide a poncho and gloves before you enter the icy room. That gear helps, but take the advice to wear warm clothing seriously. The room is deliberately cold, and the contrast is part of the point. A few people may find the temperature bracing rather than comfortable, particularly if they arrive in light clothes.

Bring a camera or phone. The ice carvings are detailed, and the room gives you plenty of reasons to take pictures. Staff members often offer to help with photos, a small but welcome touch if you want a group shot or a more playful pose among the sculptures. Roman, Roma, Juliana, and Asteris are among the hosts visitors have singled out for their warm manner and help with photo opportunities. Staff can vary, of course, so don’t count on meeting a particular person.

Reading the Viking carvings

The bar’s main attraction is its collection of ice carvings. The walls tell stories linked to Norwegian Viking sailors who crossed rough Atlantic waters and began new lives in Iceland. That theme gives the room a sense of place: it connects an intentionally theatrical attraction to the seafaring history and myths associated with Iceland’s settlement.

More than 60 tons of ice have been shaped into sculptures and decorative details by international ice artists. Look closely at the work rather than treating the room only as a quick photo stop. The craftsmanship is the part that can make the admission feel worthwhile, especially if you enjoy sculpture or seeing familiar materials turned into an entire interior.

Keep expectations in proportion. This is a single ice gallery and bar, not a sprawling attraction with several rooms or a long exhibition route. Some people expect a bigger venue and come away a little underwhelmed by the size. If you are happy to appreciate a compact display, enjoy the atmosphere, and take a few photos, the scale is less of a drawback.

The welcome drink and ice glass

Your ticket includes one Magic Ice Bar signature drink, served in a glass made of ice. That presentation is central to the fun: you are not simply looking at an icy room, you are holding and drinking from part of the theme. The included drink is a meaningful part of the price, though the exact drink may vary.

Additional drinks are available to buy. If you want more than the included serving, budget for that separately. Some people particularly enjoy the cocktails and the bartender’s attention to how they are made; others feel the admission is expensive for the size of the venue. The honest value calculation is simple: you are paying for entry, the cold-weather gear, the sculptures, the setting, and one drink, not for an extended bar tab.

How long to allow, and how to fit it into your day

The activity is valid for one day, and you should check availability for the available starting times. The information provided does not give a precise length for a visit, so avoid planning around an assumed duration. It is best treated as a compact experience that can break up a day of sightseeing or lead into an evening downtown.

A visit can also work as a midday pause. You get a very different atmosphere from walking around the city, and the supplied poncho and gloves mean you do not need to bring special ice-bar clothing. Still, dress warmly underneath, and consider how comfortable your party will be in a cold room.

Is $34 good value?

At $34 per person, this is a paid attraction with a clear, specific offer: entry, a signature drink in an ice glass, and a poncho and gloves. The value comes from the unusual setting and the artistry, not from a long itinerary or a large number of included drinks. If the carved ice and the novelty of drinking from an ice glass appeal to you, the package is easier to justify.

If you mainly want a generous drink or a large gallery, you may find the price steep. The room is smaller than some expect, and additional drinks are extra. I would book it for the one-off experience and the sculptures, not as a bargain bar stop. That distinction helps set expectations before you pay.

Who will enjoy this most?

This suits couples, friends, families, and solo visitors looking for something different from the usual city walk. It is easy to enjoy without a long explanation: look around, take photos, and try the included drink. The hosts’ friendliness can add a welcome social element, particularly if you are visiting on your own or want help capturing a group picture.

It is also a good choice for anyone curious about ice art or keen to try a deliberately cold setting. If you dislike the cold, prefer large museums, or judge a bar mainly by drink selection and value per serving, this may not be your best use of the budget. The ice is the attraction; the drink is part of the package.

The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the host or greeter speaks English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered. Check the available starting times when choosing a date.

Should you book the Magic Ice Bar?

Book it if you want a compact, distinctly unusual Reykjavik stop, enjoy sculpture, and like the idea of sipping a drink from an ice glass. Go in expecting one icy gallery rather than a sprawling attraction, dress warmly, and bring your camera. At $34, it is a worthwhile novelty for the right person, but not an essential choice if you are short on money or indifferent to themed experiences.

FAQ

Where is the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik?

It is located below the Álafoss store. Head downstairs through the store to reach the bar.

What does the admission include?

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

Is the drink served in a glass made of ice?

Yes. The included signature drink is served in an ice glass.

Can I buy additional drinks?

Yes. Additional drinks are available to purchase.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing. The venue provides a poncho and gloves, but the room is cold.

Should I bring a camera?

Yes. A camera is recommended, and staff may be able to help take photos.

What language does the host or greeter speak?

The host or greeter speaks English.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.