Harpa Concert Hall

Daphne and Jon Shepherd★★★★★★★★★★5.0in the last week

Iceland's Crystal Palace is sensational. A magnificent glass, multipurpose concert hall surrounded by Reykjavik harbour and with snow peaked mountains as backdrop. The vistas inside are as spectacular as those outside, especially the kaleidoscopic ceiling and the best shop we've ever seen in a performing arts centre. A shame Vikingur Olafson wasn't playing the piano at the time we visited but that would have been too much!

The K Green Show★★★★★★★★★★5.02 weeks ago

We popped into the Harpa Concert hall in Reykjavik because of all of the reviews and We were not disappointed. The architecture is amazing and makes for stunning photos. The space itself has many halls and spaces for everything with restaurants and bars, offices, and spaces to sit and look out of the windows. A must visit while touring the city. The volcano express show is on bottom level and lasts about 15 minutes.

Rosalie Wilder★★★★★★★★★★4.03 months ago

Harpa Concert Hall is a must-see in Reykjavík even if you’re not catching a show. Right on the waterfront near the Sun Voyager and Old Harbour, it’s an easy stop while exploring downtown. The architecture is absolutely stunning. Designed with a honeycomb-like geometric pattern inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns, the exterior is made up of hundreds of glass panels that shift and shimmer depending on the light. On a sunny day, the building reflects the blue of the sky and water, almost blending into its surroundings. When it’s cloudy, the glass turns silvery and moody, echoing Iceland’s dramatic weather. Walk around it from different angles and it feels like a completely different building each time - sometimes sharp and angular, sometimes soft and luminous. At sunset, the glass catches warm golden tones, and at night it often glows from within, illuminated in subtle colors that make it feel almost like a sculpture on the harbor. Inside, the space is just as striking. The soaring glass walls flood the lobby with natural light, and the geometric ceiling creates beautiful patterns overhead. There are a few design shops, a café with water views, and paid restrooms (clean and convenient). Quick and free to visit, totally worth it, and one of the coolest buildings in Iceland.

Aiyoh MJ★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

Good to stop by and take in the architecture. The faceted facade is gorgeous and it does an incredible job at reflect and refracting sunlight. I spent a couple of minutes just standing here admiring the building. It also helps that it is flanked by the water and snow capped mountains. Didn’t manage to go in as we were on a time crunch. Sad.

R★★★★★★★★★★4.08 months ago

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and absolutely worth a visit, even if you don’t attend a concert. Its glass façade is a piece of art in itself, reflecting light beautifully throughout the day and glowing dramatically at night. The architecture combines modern design with Icelandic inspiration, making it as much a cultural attraction as a functional venue. Inside, the main concert hall is renowned for its excellent acoustics, creating a special experience for any performance. Even if you aren’t there for a show, the building is open to the public, and you can explore the interior, enjoy the views of the harbour from the upper levels, browse the gift shop, or stop for a meal or drink at one of the on-site restaurants. Guided tours are also available if you want to learn more about the design and behind-the-scenes spaces. Harpa is centrally located by the old harbour, making it easy to reach on foot from downtown Reykjavík. There is a large underground parking garage if you’re driving, though it can get busy before major performances. The building is also a popular spot for photography, so arriving a little earlier gives you a chance to enjoy it without the crowds. To get the best experience, try to attend a concert or book a tour, as the venue really comes alive when in use. Dining at one of the restaurants is also recommended, but reservations are wise if you’re visiting during peak hours or on an event night. The only potential drawback is that if you visit outside of showtimes, parts of the interior can feel quiet or less active. Still, the architecture alone makes Harpa a highlight of Reykjavík and one of the city’s must-see cultural stops.