Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

In Reykjavik, the Magic Ice Bar is a short, wonderfully weird stop: you go downstairs under the Álafoss store, put on poncho and gloves, and step into rooms made from carved ice. Expect Viking-themed carvings, a gallery-style layout, and an included welcome drink.

What I like most is the ice craftsmanship (over 60 tons of ice shaped by international ice artists) and the experience pacing—walk around, take photos, and then enjoy your drink in an actual ice glass. It’s built to feel fun even if you only have an hour or two.

One thing to consider: a number of visitors say the venue can feel smaller than expected, so if you want a huge multi-room complex, set your expectations accordingly.

Key Highlights to Know

• Only ice bar and gallery in Iceland for this style of experience
• Poncho and gloves included so you can handle the cold without guessing
• Over 60 tons of carved ice made by international artists
• Viking sailor stories in ice carvings tied to Norwegian history and Atlantic crossings
• Included welcome drink served in an ice glass
• Friendly English-speaking hosts often help with photos and the overall vibe

You can check availability for your dates here:

Reykjavik’s Magic Ice Bar: A Cold-Warm Contrast You’ll Actually Remember

If you’re building a Reykjavik day, this is the kind of activity that changes the mood fast. Iceland’s weather can be intense, but inside the Magic Ice Bar, the cold is part of the theme. You trade street winds for crisp air and walls covered in ice sculptures, and you come out with photos that look like a movie set.

This isn’t just a gimmick. The whole layout is designed as a gallery-meets-bar. You don’t rush through it. You wander. You stop. You take pictures from angles that make the ice art pop. And yes, you’ll still get a drink—served in a glass made of ice.

Finding the Entrance Under Álafoss Store (No Guesswork)

The meeting point is simple once you know where to look: the ice bar is located below the Álafoss store. Head downstairs through the store to get there.

If you’re arriving by foot, give yourself a little time to find the right staircase or entrance. This is one of those Reykjavik places where being a few minutes early helps. You’ll get checked in without stress, and you won’t be stuck deciding what to do with your hands while you figure out the location.

What Happens When You Arrive: Poncho, Gloves, and a Quick Welcome

On entry, staff greet you and provide a complimentary poncho and gloves. That matters more than you might think. Iceland winters train your brain to expect cold exposure. Here, you get to control how long you stay comfortable enough to look around and take photos.

Expect friendly, English-speaking hosts at the welcome area. From visitor notes, some hosts are especially good at guiding the experience and helping with photo moments. Names that come up include Roman, Kris, Juliana, Roma, and Asteris—so if you notice one of them working that day, you’re likely in for a warm, photo-ready welcome.

The Main Room: Carved Ice Gallery Built From 60+ Tons

The core of the experience is the gallery. You step into an arctic-feeling space where the walls and sculptures are covered with carved ice scenes. The big number to keep in your head is over 60 tons of ice, shaped by international ice artists.

That scale is part of the appeal. When you realize the material is literal ice—built into the structure and décor—it stops being just pretty and starts feeling impressive. You’ll notice the difference between basic ice chips and real carving work as you move from one sculpture to another.

You’ll also see that the venue is designed for viewing. There’s artwork at multiple heights, and the room encourages slow movement so you can find the best angles.

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Viking Carvings and Storytelling: Why It Feels More Than Themed Decor

This is where the Magic Ice Bar sets itself apart from plain novelty. The ice carvings connect to Viking history, focusing on Norwegian Viking sailors who traveled across rough Atlantic seas to start a new life in Iceland—described as a land of fire and ice.

As you look, try to treat it like a guided gallery, even if you’re not getting a formal lecture. The carvings are placed so the story has a flow: you move along the room, and the myths and adventure theme show up in the art. If you like your tourist stops to have a real concept, you’ll appreciate this.

Your Included Drink: A Signature Beverage in an Ice Glass

The ticket includes one welcome drink, and it’s served in an ice glass. That single detail is a big part of the fun. You’re not just sipping something inside an ice-themed room—you’re holding a piece of the theme.

Visitors consistently mention the drink is tasty, and that the ice glass adds to the experience. If you’re doing Reykjavik in winter, the drink also gives your body a reason to slow down, warm up slightly in your hands, and enjoy the moment.

Extra drinks are available for purchase. If you’re the type who wants to try more than one, plan for the cost of add-ons.

Photo Ops: Why Guests Keep Mentioning the Hosts

If you care about pictures, this activity delivers. The ice sculptures are dramatic, and the room lighting is set up for that “wow, this looks unreal” effect. But the other half is the staff help.

Multiple visitors note that hosts take photos for you and help you get the shot. Names that pop up include Roman, Roma, Asteris, and Kris. So if you want the classic selfie-in-the-ice look, you won’t have to work too hard to find your own best angle.

Practical tip: bring your camera, but also keep your phone battery charged. Cold environments can drain batteries faster than you expect.

How Long It Takes and How the Pace Feels

The duration is listed as 1 day, but in practice this is a short-entry experience. You’re not committing to a full excursion schedule with long transit times. You show up, check in, explore the carved ice gallery, get the welcome drink, and leave.

Because the venue can feel smaller than some people expect, the pacing tends to be efficient. That’s good if you’re trying to fit something unique into a packed Reykjavik day. It can also be a drawback if you were hoping for a long, hour-after-hour wandering museum.

A good approach: pair it with a meal or a nearby activity so you can keep moving after your ice break.

Price and Value: Is $34 Worth It?

The price is $34 per person, which is not cheap—especially if you’re comparing it to a free walk around town. So you should decide based on what you want from the trip.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You get entry to the ice bar and gallery, not just a drink
• You get one included signature drink
• You’re supplied with poncho and gloves, so you don’t have to guess what cold protection you need
• You’re visiting a place that’s often described as the only ice bar and gallery in Iceland in this style

Is it worth it? Many visitors say yes because it’s genuinely different and photogenic. But a few people do mention feeling it’s pricey for a short visit. My take: it’s worth it if you want a memorable, winter-friendly, indoor activity that feels like you traveled somewhere special—even if only for a little while.

Winter-Proofing: What to Wear Inside the Ice Bar

Cold is the product here. You’ll be given poncho and gloves, but you still need a solid base layer.

What to bring is clearly stated: warm clothing and a camera. In real terms, that means dressing in layers you already trust in Reykjavik winter. Your goal is to stay comfortable long enough to explore, not to tough it out.

If you’re prone to feeling cold fast, consider:

• extra socks
• a warm hat or hood under the poncho
• gloves that fit comfortably with the provided gloves

Also remember that the cold inside can feel intense when you first walk in. Once you’re layered up, the experience becomes much more enjoyable and less of a survival test.

Location, Accessibility, and Practical Comfort

Good news on practical details: the experience is wheelchair accessible. That’s helpful for travelers who can’t rely on lots of stairs or narrow indoor spaces.

On mobility and comfort, you’ll still want to consider that ice venues are built around viewing the art. Plan on slow movement and using staff guidance if you need help.

There’s also a general expectation of cold comfort gear. If you’re someone who hates being bundled up, you may find the poncho and gloves feel a bit bulky at first. But they’re included, and they make the experience workable.

When This Experience Fits Best (And When It Doesn’t)

This is a great fit if:

• you want something unique in Reykjavik that isn’t just another museum
• you like photos and dramatic visuals
• you enjoy themed storytelling tied to Viking-era travel themes
• you’re okay paying for convenience and the included drink

You might consider skipping or adjusting expectations if:

• you were hoping for a huge, multi-room complex that takes a long time to explore
• you’re cost-sensitive and prefer longer free activities
• you strongly dislike cold environments, even with poncho and gloves

Booking Details That Matter: Cancellation and Timing

This activity has a few traveler-friendly booking rules:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Reserve now & pay later, so you can lock in a time without paying immediately
• The offer is described as valid for 1 day, with starting times based on availability
• Host/greeter support is listed as English

If your Reykjavik schedule is flexible, reserve early so you can pick a time that works with daylight, your dinner plan, or other indoor stops. In winter, having indoor options ready is a smart strategy.

Should You Book the Magic Ice Bar Admission?

If you want one “I can’t believe this is real ice” stop in Reykjavik, book it. The combination of carved ice gallery, Viking-themed storytelling, included signature drink in an ice glass, and the staff energy (with hosts like Roman, Asteris, and Kris mentioned often) makes it a memorable use of time.

Skip it if you’re expecting a long, big venue or if $34 feels too steep for what is essentially an entry + explore + drink experience. In that case, you might be happier spending the money on a longer meal experience or another paid activity with more time built in.

My advice: if you’re already doing a Reykjavik winter trip and want a guaranteed indoor wow moment, this is one of the easiest yes choices.

FAQ

Where is the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik?

The ice bar is located below the Álafoss store. You head downstairs through the store.

What’s included with the entrance ticket?

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

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a camera.

What is the cancellation policy?

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

You can check availability for your dates here: