Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Reykjavik turns ice into a drink stop. I love the 60 tons of carved ice and the way Viking scenes are built right into the walls, and one drawback to plan for is that it can feel smaller than you imagine.

You start downstairs beneath Álafoss store, then you get into the cold with a poncho and gloves, plus friendly English-speaking staff who help you get great photos. I also like that your included drink comes in an actual ice glass, so the ice bar is not just decoration.

The main “consideration” is simple: it is cold, and the $34 price is best if you treat this as a special, short, one-time experience rather than a long night out.

Key highlights you should know

• Iceland’s only ice bar and gallery: a Reykjavik oddball that is genuinely different from standard bars.
• Over 60 tons of ice work: international carvers turn ice into sculptures and ice wall carvings.
• Poncho and gloves included: you are not left freezing right after you walk in.
• Welcome drink in an ice glass: the included signature drink is part of the show, not an afterthought.
• Staff photo help and upbeat energy: guides are known for taking phone photos and making the moment easy.

Walking Downstairs From Álafoss Store, Then Into an Ice World

The meeting point is easy to miss if you are not looking, so make it deliberate. The ice bar is located below the Álafoss store. Head downstairs through the store to find the entrance area.

This setup matters more than it sounds. It means you can grab this experience as a compact stop even if your day in Reykjavik is packed with other sights. It also keeps the “wow” factor tight and immediate: you are not wandering around for ages before you reach the ice.

Before you enter the ice bar, staff greet you and get you ready for the cold. You are given a complimentary poncho and gloves, which is exactly what you want in Iceland. Even if you pack layers, those two extras help your hands and upper body feel comfortable enough to enjoy photos and slow sips.

The 60 Tons of Ice, and Why the Viking Theme Works

Once you cross the threshold, the room becomes an arctic environment with walls covered in carved ice. The theme is Viking-inspired Norwegian sailors, including the myths and adventure stories of people crossing the rough Atlantic to start fresh in Iceland.

What I like about this is that it is not just random ice art. The Viking narrative gives the sculptures a reason to exist beyond looking cool. You can walk around and connect what you see to a story, which makes the whole room feel more like an experience than a gimmick.

You will also notice an ice gallery area with additional sculptures. The ice carvings across the room and the standalone pieces create a layered visit: you can appreciate the big wall scenes, then slow down for details.

One more practical note: because the venue is ice-based, the lighting and angles can make photos tricky if you are standing too still. Wear your warm layers and bring your camera, but also keep moving through the space. You will get better shots as you change position and angle.

Your Welcome Drink in an Ice Glass, Plus How to Manage It

The included experience is a signature Magic Ice Bar welcome drink. The drink is served in a glass made of ice, so you get an edible prop moment as part of the beverage.

That is fun, but it is also practical to understand. Ice glasses do not last forever in your hands the way a regular tumbler does. You will enjoy it more if you start sipping soon after it is handed to you. Think of it like a quick “cheers” ritual, not a slow half-hour drink.

If you want more than the welcome drink, extra drinks are available for purchase. That means your final spend depends on your pace. Some people love this and add on a second round, while others stick to the included drink to keep the price in check.

Also, the drink is described as locally-sourced, which gives it a bit of Iceland flavor beyond the novelty factor. It is part of why the price feels more justified than a typical entry into a themed photo spot.

Dressing for the Cold: Poncho, Gloves, and Realistic Expectations

Here is the reality check you should take with you: this place is cold. It is an ice bar, after all. The good news is that you are given a complimentary poncho and gloves when you arrive, so you are not expected to fend for yourself.

Still, I would not treat the poncho and gloves as the only layer strategy. Bring warm clothing, and wear something that lets you move comfortably. If you are layering already for Reykjavik winter, you are in good shape. If you are underdressed, you will feel it more once you are inside and standing around to take photos.

Your camera matters because the room is designed for pictures, including selfie spots around the ice art. But keep your hands warm enough to operate your phone without fighting cold fingers. Gloves help, and that is exactly why they are included.

A small “pro tip” that makes a difference: wear clothes you can keep on. The poncho and gloves do the heavy lifting, so you do not need to peel layers off to feel dressed. You want a smooth, comfortable walk through the ice scenes.

Staff Service and Photo Ops, From Roman to Asteris

The biggest recurring strength is service. Staff are described as friendly, attentive, and good at making the experience feel personal. Multiple names come up again and again, including Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris, with special credit for helping people take great photos.

If you like travel moments where someone actually helps you get the shot, this is a good match. The staff do more than hand over a poncho and disappear. They help with photo angles and make the experience feel like a mini event.

That said, balance matters. Service quality can vary from one visit to another, and at least one experience describes a less cheerful bartender. Most of the time the vibe is upbeat, but if you are booking this for a big-group party energy, keep expectations realistic: this is more “themed host experience” than a nightclub.

For solo travelers, this can be a win. You still get photo help, and the included drink gives you a simple anchor for the visit.

Price and Value at $34: What You Get, What You Don’t

At $34 per person, this is not a cheap stop. But it is also not priced like a standard Reykjavik bar with a cover charge. Your money goes toward keeping the ice environment running and maintaining the carved sculptures.

Here is what is included:

• Magic Ice Bar entry fee
• 1 welcome drink
• Poncho and gloves

What is not included:

• Additional drinks

So the value depends on what you want. If you want a single, memorable, one-time Iceland-style moment, $34 can make sense. The ice art is the star, and the included drink in an ice glass keeps the experience cohesive.

If you are on a strict budget, you should treat this as a pick-and-go activity rather than a place to stay and order multiple rounds. Extra drinks exist, and the total can creep up quickly if you start adding cocktails after the welcome drink.

The other value factor is size. Some people say it is smaller than expected. That does not make it bad, but it does mean you should not picture a massive multi-room museum. Think of it as an intense, compact cold-weather experience where the craftsmanship is the point.

How Long to Plan, and When This Fits Best in Reykjavik

This experience is listed as 1 day, but that does not mean you need to build a whole day around it. It is more like a well-paced detour you can fit in between other Reykjavik plans.

It also pairs well with the kind of day Iceland weather tends to create. If you are out in wind and cold and need a break that still feels unique, stepping into an ice bar is a fun switch. Some visitors even describe it as warmer inside than the cold outside, thanks to the environment and the gear you are given.

As for timing, you will find starting times based on availability. If you have flexibility, pick a slot when you can slow down and enjoy the sculptures instead of rushing. This works best when you are not sprinting to your next stop.

Who Should Book This Ice Bar, and Who Might Skip It

This is a great fit if you want:

• A standout Reykjavik activity that is unusual in the best way
• A short stop with a clear highlight: Viking ice carvings plus a signature drink
• Photo-friendly fun, with staff help if you want it

It is also ideal for winter visitors who want something different from museums and churches. Ice bar experiences are rare, and this one is designed as both a bar and a gallery.

You might skip it if:

• You hate cold or do not dress in warm layers
• You expect a huge sprawling venue and would be disappointed if the visit feels compact
• You are very price-sensitive and do not plan to enjoy the included drink as your main purchase

Should You Book Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik?

Book it if you want one memorable, Iceland-only experience that is built around ice, Viking-carved scenes, and a drink that becomes part of the story. The included poncho and gloves, plus the ice-glass welcome drink, make it feel like you are paying for more than a photo op.

Skip it if you are looking for a long evening out, or if the idea of colder indoor temps is a dealbreaker. Also be honest with yourself about expectations: the ice bar can feel smaller than you imagine, so go in ready to enjoy the craftsmanship within a compact space.

If you want a single “wow” moment in Reykjavik that you can do without overthinking it, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

Where is the Magic Ice Bar entrance in Reykjavik?

The ice bar is located below the Álafoss store. You go downstairs through the store to reach it.

What is included in the $34 ticket price?

Your ticket includes Magic Ice Bar entry, one welcome drink, and a poncho and gloves.

Are additional drinks available for purchase?

Yes. Extra drinks are available to buy, beyond the one included welcome drink.

How long does the experience last?

It is listed as a 1-day activity. The exact time in the venue is not specified in the details provided.

What should I bring?

You should bring warm clothing and a camera.

Is the ice bar wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is there a cancellation option?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are spoken at the venue?

English is listed as the language provided.

Does the experience have a welcome drink served in a special glass?

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