Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Reykjavik’s Magic Ice Bar turns a simple drink into a chilly piece of theatre. Below the Álafoss store, you step into a room made for photographs, where Viking carvings, seats, décor, and even your drinking glass are made of ice. The artwork tells stories of Norwegian sailors crossing the Atlantic toward Iceland.

I like the ice glass and included signature drink, which give the $34 admission a clear focal point. I also like the staff’s hands-on approach. Hosts such as Roman, Roma, Juliana, Kris, and Asteris have been praised for taking creative photos and keeping the visit lively. The main caution is size: several people expected more rooms or a larger bar, so think of this as a compact stop rather than a full evening out.

Key points to know before you go

• More than 60 tons of ice: International ice artists create the sculptures and carved Viking scenes.
• A drink comes in an ice glass: Your welcome drink is included, while extra drinks cost more.
• The room is genuinely cold: Ponchos and gloves are supplied, but wear warm clothing and layers.
• Photo help is part of the fun: Staff often take pictures with your phone and help with playful poses.
• An easy Reykjavik add-on: Find the entrance downstairs through the Álafoss store.
• A short, unusual stop: The visit is valid for one day, but no fixed visit length is provided.

Entering Magic Ice Bar below the Álafoss store

Finding the venue is part of the practical detail. Magic Ice Bar is located below the Álafoss store, so you enter the store and head downstairs. You are not looking for a separate street-level bar entrance.

At the door, English-speaking staff greet you and provide a poncho and gloves. These are useful, but they do not replace proper clothing. Bring warm layers, especially if you tend to feel cold. The room is designed to stay icy, and the cold is not just a theme you see in the décor.

The first few minutes are about adjusting to the temperature and getting familiar with the room. You can look around, spot the best photo angles, and get your welcome drink before moving from sculpture to sculpture. Since the attraction is compact, you do not need to plan an entire day around it. It works well between city sightseeing, shopping, and dinner.

Magic Ice Bar is wheelchair accessible, though the entrance route through the store and downstairs layout may still be worth confirming for your specific needs before arrival.

Sixty tons of ice tell Viking stories

The main attraction is the carved interior. More than 60 tons of ice form the walls, sculptures, furniture, and Viking-themed scenes. The carvings focus on Norwegian Viking sailors who crossed rough Atlantic waters and made new lives in Iceland, connecting the setting to the country’s familiar stories of fire, ice, seafaring, and settlement.

This gives the bar more purpose than a room simply covered in frozen shapes. You are not just looking at decorative blocks. You can follow a visual story as you walk through the gallery, with carved figures and scenes set against the cold blue-white surfaces.

The sculptures are the strongest reason to book. They are intricate enough to reward a slow look, even though the venue itself is smaller than some people expect. I would pay close attention to the carved Viking details rather than rushing straight to the bar.

Several people find the space smaller than imagined. The activity is described as one ice bar and gallery, not a large complex with many rooms. That distinction matters. If you want a substantial museum visit, $34 may feel high. If you want a memorable, unusual stop with a strong visual setting, the compact size is easier to accept.

The welcome drink and the ice glass

Your ticket includes one Magic Ice Bar signature drink. It is served in a glass made of ice, which is the detail that makes the bar feel like a complete concept rather than a normal venue with frozen decorations.

The drink is locally sourced, and extra drinks are available to buy. The exact beverage is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular cocktail, beer, or spirit. The included drink is the safe part of the deal. Additional purchases can raise the total cost, so decide in advance how much you want to spend.

The ice glass also changes how you drink. You need to handle it with care, and the presentation gives you an easy photo subject. The drink is not just refreshment. It is part of the attraction and one of the clearest reasons the admission fee includes more than entry alone.

Some people find the welcome drink delicious and praise the cocktail-making skills of the staff. Others like the drink but still feel the overall visit is pricey. I think the value depends on what you are comparing it with. At $34 per person, you are paying for the unusual setting, sculpture work, clothing loan, staff service, and one drink. You are not paying for a long tour or a full night of drinks.

Photo opportunities with Roman, Roma, and the bar team

Bring your camera or phone. The ice throne, frozen seats, carved walls, ice glass, and Viking scenes all make natural photo locations. You can also ask the staff to take pictures with your phone.

This is one of the most praised parts of the visit. Roman is singled out for making drinks, helping with photos, and making the room feel more playful. Roma is also praised for friendly service and photo help, while Juliana is remembered for being especially welcoming and accommodating. Asteris has been praised for creating fun photo opportunities, and Kris is noted as a strong host.

Staff involvement can make a big difference in a small attraction. Without it, you might look at the sculptures, take a few quick pictures, and leave. With a friendly bartender or host helping with poses, the visit becomes more personal and less formal.

Service can vary by shift, as it does anywhere. Most of the feedback is strongly positive, but one person found the bartender less friendly and felt treated like a tourist in a tourist-focused venue. That is useful to keep in mind. The setting is designed for visitors, and the experience leans toward fun presentation rather than a quiet local bar.

Music, ice furniture, and the room’s atmosphere

The room is not limited to walls and sculptures. The furnishings and details continue the ice theme, including seating and décor. One person enjoyed sitting on an ice throne, and another mentioned an ice hockey table. Music also contributes to the evening atmosphere.

These touches give you things to do beyond standing beside the bar. You can explore the room, pose with the sculptures, sit on the frozen furniture, and take photos before or after your drink. The result is playful rather than solemn.

I would describe the mood as a themed social stop. Couples may find it especially appealing, but solo visitors can enjoy it too. Families and groups can make use of the photo opportunities, though the cold and the drink-centered format may not suit every child. The supplied information does not set an age requirement, so check current conditions if that matters for your group.

The attraction works at different times of day. Some people visit as a midday break, while others pair it with dinner in central Reykjavik. In winter, the cold inside may feel less surprising because the city outside is already wintry. In summer, the contrast can be more amusing, but you still need warm clothes.

Is $34 good value for this Reykjavik stop?

The price is $34 per person. That is not a throwaway admission fee, especially for a visit that is not described with a fixed duration. You receive entry, poncho, gloves, and one signature drink, but additional drinks cost extra.

I see three questions that help you judge the price:

• Do you value unusual settings and photographs?
• Are you happy with a compact attraction rather than a long tour?
• Will you make use of the included drink and staff photo help?

If your answer is yes, the price is easier to justify. The ice construction is substantial, the drink presentation is distinctive, and you get a ready-made activity that needs no transport outside Reykjavik.

If you measure value by time alone, you may feel disappointed. Several people thought the bar was smaller than expected, and some felt the admission was high for what it offered. The attraction does not promise several rooms, a long guided talk, or an extended tasting session.

For me, the best comparison is a memorable city add-on. You are buying a single unusual moment, not a full-day excursion. Book it for the novelty, the sculptures, and the ice glass. Do not book it because you expect a large nightclub or a full museum.

How to fit it into a Reykjavik day

Magic Ice Bar is easy to pair with other plans because it is in the capital region and does not involve a separate excursion. You can visit during a break from city sightseeing, stop in before dinner, or use it as an evening activity.

The location below the Álafoss store makes it sensible to combine the visit with shopping or nearby time in Reykjavik. The exact opening times and starting times are not supplied here, so check availability for the day you want.

I would avoid planning the bar as your only activity. The space is compact, and the available information does not give a fixed length for the visit. Instead, treat it as one stop in a day of exploring the city.

If you are traveling with an older family member, the attraction can still work. One person visited early with an 81-year-old parent and found the staff helpful and the visit enjoyable. Going early may also give you a calmer setting, though availability and crowd levels can change.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Bring your camera, wear warm clothes, and remember that the poncho and gloves are loaned for the visit. You return them when you leave.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend Magic Ice Bar to you if you like unusual attractions, themed interiors, creative photography, and small experiences that break up a day in the city. It is also a good choice for couples, solo visitors, and groups who enjoy taking pictures together.

It suits a first visit to Reykjavik when you want something different from museums, shops, and outdoor sightseeing. The Viking carvings add a sense of place, while the drink served in an ice glass gives you a clear memory to take away.

You may want to skip it if you dislike cold rooms, do not drink, or expect a large venue with many chambers. The welcome drink is included, but the activity is built around a bar. You can still enjoy the sculptures without ordering extra drinks, but the price may feel less attractive.

It is also not the best choice if you want a detailed history tour. The Viking stories are presented through carvings and the setting. The supplied information does not promise a long historical explanation, so think of the history as a visual theme rather than a formal lecture.

Booking details that matter

The activity costs $34 per person and is valid for one day. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Reykjavik plans may shift. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

English is the stated language, and the host or greeter is English-speaking. Wheelchair access is available. Bring warm clothing and a camera, and make sure you know to enter through the Álafoss store and go downstairs.

The overall rating is 4 out of 5 from 2,536 ratings, which fits the picture here: strong enthusiasm for the sculptures, staff, drinks, and photo help, balanced by a few concerns about size and price.

Should you book Magic Ice Bar Reykjavik?

Book it if you want a compact, highly visual experience with a drink, a real ice glass, and staff who may help turn your phone into a photo booth. The Viking carvings and more than 60 tons of ice make this more than a standard bar visit.

Skip it if $34 feels too high for a short attraction or if you expect several rooms and a full evening of entertainment. For most people, the best approach is to schedule it as a fun stop before dinner, wear proper layers, and arrive ready to take pictures. That is where Magic Ice Bar gives you the most for your money.

FAQ

Where is Magic Ice Bar Reykjavik located?

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

What does the $34 admission include?

The price includes entry to Magic Ice Bar, one welcome drink, a poncho, and gloves.

Is the welcome drink served in an ice glass?

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

Can I buy more drinks inside?

Yes. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, layers, and a camera. Ponchos and gloves are supplied, but the room remains very cold.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Magic Ice Bar is listed as wheelchair accessible.