Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Ice and cocktails make an odd Reykjavik pairing. The Viking-themed carvings and more than 60 tons of sculpted ice give this visit a clear sense of place, while the welcome drink arrives in a real glass made of ice. I also like the friendly staff, especially when they help with creative photos.

The main drawback is scale: the bar is smaller than many people expect, and $34 can feel high for a short, unusual stop. You will also feel the cold, although the supplied poncho and gloves help. Guides such as Roman, Roma, Juliana, Kris, and Asteris have made the experience warmer with good humor and photo help.

Key things to know before you go

• More than 60 tons of ice: International ice artists create the walls, seats, decor, and detailed sculptures.
• Viking stories in frozen form: Carvings depict Norwegian Viking sailors, their myths, and their difficult Atlantic journey to Iceland.
• One drink is included: Your signature drink comes in a genuine ice glass, with extra drinks available to buy.
• Find it below Álafoss: Enter the Álafoss store and head downstairs to reach the bar.
• Bring a camera and warm layers: The poncho and gloves are supplied, but the room is still very cold.
• A short, flexible city stop: It works well before dinner, between sightseeing plans, or as a different evening activity.

Finding the ice bar below Álafoss

The Magic Ice Bar is below the Álafoss store in Reykjavik. You enter through the store and go downstairs, so do not expect a separate street-level entrance with a large ice-bar sign.

That location makes the visit easy to pair with time in central Reykjavik. You can schedule it around a meal or use it as a break from walking around the city. The ticket is valid for one day, with starting times checked through availability, so you should choose a time that fits your plans rather than treating it as a fixed full-day excursion.

The experience is provided in English, and wheelchair access is available. If finding the entrance matters for your group, allow a little extra time to locate the Álafoss store and head down through it.

Ponchos, gloves, and the first blast of cold

At the entrance, friendly staff give you a complimentary poncho and gloves. These are useful, but do not mistake them for a complete winter outfit. I would still wear warm clothing and layers, especially if you are sensitive to cold.

The temperature is part of the point. You are not simply looking at ice behind glass. You are stepping into a room where the walls, furniture, bar details, and art are all tied to the frozen setting. Some people find the cold thrilling and funny, while others may spend much of the visit thinking about their fingers.

The supplied clothing makes the room manageable for many people. Still, warm socks, long trousers, and a good base layer are sensible choices. Your camera or phone is worth bringing, since the sculptures and ice glass make better memories than a standard bar photograph.

Viking sailors carved into the walls

The strongest idea here is the Viking theme. The ice walls and carvings tell stories about Norwegian Viking sailors who crossed rough Atlantic waters and began new lives in Iceland.

That gives the bar more purpose than a collection of random frozen shapes. As you walk around, look for the carved figures and story details rather than rushing straight to the drink. The subject fits Iceland well: sea travel, hardship, myth, and the dramatic meeting of fire and ice.

The carvings are made by international ice artists, and the craftsmanship is the main reason to visit. Some pieces are intricate enough to reward close inspection. You might notice different textures, figures, and decorative details as the lighting catches the ice.

The setting is not a museum with long written explanations. The stories are presented through the artwork and the atmosphere, so the staff can add a personal touch. Guides including Roman and Kris have been praised for making the visit more entertaining and helping people understand what they are seeing.

Sixty tons of ice in a compact room

The headline figure is impressive: more than 60 tons of ice form the gallery and bar. You can sit on ice furniture, pose on an ice throne, and see frozen decor used throughout the room. One visit even included a hockey table, showing that the space is designed for playful photographs as much as quiet art viewing.

But keep your expectations in check. Several people found the bar smaller than expected, and some imagined multiple rooms or a much larger gallery. It is best to think of Magic Ice as a compact, carefully designed attraction rather than a sprawling ice palace.

That small size has a benefit. You can see the main works without spending half a day there. It also lets the bartender or host stay involved, taking pictures and helping you find the best spots for a pose.

If you are paying mainly for a large-scale art exhibition, $34 may feel steep. If you are paying for a one-off Reykjavik experience that combines sculpture, storytelling, a drink, and photo opportunities, the price makes more sense.

The welcome drink comes in an ice glass

Your admission includes one Magic Ice Bar signature drink. The presentation is one of the best parts: the beverage is served in a glass made of ice.

The drink itself has received plenty of praise, with people describing it as tasty, lovely, and delicious. The exact drink can vary, so I would not book this expecting one particular cocktail. Think of it as a locally sourced welcome beverage served in a memorable way.

Hold the ice glass carefully and enjoy the novelty before it begins to melt. It is a small detail, but it turns a normal drink into part of the attraction. You can buy additional drinks if you want to stay longer, though the supplied information does not specify the extra-drink prices.

For many people, the included drink helps justify the admission. For others, it does not fully balance the relatively short visit and compact size. That difference comes down to how much you value the setting and the photo opportunity.

Staff can make or break the visit

The art gets you through the door, but the staff often shape the mood. The most praised part of the experience is the service. Bartenders and hosts have been warm, funny, attentive, and willing to take photos using your phone.

Roman is repeatedly singled out for helping with photos and making the visit fun. Roma has also been praised for friendly service, creative pictures, and good drinks. Juliana, Kris, and Asteris are other staff members who have made a strong impression on people during their visits.

This matters because an ice bar can otherwise feel like a quick look around a themed room. A good host gives you ideas for poses, points out the best sculptures, and helps turn the visit into a shared memory. If you are traveling alone, that photo help is especially useful. One solo visitor enjoyed the experience and felt comfortable despite the activity’s slightly couple-oriented feel.

Service may not be identical every time. One person felt the bartender was not very responsive or welcoming, so I would keep expectations reasonable. The setting is the main product, and staff quality can vary by shift.

How long should you allow?

The ticket is listed as valid for one day, and you check available starting times when booking. The supplied details do not give a precise number of minutes, so I would treat this as a short activity rather than a full-day plan.

That makes it easy to fit into a Reykjavik schedule. You could go before dinner, after a city walk, or during a midday pause. One person used it as a break in the middle of sightseeing, while another paired it with dinner downtown afterward.

The compact format also suits an older family member who may not want a long excursion. A visit with an 81-year-old father worked well when the venue was quiet and the staff were entertaining. You should still consider the cold and the need to stand or move around an icy room.

Who will enjoy Magic Ice most?

I would recommend this for people who want something different from museums, hot pools, and the usual Reykjavik sightseeing. It is particularly good for couples, families, friends, solo visitors who enjoy taking pictures, and anyone who likes unusual themed settings.

It is also a good choice during poor weather, when you want an indoor activity with an unmistakably Icelandic feel. The attraction works in winter and summer, though the contrast may feel especially amusing during a cold-weather trip. One person even joked that it felt warmer inside during winter.

You may want to skip it if you dislike cold rooms, do not drink alcohol, or need a large attraction with many exhibits. The welcome drink is included, but extra drinks cost more, and the main visit is centered on one gallery rather than a long sequence of activities.

Families should also consider the age and interests of everyone in the group. The sculptures and Viking tales offer more than a bar visit, but the drink-centered format may not appeal equally to young children. The supplied information confirms wheelchair access, which is useful for planning, though it does not describe every detail of movement inside.

Is $34 a fair price?

At $34 per person, Magic Ice is not a bargain stop. The value depends on what you want from it.

You receive entry, warm outer gear, gloves, and one signature drink in an ice glass. You also get access to a room made with more than 60 tons of ice, detailed Viking carvings, seats and decor made from ice, and a place where staff often help create fun photographs.

That is a fair package for an unusual, polished attraction. It feels less worthwhile if you measure the ticket against the amount of time spent inside. The bar is smaller than expected for some people, and the experience can feel over quickly.

I would book it when you have room in your budget and want a memorable novelty. I would not make it a top priority over Iceland’s major natural sights if your schedule or funds are tight. The best value comes when you treat it as a charming add-on to a day in Reykjavik, not as one of the country’s main attractions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled visit, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

Practical tips for a smoother visit

Wear layers, even if the weather outside seems mild. The poncho and gloves help, but the room remains cold.

Bring a camera or phone. Ask the host to take pictures, since this is one of the most useful extras staff provide. Roman and other bartenders have made photo sessions a major part of the fun.

Look at the wall carvings before settling into the photo routine. The Viking story gives the gallery its identity, and the details are easy to miss if you hurry.

Do not assume the venue is large. You will have a better time if you expect a compact bar and gallery filled with carefully made sculptures.

If you want another drink, ask about the available options and price before ordering. Additional drinks are not included.

Should you book Magic Ice Bar Reykjavik?

Book it if you want a short, playful, photo-friendly activity with a clear Icelandic theme. The ice glass, Viking carvings, helpful staff, and unusual room make it a memorable change from standard sightseeing.

I would especially choose it for a rainy afternoon, a pre-dinner stop, or a trip with someone who enjoys quirky experiences. Go in wearing warm layers, expect a smaller venue, and judge the $34 price as payment for a one-time atmosphere rather than hours of entertainment.

If that sounds like good value to you, Magic Ice is an easy yes. If you want a major art attraction or a long cultural program, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where is Magic Ice Bar Reykjavik located?

The ice bar is below the Álafoss store in Reykjavik. Enter through the store and head downstairs.

What is included in the admission price?

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

Is the welcome drink served in a normal glass?

No. The signature welcome drink is served in a glass made of ice.

Can I buy more drinks inside?

Yes. Additional drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included in the admission price.

How cold is the ice bar?

The room is very cold because it is built around ice sculptures and frozen decor. Warm clothing is recommended, and the venue provides a poncho and gloves.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a camera. A phone is also useful if you want staff to take photos of you among the sculptures.

Is the experience available in English?

Yes. The host or greeter service is in English, and English is the listed language.

Is Magic Ice Bar 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. You can also reserve now and pay later.