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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Harpa Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | www.harpa.is |
Iceland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type F
Type F:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Icelandic Króna (ISK) £1 ≈ ISK 162 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are highly common in Iceland, especially in cities. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, including smaller establishments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Iceland and not expected in restaurants. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated but not necessary. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed, especially in designated areas during festivals or outdoor events. Alcohol is also available at licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside of many restaurants and public buildings. |
| Icelandic National Day (June) |
Expect parades and celebrations throughout the country. Hotels and tourist spots can get busy. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas is widely celebrated, and it’s a great time to visit for festive markets, but accommodation can be more expensive. |
| Þorrablót Festival (January) |
A festival celebrating Icelandic cuisine, it’s a popular time to visit, though some businesses may have reduced hours. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Hreyfill, Reykjavik Taxi |
| Other: | Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for sudden changes in climate. Always check weather forecasts before venturing into nature. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Harpa, Iceland
Foyer open daily and free; concerts and guided tours are timed, so check the programme
Reykjavik Dance Festival and Iceland Airwaves take place nearby in autumn, filling Harpa's programme
Don't miss
- 🪟 Admire the iconic glass façade inspired by basalt columns
- 🎻 Attend a concert by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
- 🌋 Experience the immersive Volcano Express multimedia show
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Harpa Concert Hall is an architectural marvel located in Reykjavik’s waterfront. Opened in 2011, its distinctive geometric glass facade reflects the light in mesmerizing ways, inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape. The building is a vibrant cultural hub, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, hosting a variety of concerts, festivals and art events throughout the year.
Designed in collaboration between the Danish Henning Larsen Architects and Iceland-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, Harpa symbolizes modern Iceland’s creative spirit. Its steel framework cloaked in colored glass panels creates an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors, making it an iconic landmark both day and night. The interior boasts some of the best acoustics in the world with several concert and conference halls of varying sizes.
While Harpa is widely loved, some critiques note its flashy design as a product of Iceland’s boom years before the financial crisis, bringing a mix of awe and skepticism about its scale in a relatively small city. Nonetheless, even visitors who don’t attend events find the building worth exploring for its brilliance in architecture and design. Facilities include cafes, a restaurant, a record shop and a striking gift shop offering unique Icelandic products.
Visitors should note that some restrooms inside require a ticket for access and event nights bring crowds, so planning ahead is advisable. Overall, Harpa offers a fascinating glimpse into contemporary Icelandic culture and artistic innovation, well worth a visit when in Reykjavik.
Knowledge before you go
- Free entry to explore stunning glass architecture inside.
- Book guided tours led by musicians for backstage access and design insights.
- Visit evenings to see LED facade light shows reflecting northern lights.
- Check event calendar for Iceland Symphony Orchestra; combine with nearby harbor walks and dining.
How to travel to Harpa
Harpa is located in the centre of Reykjavik, easily reachable on foot from downtown. International visitors typically arrive by flying into Keflavik International Airport, about 50 km from Reykjavik, then take a shuttle, taxi or bus to the city centre. Once in Reykjavik, Harpa is accessible by walking, local buses or e-scooters, making it an easy cultural landmark to visit.
Access summary
- From Keflavík Airport (KEF): Airport bus or shuttle to Reykjavík, 45–60 minutes.
- From Reykjavík center: 10–20 minutes on foot along the waterfront promenade.
- From Akureyri: 45‑minute domestic flight to Reykjavík, then short bus or taxi ride.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Harpa
Reykjavik offers a range of accommodation options near Harpa, from boutique hotels to luxury stays. Staying in the city centre is convenient for walking to Harpa and other key attractions, with options suitable for various budgets.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Harpa
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🎫
Advance tickets or bookings
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
👔
Smart-casual outfit
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 54% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ISK) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Reykjavík’s Harpa concert hall sits in a city renowned for its low crime rates and high public safety standards. Visitors can enjoy performances without concern, as the area is well‑policed, pedestrian‑friendly and equipped with clear emergency signage.
Accessibility
Harpa’s modern design makes it highly accessible: wide ramps, elevators, tactile signage and hearing‑loop systems serve visitors with mobility or sensory needs. However, some older adjacent buildings lack step‑free access, so planning ahead for transport routes is advisable.
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