Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Reykjavik has a cold secret. Magic Ice Bar turns a visit into an indoor winter story, with Viking-themed ice carvings and an ice-glass welcome drink in a room made entirely from sculpted ice.

I like that you get everything you need to enjoy it right away: poncho and gloves plus entry and one signature drink. My only caution is that it can feel pricey for what’s essentially a short, small-format stop—especially if you’re expecting a huge multi-room venue.

Key things to know before you go

• Viking ice gallery: Ice carvings connected to Norwegian Viking sailors and their myths
• Over 60 tons of ice: Sculpted by international ice artists
• Ice-glass signature drink: Included with your admission
• Warm-up gear is provided: Poncho and gloves when you arrive
• Photo-friendly staff: Many hosts help you get great shots with your phone
• It’s short and compact: The venue is smaller than some people expect

Finding the Ice Bar Under Álafoss Store

The experience starts with a simple, easy-to-miss detail: the bar is located below the Álafoss store. Go downstairs through the store, and you’ll feel the temperature change as you get closer to the ice venue.

This matters because Reykjavik weather can swing fast—wind and wet cold outside can drain your energy. If you’re fitting this between sightseeing stops, this location is handy: you can step in, reset, and warm up your trip mood fast, even if it’s still icy inside.

The Welcome Moment: Poncho, Gloves, and Staff in Control

Right when you enter, you’ll be met by friendly staff and handed a complimentary poncho and gloves. That’s a big part of the value here: they’re not just selling you a concept—they’re helping you survive it comfortably.

From what I’ve seen in people’s accounts, the hosts often lean into the vibe. Names that come up include Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris—each described as upbeat and helpful, especially with photo moments and making the visit feel like more than just standing around cold sculptures.

Your Ice Gallery Walk: Viking Stories Carved in Glassy White

Once you cross the threshold, you’re in an arctic-looking room where the walls are covered with ice carvings. The theme isn’t random. The carvings tie into the Norse world—Norwegian Viking sailors crossing rough Atlantic seas long ago and starting new lives in Iceland, the land of fire and ice.

This is the best kind of themed attraction: it gives the ice a reason to exist beyond aesthetics. The experience feels like a guided story you can see, not a lecture you have to listen to. If you like history with atmosphere, you’ll probably enjoy how the myths and adventure spirit come through in the carvings.

And yes, you’ll also find an ice gallery element with more sculpted pieces. People often point out that the craftsmanship holds up when you slow down and look closely—details tend to pop more once you stop rushing for photos.

The Included Signature Drink: Sip from an Ice Glass

After you take in the carvings, you get your included Magic Ice Bar signature drink. It’s served in a glass made of ice, which is fun for a reason that’s hard to fake: the glass itself changes the way the drink feels, from temperature to texture.

This is one of those small touches that turns a basic “drink included” deal into a memorable moment. If you’re the type who likes your travel experiences to have a signature, this has it built in.

Extra drinks are available for purchase. So if you want more than one, plan on adding cost. If you’re just looking for a single included drink plus the art, you can keep it simple and stick to what’s included.

What the Ice Feels Like (and How to Stay Comfortable)

Even with ponchos and gloves, this is still an indoor cold zone. The ice doesn’t just look icy—it stays icy, and your body will notice the difference quickly, especially if you’re wearing thin layers or arriving straight from warmer weather.

Bring warm clothing and layers, and bring a camera if you care about documenting what you see. A camera matters here because the ice can look different as light hits it from different angles, and you’ll want shots that capture the carvings, not just your own bundled-up face.

Comfort tip: wear layers you can remove after your visit. The moment you step back out into normal Reykjavik air, you may warm up fast—and you’ll be glad you didn’t overdress for the entire day.

Photos and the Magic Ice Bar Experience: Get Your Shots Right

This is a photo place, but the smart move is to treat photos as part of the experience, not a separate chore. Many hosts help guests with photo setups using your phone. Names like Roman and Asteris come up with people praising how they helped with photos and drink presentation.

Here’s why that’s worth your attention: when you’re inside a cold venue, you don’t want to fumble with settings and timing. If your host helps you place, pose, and shoot quickly, you get to enjoy the art instead of wasting your limited time fighting your camera.

If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is also a good stop to mark with group shots. The ice background creates instant “we were somewhere different” proof without needing a perfect landscape view.

Timing Your Stop: Make It a Short Break, Not Your Whole Day

The activity is valid for one day, and you check starting times before you go. The venue itself is compact, and the experience is best treated as a focused break in your Reykjavik day rather than your main event.

Think of it like this: you get a contained story, a built-in drink moment, and a photo opportunity—all in a small package. That’s great if your schedule is tight, if you want variety, or if you’re trying to balance cold-weather sightseeing with something indoors.

If you’re expecting an all-evening ice festival with multiple floors and hours of wandering, you might feel a little rushed. Several people note the venue is smaller than they anticipated, and that’s the main reason you should mentally plan it as a short stop.

Price and Value: Is $34 Worth It?

At $34 per person, the price lands in the “pay for the experience” category. The value depends on how you think about what you’re buying.

Here’s what you get for the cost:

• Admission to the ice bar and gallery
• One welcome drink included
• Poncho and gloves

If you were planning to spend money anyway on an indoor attraction plus a drink, this can start to make sense. The included ice-glass detail is also not just marketing—people remember the glass because it’s part of the whole visual identity.

Where the cost can feel less justified is the size and time. If you’re the type who needs a long, expansive visit to feel satisfied, you may finish and think: cool, but I wanted more space. If that’s you, aim to go when your expectations match the format—like a clever, short winter detour.

Who This Works Best For

I’d aim for this if you want one of these kinds of travel moments:

• Something different from standard tours
• A winter activity that’s indoor and fast
• A themed stop with Viking-inspired storytelling
• A fun, easy activity for couples, small groups, or solo travelers

Solo? You can still enjoy it fully. People have described it as a great solo outing because the staff guide the vibe and you don’t need a group to create atmosphere.

This also fits families in winter, but check expectations: it’s cold, and you’ll be dealing with layers and time constraints inside.

A Practical Checklist Before You Go

You’ll get ponchos and gloves, but you still control how comfortable the visit feels. I suggest you show up with:

• Warm layers you can move in
• Gloves you can take off if you get too warm (the venue provides gloves, but you’ll still feel better if you can manage them)
• A camera or phone ready for ice lighting
• A mindset that this is a short, themed stop

Also keep your day flexible. Reykjavik weather can mess with timing outside, and this kind of indoor activity works best when you treat it as a reliable anchor.

Quick Reality Check: The Most Common Pros and Cons

Let’s talk honestly about the trade-offs I’d expect.

Pros

• The ice craftsmanship and Viking-themed story give the room a clear purpose
• The included welcome drink in an ice glass adds something you can’t replicate elsewhere
• Staff energy matters here, and many hosts are praised for being fun, attentive, and helpful with photos

Cons to consider

• The venue can feel smaller than your first impression
• $34 can feel steep if you expected a longer, bigger attraction

If you go in knowing it’s a compact experience, the “short” factor becomes a plus. You’ll walk in, enjoy the ice, take your photos, sip your drink, and head back into Reykjavik with a smile rather than dragging yourself through a half-day indoors.

Should You Book Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik?

I think you should book if you want a memorable winter detour with strong atmosphere, Viking-themed ice art, and a built-in drink moment that actually fits the theme. It’s also a strong choice when you need an indoor stop that doesn’t eat your whole day.

Don’t book if you’re chasing a long, sprawling attraction or if you hate paying for “experience value” more than “time spent.” In that case, look for something else in Reykjavik where you can wander longer for the money.

If you’re on the fence, I’d choose this when you can pair it with your other plans right after—so it feels like a perfect intermission, not a full event.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Magic Ice Bar?

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

What is included in the ticket price?

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

Is the included drink served in an ice glass?

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

What should I bring?

You should bring warm clothing and a camera.

Is Magic Ice Bar wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as valid for one day, with checkable starting times. (The booking is designed as a short visit rather than a multi-day activity.)

Can I cancel, and what is the timeframe?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there extra drinks available to buy?

Yes. Additional drinks are available for purchase beyond the included welcome drink.