Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík: Tourist Trap or Worth Your Money?

Post Overview: The Magic Ice Bar is a popular attraction in Reykjavík and one that sells like hotcakes throughout the year. But is it actually worth the money? I have visited all the Magic Ice Bars across the Nordics, and this guide breaks down what it’s like to visit Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavík, including how to visit and if I think it is worth adding to your itinerary.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit all the Magic Ice Bars in the Nordic countries (which includes 3 in Norway and the location in Reykjavík). And honestly, I didn’t love any of them, and I expressed my disdain for them in several posts across my blog.

But after my latest visit to one, I kind of realized that I am just not their target audience. I literally live in the Arctic in a place that sees more than my fair share of snow and ice a year (often without my consent when it arrives in April and May!).

So once I revisited Magic Ice Bar with this mindset, I actually grew to appreciate the attraction for what it was.

In this guide, I discuss what it is like to visit Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík, including how to purchase a ticket, what to know before you go, and whether or not I think the attraction is worth adding to your itinerary (depending on who you are).

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments! Thanks!

About Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s Magic Ice Bar has been around since 2019 and is located at Laugarvegur 4-6. It is underground in the same building as the Álafoss souvenir shop.

At Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík, you’ll find a temperature-controlled room (it is around -10C/14F inside) where you will see an ice gallery that includes several sculptures of Icelandic animals, symbols, etc. And… a lot of Viking stuff!

There is an ice bar where you’ll be given a drink (it is a vodka, lemonade, and blue curacao mixture) that is included in the price. Non-alcoholic drink options are available. You can also purchase something different at the bar (credit cards are accepted).

As you enter the ice room, you will be given a parka and gloves to keep you warm. I wore my own clothing since I visited in winter and was already dressed the part!

When you enter, you can stick around as long as you’d like, take photos, and make friends with others at the Reykjavík ice bar. They also have a souvenir shop you can buy from if you want to bring the experience home with you (I recommend buying a proper Icelandic sweater instead though).

How to Visit (& Buy Tickets)

☀️ Summer opening hours (May 15 to September 15): daily from 12pm to 11pm
❄️ Winter opening hours (September 16 to May 14): Sunday to Thursday from 2pm to 10pm; Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 11pm
📍 Location: Laugarvegur 4-6
➡️ Check ticket prices & availability

You can drop into the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavík, but I wouldn’t do so if this is high on your bucket list (meaning it is not a last-minute decision to go!). While they can accept guests as a drop-in, if the ice bar is crowded, you may have to wait to enter. It is better to secure a timeslot in advance.

I booked my ticket through my trusted partner, GetYourGuide. I usually book all of my tours and tickets through them in the Nordics, and I love the platform because I can book everything in one place all at once without having to enter my credit card into multiple sites.

Once you have purchased a ticket to the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavík, you can show up at your time and enjoy! Just don’t leave the bar and expect to be allowed to reenter, as the ticket loses its validity once you leave.

Tips for Visiting Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík

➡️ Dress warmly. You’ll be given a parka and gloves, but it is still cold inside the room. Iceland is never all that warm, so you probably will have decent shoes on, but make sure you have thick socks and something warm to wear under your parka that they give you at the entrance.

➡️ The floor is often sticky. People spill their sugary drinks everywhere and it is kind of gross. Just a warning. It won’t make your shoes dirty, but make sure you aren’t spilling yours on yourself, or it’ll be kind of gross.

➡️ Keep those gloves on! If you remove your gloves to take photos over and over, your hands will freeze and it may shorten your time in the ice bar.

➡️ Bring a credit card if you want to buy additional drinks. A second drink is discounted once you’re inside (pending you keep your glass), so bring a credit card if you think you’ll want an additional drink.

Is the Magic Ice Bar Actually Worth Visiting?

Maybe? I think it depends on who you are and what your plans in Reykjavík are. Here are some pros/cons to help you determine if this is a worthwhile experience for you.

Pros

✅ You can spend as long (or as little) as you want inside. It won’t take up much time and even though it’s cold inside, it is a nice place to take refuge from the wind and rain Reykjavík is notorious for!

✅ It is a good place to take kids. While adults can also have fun at the Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík, it is really a cool place for kids. There are kid-friendly drinks available at the bar as well. Please know that kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to enter.

✅ Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík is open year-round. It is a great addition to your itinerary if you’re tired of walking around and want something unique to occupy an hour or two.

✅ The Magic Ice Bar is quite affordable (by Icelandic standards). Tickets are 4990 ISK (about $39.75) on their website (can be cheaper on GetYourGuide depending on promos). Kids’ tickets are 1990 ISK (about $15.75).

Cons

❌ This may not be for everyone. If you live somewhere warm and don’t see snow or ice often, this is probably more your jam than it is for someone who lives in the Arctic and sees snow and ice regularly for a lot of the year (ie… ME!).

❌ It is kind of cheesy. It is fun to go inside and take photos and use the sculptures as props though. But don’t expect it to be like the ice hotels in Scandinavia that you see across the internet (it is far from that).

Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík FAQ

How cold is it inside the Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík?

Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík is temperature-controlled and sits around -10C (14F) or slightly warmer. Don’t worry – you’ll be given gloves and a parka before entering!

How long can you stay inside the Magic Ice Bar?

Your ticket is valid for one day and you can stay inside as long as you’d like. But I think one hour is enough. Reykjavík has so many cool tours and museums that are worth spending time in that I think it is best to spread your time across different places.

Is the Magic Ice Bar family-friendly?

Yes! They have plenty of non-alcoholic options for kids at the bar and the kids will have fun inside taking photos and being silly with the ice sculptures.

When is the best time to visit?

I would visit in the early evening to avoid the rush. If you visit around dinner time, you will experience fewer tourists inside.

Can you buy a ticket to the Magic Ice Bar on the spot?

Yes, you can drop in the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavík and purchase a ticket. But you may not be able to get in if the place is busy and there’s no capacity. I think it is safest to prebook your ticket online to ensure you can enter.

Is the drink included in the entrance fee?

Yes, you will get one drink included (it is a vodka, lemonade, blue curacao cocktail) in the ticket. If you want more, you will need to bring your credit card and purchase more. There are non-alcoholic options available, including for the comped drink.

I hope this guide helps if you’re thinking about visiting the Magic Ice Bar in Reykjavík. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or message me. Thanks!

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