Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Vikings in ice, with a drink to match. Magic Ice Bar is Reykjavik’s only ice bar and gallery in Iceland, built from over 60 tons of ice carved by international artists. You’ll start with warm gear, then step into an arctic room where Viking myths and sea-sagas are carved into the walls.

I love how the ice work tells a story, not just looks pretty. The Viking-themed carvings and gallery sculptures make it feel like you’re walking through a frozen chapter of Norwegian sailor legends. I also love the included drink experience: your welcome drink arrives in an actual glass made of ice, which is half the fun and makes photos look instantly cooler.

One thing to consider: the venue is compact, so the experience can feel pricey if you expected a huge, multi-room attraction for $34.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Only ice bar and gallery in Iceland: a one-of-a-kind concept in Reykjavik
• Over 60 tons of carved ice: international artists’ work, not simple decor
• Poncho and gloves included: you’re equipped before you get cold
• Signature welcome drink in an ice glass: included, and very photogenic
• Staff-led photo help: names like Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris show up in guest notes

Finding the Entrance: Below Álafoss Store

Your best move is to plan a quick, no-stress arrival. The Magic Ice Bar is located below the Álafoss store, and you’ll head downstairs through the store itself. If you’re already walking around downtown Reykjavik, this is an easy stop to slot into a day without needing special transport.

Because the venue is tucked under a store, don’t wait until the last minute to find it. Give yourself a little time to locate the stairs, then get into the line with your camera ready.

Check-In Flow: Poncho, Gloves, and the Photo-Friendly Welcome

Once you’re at the entrance, staff greet you and give you a complimentary poncho and gloves. That matters more than it sounds. You’ll feel the cold when you cross into the ice room, and that basic gear helps you actually enjoy the experience instead of rushing through it.

This place also leans into the fun side of hospitality. Reviews repeatedly mention friendly hosts and bartenders making it easy to get photos, with specific names like Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris popping up. If you want a great shot, arrive ready to ask for help with positioning and timing, especially if you’re doing a selfie or a group pose.

Also note a small practical detail: ponchos and gloves are provided for you, and some guests mention returning them at the end. So keep your timing flexible and don’t treat it like you’ll keep the gear as a souvenir.

The Ice Gallery: Viking Carvings Made of Real Cold

The heart of Magic Ice Bar is the ice gallery, where walls and sculptures are carved from the same frozen material. You’re exploring a space built around Viking history and myths tied to Norwegian sailors who crossed the rough Atlantic and started new lives in the land of fire and ice. It’s not a museum lecture, but the storytelling is part of the design.

The scale is what makes it impressive. The experience includes over 60 tons of ice, carved by international ice artists. That turns the concept from a novelty into something you can genuinely walk around and study.

What you’ll notice as you move through:

• Carvings on the walls that read like story panels
• Intricate ice sculptures placed throughout the gallery
• A strong “frozen atmosphere” effect that makes your camera work harder (in a good way)

Practical tip: keep your camera settings in mind. The space is bright in odd ways, and the ice reflects light. If you’re taking photos, pause often and check your shot, not just your framing. Ice rewards patience.

The Ice Bar Moment: Your Welcome Drink in an Ice Glass

Then you reach the bar area, where the magic turns into something you can taste. Your ticket includes one Magic Ice Bar signature drink, served in a glass made of ice. This is one of those details that makes the experience feel complete, because you’re not just looking at ice. You’re interacting with it.

A few useful things to expect:

• The drink is locally-sourced, per the activity description.
• Extra drinks are available for purchase, so you’re not limited to one sip if you want to extend the night.
• The ice glass also changes the vibe: it’s instantly a talking point, and it photographs well.

If you’re sensitive to cold, take it slow. Your gloves help for handling the poncho-and-gear moment, but once you’re drinking, you’ll still feel how cold the space is. Go at a pace that lets you enjoy the carvings without rushing.

Cold-Weather Reality Check: Dressing for an Ice Room

Reykjavik can be chilly, but this is a different kind of cold. Magic Ice Bar is built to stay icy, which is the whole idea. So plan your clothing like you would for a short indoor outdoor shuffle: layers are key.

What you should bring:

• Warm clothing
• Camera

Even though the poncho and gloves are provided, wear layers under them. Think along the lines of a warm base layer and something insulating on top. If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll likely appreciate the extra insulation even more.

Wheelchair access is listed as available, which is good to know for planning. Still, remember you’re moving through an ice-themed space where footing and comfort may be affected by cold and the environment. If you need extra assistance, it’s smart to ask staff what the best path through the venue is on arrival.

Price and Value: What $34 Buys You (and Why It Can Make Sense)

The price is $34 per person, and the real question is whether it feels like a fair trade.

Here’s what you’re getting that makes the value easier to justify:

• Admission to the ice bar and gallery
• One welcome drink served in an ice glass
• Poncho and gloves included

That combination matters. A ticket that includes both entry and an ice-glass drink is different from paying separately for an attraction and then trying to find a cocktail place afterward. It also saves you from the hassle of sourcing winter-friendly gear.

Now the balancing factor: several notes say the venue can feel smaller than expected. If you’re the type of person who wants a long, sprawling experience, you might walk out thinking you paid a bit more than you wanted. But if you like compact, high-impact stops, the ice carvings and the drink experience can feel worth it, because you get an instant “wow” moment without a long time commitment.

My take: treat it as a high-creativity break. It’s a short indoor detour that gives you something you cannot reproduce anywhere else in Iceland.

The Best Fit: Who This Ice Bar Works For

This is especially good for:

• Couples looking for a fun, photo-friendly winter activity
• First-timers who want something different from typical Reykjavík sightseeing
• People who enjoy themed places where the setting is the main attraction

It’s also a solid “reset” stop. You can use it as a break from walking outside and still come away with memorable photos and a unique drink story.

It may not be your best choice if:

• You strongly dislike cold environments
• You expected a huge venue with lots of rooms and a long timeline
• You’re on a tight budget and prefer free or lower-cost activities

Photo Tips That Keep the Fun

This place lives on visuals, and staff support the photo moment. Since hosts like Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris are repeatedly mentioned for photo help, you’ll likely get better results by asking directly rather than guessing angles.

Quick approach that usually works:

• Take one wide shot right away, before you get used to the lighting.
• Then do a few close-ups of the carved details and the ice-glass drink.
• Finally, gather for a group photo while you’re still comfortably dressed in the poncho and gloves.

The ice theme is very photogenic, but the best photos happen when you plan two or three intentional moments, not when you spray and pray.

Pair It With Reykjavík After-Dark Plans

Magic Ice Bar is a great lead-in to a normal evening out. A lot of people use it as a start to dinner nearby, then carry the Iceland winter vibe into the rest of the night.

Once you step back out, you’ll have two things:

• A warm memory of ice sculptures and Viking carvings
• A practical reason to head to dinner without needing another tour group or long commitment

Plan a little time buffer so you’re not rushing from the ice room straight into a tight dinner schedule.

Should You Book This Magic Ice Bar Experience?

Book it if you want a Reykjavik stop that’s truly different and happens fast: ice carvings with Viking storytelling, plus an included signature welcome drink in an ice glass. It’s a good value when you view the ticket as entry plus an experience, not just a place to look at decor.

Skip it if you’re chasing a long, large-scale attraction or if cold indoor spaces aren’t your thing. In that case, the compact size may feel limiting and the $34 price may sting.

If you’re undecided, think about your travel style. If you like small moments with strong “wow” factor and you’re excited by the photo-and-drink combo, this is one of the easiest yes decisions you’ll make in Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where is Magic Ice Bar located?

It’s located below the Álafoss store. You go downstairs through the store.

What’s included with the ticket price?

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

Is the welcome drink served in ice?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a camera.

Are additional drinks available?

Yes. Extra drinks are available to purchase.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair accessibility is listed.

Can I cancel or pay later?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.