Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Reykjavik’s Magic Ice Bar turns a simple drink into a short Arctic adventure. Below the Álafoss store, you step into a cold room built around more than 60 tons of sculpted ice, with Viking stories cut into the walls and furniture made for photographs.

I like two things right away: the included cocktail arrives in a real ice glass, and the staff often make the visit more fun by taking photos for you. Hosts including Roman, Roma, Juliana, and Asteris have earned praise for their warm welcome and playful photo ideas.

The main catch is size. Several people expected a larger venue with more rooms, so at $34 per person, this works best as a memorable short stop rather than a full evening out.

Key points at a glance

• More than 60 tons of ice: International ice artists create Viking carvings, seats, walls, and decorative pieces.
• A real ice glass: Your included signature drink is served in a glass made from ice.
• Poncho and gloves included: You receive basic cold-weather gear at the door, but warm clothing still matters.
• A below-street-level location: Enter through the Álafoss store and head downstairs to find the bar.
• Excellent photo help: Staff members such as Roman and Asteris are especially good at turning the sculptures into photo opportunities.
• A short, unusual city activity: It fits neatly before dinner or between other stops in central Reykjavik.

Entering Reykjavik’s ice-only world

The Magic Ice Bar is not a grand castle of frozen rooms. It is a compact gallery and bar where the cold itself is part of the point. You enter through the Álafoss store, go downstairs, and receive a poncho and gloves before stepping into the icy room.

That first change in temperature sets the tone. Even with the supplied gear, you will want warm clothing underneath. A few minutes can feel refreshing, but staying comfortable depends on layers, especially if you are visiting in lighter clothing during a mild day in Reykjavik.

The design connects the venue to Icelandic and Norwegian Viking stories. Carved walls show sailors crossing the rough Atlantic and beginning new lives in the land of fire and ice. The theme gives the room more purpose than a collection of random frozen decorations.

I like that the art is not treated as background furniture. You can look closely at the carvings, sit on an ice throne, and take photographs from different angles. The scale is modest, but the craftsmanship gives you plenty to examine during a short visit.

What happens once you are inside

There is no long coach journey or complicated route. This is a single-location experience, and you spend your time exploring the ice gallery at your own pace while enjoying the welcome drink.

The bar area includes ice seating and frozen decor. One particularly memorable detail is the drink glass itself. It is made of ice, so the presentation feels tied to the setting instead of being a normal cocktail served in a themed room.

Your included drink is a signature beverage, and several people describe it as tasty or well made. The exact drink selection can vary, so do not book this expecting a particular cocktail unless the venue confirms it in advance. Extra drinks are available to buy if you want to stay longer or try another option.

The bar staff are a major part of the experience. Roman is frequently praised for helping with photos and creating a cheerful mood. Roma, Juliana, Asteris, and other hosts are also noted for friendly service. If you want better pictures, hand over your phone and ask for help. The staff are often happy to frame shots around the sculptures and frozen seating.

That personal touch matters. Without it, the visit could feel like a quick walk through a small display room. With an engaged host, it becomes more social and playful, particularly for couples, families, and friends taking turns posing.

Viking carvings and photo stops

The Viking theme is the strongest reason to choose this particular ice bar instead of treating it as a generic cold room. The carvings tell stories of Norwegian sailors and their Atlantic journeys, giving you something to follow as you move through the space.

You will see more than 60 tons of ice shaped by international artists. The pieces range from wall carvings to standalone sculptures and functional parts of the bar. Some visitors particularly enjoy the ice throne, while others make use of the seating and decorative scenes for photos.

Bring a camera or a phone with enough battery. Photography is not an afterthought here. The blue-white ice, frozen glass, Viking motifs, and unusual furniture are the main attractions, and the staff can help you capture them.

The room can feel smaller than expected. This is the most consistent reservation to keep in mind. If you picture several large chambers filled with ice sculptures, the venue may disappoint. If you think of it as a compact art bar and a distinctive photo stop, the size makes more sense.

I would allow time to look carefully instead of rushing straight to the drink. Examine the carved details, try the different seating areas, and ask the host about the scenes if you want more context. The supplied information confirms English-language hosting, so communication is straightforward for English speakers.

Is $34 a fair price?

At $34, the value depends on what you want from the stop. You are paying for admission, the ice gallery, cold-weather gear, and one welcome drink. The ice glass and the scale of the ice construction add something that a standard bar visit does not offer.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who values unusual experiences and good photographs. It also works well as a small celebration or a break from museums and outdoor sightseeing. You get a clear theme, a drink, and a setting you will not find in an ordinary Reykjavik pub.

The value is less convincing if you want a long night out. The venue is compact, and your included drink does not turn the admission into an open bar. Some people feel it is costly for the amount of time and space involved, while others find the one-time novelty worth paying for.

You can improve the value by fitting it into an existing city day. Visit before dinner, use it as a mid-day pause, or stop in when the weather makes outdoor sightseeing less appealing. One visitor paired it with dinner in central Reykjavik, which is a sensible plan.

Keeping warm without losing the fun

The room is cold by design. You receive a poncho and gloves, but those items are extra protection rather than a complete winter outfit.

Wear warm clothing, as requested by the venue. Layers are the practical choice because you can adjust before and after the visit. If you arrive in thin indoor clothes, the sculptures may become secondary to the cold.

The cold can also be part of the charm. One summer visit described the bar as a fun contrast to the season, while a winter visit found it surprisingly comfortable compared with the weather outside. Your experience will depend on your clothing and tolerance for low temperatures.

The ice gear is returned at the end. Keep your phone ready for photos, but protect it from wet surfaces when handling the ice glass or leaning against frozen furniture.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the Magic Ice Bar to couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy quirky stops, and families looking for a change from standard sightseeing. It is especially good for people who like taking photos and trying a drink in an unusual setting.

Solo visitors can enjoy it too. The experience is not limited to romantic pairs, although the posed photos and shared drink can give it a date-night feel. You might also find it works well for a small group wanting a memorable evening activity.

Older visitors can take part as well. One visit with an 81-year-old father was described as enjoyable, helped by the friendly staff and manageable format. Wheelchair access is listed, which is useful for planning, although the venue is below the store, so you should confirm the exact access arrangements if you have specific mobility needs.

This is not the best match for someone seeking a long cultural lecture, a large museum, or a full meal. The Viking theme adds context, but the activity remains a compact entertainment stop with art and a drink.

The staff make the difference

The sculptures provide the setting, but the hosts shape the mood. A helpful bartender can explain the drink, point out good photo locations, and make the cold feel like part of the joke rather than a nuisance.

Roman receives repeated praise for taking photos and keeping the visit lively. Asteris is also singled out for a warm welcome, drink-making, and helping with photo ideas. Juliana is described as friendly and accommodating, while Roma is praised for service and photo assistance.

Service can vary, as it does anywhere. One person found the bartender distant and unresponsive, which made the venue feel more commercial than personal. That is worth remembering if the atmosphere matters as much to you as the ice art.

Still, the strong pattern is clear: staff interaction is one of the venue’s best features. Ask for a photo, try a pose, and let the host show you how to use the space. You will get more from the visit than by simply standing at the bar with your drink.

Planning the visit in Reykjavik

The meeting point is easy to describe but easy to miss if you are looking only for a street-level entrance. Go to the Álafoss store and head downstairs. The bar is located below the store.

The activity is valid for one day, with starting times depending on availability. Since the visit is short and self-contained, it can fit around other Reykjavik plans. I would pair it with a meal downtown, shopping, or an afternoon walking route rather than build an entire day around it.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That flexibility helps if your Iceland schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

The host language is English. The experience is wheelchair accessible, and the venue supplies poncho and gloves. Bring warm clothing and a camera, and remember that extra drinks cost more than the included welcome drink.

My verdict on the Magic Ice Bar

I would book this if you want a distinctive Reykjavik stop with strong photo potential, a real ice glass, and friendly staff. The Viking carvings give the room a clear Icelandic connection, while the drink and frozen furniture keep it light and entertaining.

I would hesitate if $34 feels high for a compact venue or if you expect a large multi-room attraction. The bar is smaller than many first-time visitors imagine, and the included drink is the main refreshment covered by admission.

For most people, the best approach is to treat it as a short, unusual addition to a day in the capital. Go in warm clothes, ask the staff for photo help, study the carvings, and enjoy the fact that your glass will slowly lose its shape. That simple detail is what makes the visit memorable.

FAQ

Where is the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik?

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

What is included in the admission price?

Admission includes entry to the Magic Ice Bar and gallery, 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 extra drinks?

Yes. Additional drinks are available to purchase at the venue.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $34 per person.

How long is the experience?

The activity is listed as valid for one day, with available starting times shown during booking. A specific visit length is not provided.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a camera. The venue supplies a poncho and gloves, but you should still dress warmly.

Is the Magic Ice Bar wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What language is spoken by the host?

The host or greeter language is English.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.