Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

Iceland does ice better than anywhere. In Reykjavik, Magic Ice Bar turns Viking myths into a frosty indoor gallery, and your visit comes with an ice-glass signature drink plus the cold-weather gear to enjoy it comfortably.

I love how the staff and guides push the experience past just looking around. Folks like Roman and Kris were singled out for being fun, photo-minded, and genuinely helpful, which makes the bar feel like a night out, not a quick stop. One consideration: the venue can feel smaller than you expect for the price, so go with the right mindset.

Key things to know before you go

• Over 60 tons of ice carved by international ice artists, with Viking-themed storytelling throughout
• Poncho and gloves included, so you are not stuck freezing while you hunt for the best photo angle
• Ice-glass signature drink is included, and yes, it is served in actual ice
• A Viking-history ice gallery that mixes myths, seafaring legends, and carved scenes
• Friendly hosts who help with photos, including phone shots, not just selfies on your own
• Extra drinks are optional, but the included drink is the heart of the ticket value

Finding the Magic Ice Bar entrance under Álafoss

The Magic Ice Bar has a simple setup, which is great when you are juggling Reykjavik weather. The meeting point is below the Álafoss store. You head downstairs through the store, then you are in the right place fast.

That matters because Reykjavik days can flip from bright to cold and windy without warning. If you hate spending time hunting for an attraction, this is one of the easier ones to locate. The staff are also English-speaking, so you can ask quick questions on arrival without the language hassle.

What happens the moment you walk in (poncho, gloves, and that first cold breath)

The experience starts right away. When you enter, you are greeted by friendly staff and handed a complimentary poncho and gloves. That little detail is not just for comfort. It changes how you experience the space because you can actually stay in the gallery long enough to look, not just survive it.

You step through the threshold and the cold becomes the theme. The walls and ice carvings create a kind of arctic room atmosphere, and the venue’s temperature makes the ice feel real, not like a costume prop. Even if you are already dressed for winter, those provided layers make the experience easier on your hands and shoulders.

One more practical tip from the vibe of the place: bring your camera, but also remember you will want to use your phone for quick shots. The guides at Magic Ice Bar are known for taking photos for people, including helping with phone pictures, so you can spend less time wrestling your camera settings and more time enjoying the artwork.

The Viking ice gallery: 60+ tons of carvings you can actually read

The core of the visit is the ice gallery itself. You explore an ice bar and display space featuring more than 60 tons of ice carved by international ice artists. The theme is Viking history and seafaring stories, centered on Norwegian sailors making their way across the Atlantic to start a new life in the land of fire and ice.

Here is what I think makes this work for most visitors: the carvings are not random decoration. They are part of a connected story. You are meant to walk the room slowly, notice the scenes, and understand the ice as a storytelling medium.

You also get the chance to look at ice sculptures in a gallery-style layout. This is where the place can feel special even if you have been to fancy bars before. Everything is built around the limitations and properties of ice, so the forms and textures feel different than standard indoor art.

And yes, you will probably take at least one selfie among the artwork. The layout is friendly for photos, and staff help make it easier.

How to enjoy the cold without rushing the art

Ice bars are cold by design, so you will feel it. But because ponchos and gloves are included, you can manage the discomfort better than you might think.

Pack for comfort, not just warmth. Wear warm clothing under the poncho, and keep your hands protected so you can hold your camera or phone without thinking about frostbite every five minutes. If you are the type who loves checking out details, you will want that time in the room. If you only care about getting one drink and leaving, you might feel rushed, especially since the venue is not huge.

Also, consider timing your expectations. This is an indoor experience built for a shorter stop, so I recommend it as a pause in your Reykjavik day, not the only activity you plan for the weather. People seem to use it as a mid-day break or a fun night add-on, depending on their itinerary.

Your included welcome drink, served in an ice glass

The ticket includes a welcome drink and you receive it in a glass made of ice. That sounds like a gimmick until you experience how it changes the whole moment. The cold makes the drink feel different, and the glass makes you slow down and look at what you are holding.

What you get is a signature drink, and extra drinks are available for purchase if you want to stay longer. In practice, the included drink is the main value point because it is tied directly to the ice bar concept. If you only drink warm beverages and do not care about novelty, this part may feel less meaningful. But if you enjoy trying something that Iceland does in its own style, the ice glass is the memory-maker.

The drink itself is locally sourced, and the staff are active about helping you enjoy it. Several reviews mention guides making the best drinks and being enthusiastic, which matters because good service turns a basic drink into part of the show.

The ambience: music, seating, and ice details that feel intentional

Magic Ice Bar is built for atmosphere. The ice carvings, the lighting, and the overall room vibe create a setting that feels like a themed event rather than just a gallery.

There are also moments of playful design that people remember, like ice seating features that become photo spots. If you like places where you can relax for a minute and still take pictures, this is a good fit. If you prefer quiet museums, you might find it a bit more social since staff and guests tend to interact.

Music is part of the ambience too. That matters because it fills the space and helps the cold feel more like an experience than a drawback. The room is icy, but the mood is controlled and inviting.

Guides and photo help: where the experience really clicks

If you want one reason this place gets repeat praise, it is the people in the room. Multiple reviews highlight hosts who are friendly, funny, and attentive. Names that come up include Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris, with guides helping take photos and making the visit feel memorable.

This is more than hospitality. Photo support changes how you travel in winter. In Reykjavik, weather can be rough for outdoor photos. Indoors at Magic Ice Bar, staff help you get good shots without standing awkwardly or setting a timer over and over. It also helps if you are traveling as a couple or family and want images together.

If you are the sort of traveler who usually does the photos for everyone else, this detail alone can be worth it. You can focus on the ice and let someone else handle the timing.

Price and value: is $34 per person fair?

At $34 per person for entry plus a welcome drink, the value depends on what you want from the experience.

Think of it this way. You are not paying for a long museum visit. You are paying for:

• Entry to a rare, purpose-built ice bar and gallery
• Ice gear included (poncho and gloves)
• A signature drink served in an ice glass
• A guided, photo-friendly atmosphere

If you love quirky, themed attractions and you want a distinctive Reykjavik memory, the price can feel reasonable because you get multiple parts of the concept in one ticket. If you are very cost-focused and you feel like a single drink plus some ice art should be cheaper, you might agree with the more critical feedback that says it can feel pricey or underwhelming if you expect more space.

My practical advice: decide before you go that you are spending for an experience, not a bargain. If you do that, the $34 is easier to justify.

Who this suits best (and who should rethink it)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want something unusual that feels very Reykjavik, even in winter
• Like themed settings where you can take pictures easily
• Enjoy guided energy and staff who help you make memories
• Want a short indoor break from cold weather

It might be less ideal if you:

• Expect a huge multi-room venue
• Prefer quiet, slow-paced attractions where staff presence is minimal
• Do not care much about a novelty drink experience

For couples, it often hits the right note because the ice setting looks great and the staff help with photos. Solo travelers also tend to find it fun, especially when you get a friendly guide who engages instead of rushing you out.

A simple way to plan your visit in a Reykjavik day

You do not need a complicated plan. Magic Ice Bar works best as a pivot point in your day.

A practical approach:

1. Wear warm layers, and assume you will feel cold indoors even with the provided poncho and gloves.
2. Arrive with enough time to look at the carvings, not just scan for photos and leave.
3. Treat the included drink as your “anchor,” then decide if you want to purchase another.

Also, remember your ticket is valid for 1 day, and starting times depend on availability. If you have a tight schedule, it is worth checking what times are offered so you can fit it between other activities.

Should you book this Magic Ice Bar experience?

Book it if you want a Reykjavik activity that feels different from the usual stops, especially in winter. The combination of Viking-themed ice carvings, over 60 tons of ice, poncho and gloves, and an included ice-glass signature drink creates a ticket that covers multiple sides of the concept in one go.

Skip or reconsider if you expect a massive venue or if $34 feels hard to justify for a short experience and a single drink. In that case, you might want to compare it against other winter indoor options.

If you do book, do one thing that makes the whole visit better: let the staff help with photos. Guides like Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris are repeatedly praised for exactly that, and it turns a cold room full of ice into a story you will actually remember later.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Magic Ice Bar?

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

What is included in the price?

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

Do I get an ice glass for my drink?

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

Are additional drinks available to purchase?

Yes. Extra drinks are available for purchase if you want more than the included welcome drink.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a camera, since the ice carvings and ice glass setup are very photo-friendly.

Do I need to wear special clothing?

You will be provided poncho and gloves, but you should still wear warm layers underneath so you stay comfortable.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What language is the host or greeter?

The host or greeter is English-speaking.

Is cancellation free?

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

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The option says reserve now & pay later, meaning you can book your spot and pay nothing today.