Harpa Concert Hall

Overview

Harpa Concert Hall stands as Reykjavík's most recognisable modern landmark, its crystalline glass facade reflecting the ever-changing Icelandic light across Reykjavík harbour. Designed by Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríid Architects in collaboration with artist Ólafur Elíasson, this architectural marvel opened in 2011 as Iceland's premier cultural venue. The building's distinctive honeycomb-patterned glass panels, inspired by Iceland's basalt columns and Northern Lights, create a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow that transforms throughout the day and seasons.

The concert hall serves as home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, hosting over 400 events annually across its four concert halls. Beyond its cultural significance, Harpa represents Iceland's resilience and ambition, having been completed despite the 2008 financial crisis that nearly halted construction. Its architectural excellence earned international recognition, including the prestigious EU Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013, cementing its status as one of Europe's finest contemporary buildings.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 64.1506°N, 21.9326°W

**Entry Fee:** Building access free; guided tours 2,200 ISK (€15)

**Opening Hours:** Daily 08:00-24:00 (foyer areas); box office 10:00-18:00

**Best Time to Visit:** Year-round; evening visits showcase exterior lighting

**Access Level:** Fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly

**Location:** Central Reykjavík, 0.8km from city centre

**Nearest Major Town:** Reykjavík (direct location)

How to Get There

Driving

From central Reykjavík, head northeast on Lækjargata towards the harbour. Turn left onto Tryggvagata, then right onto Austurbakki. Continue straight for 800m until reaching the roundabout at the harbour front. Harpa sits prominently on the left side, impossible to miss with its glittering facade. The journey takes approximately 5 minutes from Hallgrímskirkja or the main shopping street Laugavegur.

From Keflavík Airport, follow Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) northeast for 48km towards Reykjavík. Merge onto Miklabraut, then follow signs for "Miðborg" (city centre). Take the Hringbraut exit and continue onto Sæbraut along the coastline. Turn right onto Austurbakki - Harpa appears directly ahead. Total journey time: 45 minutes.

Parking

Harpa offers underground parking with 180 spaces, accessible via the entrance on Austurbakki. Parking costs 200 ISK per hour (€1.40) with a maximum daily rate of 1,500 ISK (€10.50). Street parking around the harbour area is limited and costs 175 ISK per hour. During major events, parking fills quickly - arriving 30 minutes early is advisable.

Access

From the underground car park, lifts provide direct access to all levels. Street-level entry requires no walking distance - the main entrance sits directly adjacent to the pavement on Austurbakki. The building features step-free access throughout, with dedicated facilities for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired visitors.

What to See and Do

The building itself serves as the primary attraction, with its 714 uniquely-shaped glass panels creating an ever-changing light display. The main foyer, Eldborg Hall's entrance area, soars 43 metres high and offers spectacular harbour views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Visitors can freely explore this space and the adjoining Silfurberg Hall foyer during opening hours.

Guided architecture tours run daily at 15:30 (additional tours at 11:30 during summer), providing behind-the-scenes access to the concert halls, rehearsal rooms, and technical areas. Tours include visits to Eldborg, the 1,800-seat main auditorium with its distinctive red interior, and the more intimate Norðurljós chamber music hall seating 450. The Kaldalón recital hall and Flói conference hall complete the venue's four performance spaces.

The Harpa Shop stocks Icelandic design items, music recordings, and architectural books. Kolabrautin restaurant on the fourth floor serves modern Icelandic cuisine with panoramic harbour views, whilst the ground-floor café offers lighter meals and Icelandic coffee. Concert and opera performances run throughout the year - the Iceland Symphony Orchestra season runs September to May, while the opera season spans autumn and spring months.

Best Time to Visit

**Summer (June-August):** Extended daylight hours until midnight allow appreciation of the glass facade's full light spectrum. The building remains illuminated throughout the brief night hours. Tourist numbers peak, making guided tours busier but creating a vibrant atmosphere.

**Autumn (September-November):** The concert season begins in earnest, offering excellent performance opportunities. Darker evenings enhance the building's LED light installation, creating dramatic exterior illumination against shorter daylight hours.

**Winter (December-February):** The Northern Lights occasionally provide a stunning backdrop to Harpa's illuminated facade. Stormy weather can create spectacular wave action visible from the harbour-facing windows. Performance schedules are at their fullest.

**Spring (March-May):** Longer days return whilst maintaining good evening lighting effects. The opera season concludes, but diverse programming continues. Weather improves for comfortable walking around the harbour area.

Safety

Harpa presents minimal safety concerns due to its urban location and professional management. The harbour-front location can experience strong winds, particularly during winter storms - exterior walkways may become slippery. The glass facade occasionally creates ice formation during freezing conditions, though pathways receive regular maintenance.

Inside the building, standard venue safety protocols apply. During events, follow staff guidance for emergency procedures. The underground car park remains well-lit and secure, but visitors should observe normal urban precautions with valuables. No specific natural hazards affect this location.

Nearby Places

**The Sun Voyager (Sólfar)** - Jón Gunnar Árnason's steel sculpture resembling a Viking ship sits 400m east along the coastal path, offering excellent Harpa photography opportunities with Mount Esja backdrop.

**Reykjavík Maritime Museum** - Located 300m southwest in the old harbour, this museum explores Iceland's fishing heritage and houses the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn, open daily with 1,650 ISK admission.

**Kolaportið Flea Market** - Iceland's largest flea market operates weekends in a warehouse 200m south, selling everything from traditional Icelandic woolens to vintage items and local food specialities.

**Old Harbour District** - The historic harbour 250m southwest bustles with whale watching operators, restaurants in converted warehouses, and the striking Haraldur Jónsson fish sculptures.

**Laugavegur Shopping Street** - Reykjavík's main shopping thoroughfare begins 600m southeast, lined with boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants leading directly to the city centre's heart.

Getting around Iceland is easiest by car. Compare rental options and find the best deals on Discover Cars — free cancellation available.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Make sure you travel with peace of mind — SafetyWing offers flexible Nomad Insurance from $56.28/4 weeks, covering medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and adventure activities. Perfect for Iceland's unpredictable weather and remote landscapes.