Reykjavik: Magic Ice Bar Entrance and Welcome Drink

That cold room has a real pull.

Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik is a walk-through ice gallery tied to Viking stories, built from 60 tons of ice carved by international artists. I like the way it turns a drink stop into a themed experience, and I also like the included welcome drink served in an ice glass. One heads-up: the venue is smaller than some people expect, and it can feel pricey if you’re looking for a long, big attraction.

You’ll start with a friendly greeting, then get a complimentary poncho and gloves before heading downstairs to the entrance below Álafoss. The ice walls are packed with Viking-themed carvings about Norwegian sailors crossing rough Atlantic seas, plus plenty of spots for selfies and photo ops. If you get hosts like Roman, Kris, Juliana, or Asteris, you’ll likely leave with extra-helpful shots and good energy.

Key things to know before you go

• Only ice bar and gallery in Iceland: This is the one-stop ice-themed venue in the country.
• 60 tons of carved ice: You’re looking at major craftsmanship, not just a few decor pieces.
• Viking storytelling on the ice walls: The art connects to Norwegian sailor myths and migration themes.
• Poncho and gloves are included: You won’t freeze if you use them as instructed.
• Your welcome drink comes in an ice glass: It’s part of the experience, not an afterthought.
• Photo-friendly staff support: Hosts like Roman, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris often help with phone photos.

Entering the Magic Ice Bar below Álafoss: what happens at the door

Location matters in Reykjavik, and this one has a clear “downstairs” vibe. You’ll find the Magic Ice Bar entrance below the Álafoss store. The simplest move is to walk into Álafoss and follow signs or instructions to go down into the venue.

At the start, staff greet you in English and get you ready fast. You’ll be handed poncho and gloves before you step into the colder air. That first minute sets the tone: this isn’t a casual bar you wander into. It’s more like a short, controlled experience—designed so you can enjoy the ice without spending the whole time shivering.

You’ll want to show up with a plan for photos and layers. Even with the poncho and gloves, your best comfort comes from wearing warm clothing under everything. If you bring a camera (including your phone), you’ll have plenty of chances to use it right away.

Inside the ice gallery: Viking carvings and how the cold feels in practice

The core of the experience is the ice room itself. Once you cross the threshold, you’re surrounded by ice sculptures and carved walls, with over 60 tons of ice used throughout the space. The theme is Viking history and myth—specifically Norwegian Viking sailors and the stories tied to their journey over rough Atlantic seas toward a new life in the land of fire and ice.

What I like about the design is that it’s not only “pretty ice.” The carvings are meant to read like scenes. You move through the room and your eyes naturally track the stories—then your brain clicks: this is why ice art feels different from normal museum art. Everything is built as a whole environment, so you’re standing inside the artwork instead of just looking at it.

How cold is it? It’s cold enough that the poncho and gloves matter. Reviews repeatedly point out that it can feel freezing, but the takeaway is practical: dress warm, use the gear you’re given, and treat it as a short activity. People often describe it as a fun break from Reykjavik’s winter weather—sometimes even saying it felt warmer inside than outside.

You’ll also see that the space is designed for “look, pose, repeat.” Along with Viking scenes, there are ice pieces and sculpture spots that make it easy to find your angles for selfies. Some visitors also mention playful features like an ice throne and even an ice hockey table, which adds a light, human side to the icy art.

Your welcome drink in an ice glass: the best moment to slow down

The included signature drink is one of the biggest reasons to do Magic Ice Bar instead of just taking photos outside. Your entry includes one welcome drink, and it’s served in a glass made of ice. That detail sounds silly until you see it—then you get it. The glass matches the room’s theme so perfectly that it turns your drink into another “artifact” to experience.

You’ll take a sip while you explore, and the drink becomes a timing tool: it’s your cue to slow down and look at the carvings more carefully. The light inside the ice room can be dramatic, especially if you’re taking photos. A few people also mention the ambience and music, which helps the experience feel like a bar—not just a gallery.

One smart move: when your host offers to help with photos, say yes early. People get better results when you do it before you’re busy moving deeper into the room. Hosts such as Roman, Roma, Kris, Juliana, and Asteris are repeatedly mentioned for being friendly and helpful, including taking photos right from your phone and helping you get creative shots.

Small venue reality: what to expect about size, vibe, and time

Here’s the part you should plan around: the venue can feel smaller than you expect. Many people love it, but some say it doesn’t feel like a big multi-room attraction. That’s not automatically bad—it can actually be part of the charm. You get the “ice wow” without it dragging on.

Because it’s shorter and tightly themed, it works well as a break during a day of sightseeing. Reviews mention using it as a mid-day pause, then heading out for dinner afterward. It’s also a good option if you want something fun to do in winter when the weather outside is doing its best to ruin your optimism.

The vibe tends to be social and playful. People often describe it as couples-friendly, but you’ll also find solo visitors enjoying it. If you’re traveling with friends, it’s easy to turn into a quick “photo sprint” with laughs, then sit for the drink and enjoy the art.

One drawback to keep in mind: it can be pricey for what’s essentially a short experience. Some people feel it’s worth it because the ice glass drink and ice craftsmanship are the whole point. Others don’t. Decide based on what you value: if you want a true one-of-a-kind Reykjavik moment, it lands well.

Price and value in Reykjavik: does $34 make sense?

At $34 per person, Magic Ice Bar is positioned as a premium novelty experience. The key is what’s included: entry fee, one welcome drink, poncho, and gloves.

That matters in Iceland. You’re not just paying for a door ticket. You’re paying for ice construction, staff, and the included drink experience. If you would have bought a drink anyway, the $34 starts to feel less like a pure surcharge and more like a packaged experience.

Still, it’s fair to be honest: if you expect a big attraction with lots of time for the money, you might feel underwhelmed. A good way to decide is to ask yourself this: do you want something you can describe later as an ice bar built around Viking carvings and served with an ice glass drink? If yes, it’s a strong buy. If you only want a quick photo and you’re not into the cold room concept, you may feel it’s too much.

Extra drinks are available to purchase, but they aren’t included beyond the one welcome drink. So if you plan on ordering additional alcohol or cocktails, budget for that too.

Where this fits on your day: timing and pairing ideas

The ice bar works best as a reset point. Reykjavik walking plans often break down in winter—wind, rain, and cold can force you indoors. Magic Ice Bar gives you a controlled “in” space with provided gear, so you’re not stuck finding warmth randomly.

A practical pairing strategy:

• Do it after you’ve walked enough to feel cold, not before.
• Use it as a break between city sightseeing and a meal.
• If you’re photo-focused, choose a time when you’re not rushing to catch another reservation.

You’ll pick your starting time based on availability, and the ticket is valid for 1 day. That flexibility can help you match it to your weather and the rest of your day.

Who should book, and who might skip it

Book it if:

• You want a unique Reykjavik experience that’s built around ice art, not just a themed drink.
• You’re the type who enjoys photo stops and short, high-impact attractions.
• You appreciate Viking-themed storytelling presented through visual carvings on site.
• You’re traveling in winter and want a warm-ish break where the cold is part of the fun (with gear provided).

Consider skipping or thinking twice if:

• You’re expecting a large, multi-room attraction with lots of time inside.
• You’re sensitive to cold and don’t like wearing winter layers even with a poncho and gloves.
• You’re mainly looking for value-as-hours, not value-as-once-in-a-lifetime oddity.

Good news: it’s wheelchair accessible, so mobility isn’t a dealbreaker. Also, the host or greeter is in English, which makes the experience easier to enjoy without language stress.

Should you book Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavik?

I think you should book it if you want a memorable Reykjavik stop that feels different from the usual museums and churches. The combination of ice-carved Viking scenes, a substantial amount of ice artwork (60 tons), and the included welcome drink in an ice glass is the “why” behind the price.

But if you’re the type who measures value by time spent, don’t overpromise it to yourself. It’s more of a focused, chilled-in experience than a long evening. If you go in with the right expectation—short, cold, photogenic, and fun—it’s easy to feel satisfied rather than rushed.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Magic Ice Bar?

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

How much does Magic Ice Bar cost?

The price is $34 per person.

What’s included with the ticket?

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

Is the welcome drink included, and is it served in ice?

Yes. The experience includes one signature welcome drink, served in an ice glass.

Can I buy additional drinks?

Yes. Extra drinks are available for purchase.

Do I need to bring warm clothing?

Yes. You should bring warm clothing, even though ponchos and gloves are provided.

What should I bring for the experience?

Bring warm clothing and a camera.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible.

Is cancellation allowed?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the experience?

The activity is valid for 1 day, and you’ll check availability to see starting times.