AtlasReykjavik area Cultural
Harpa
A concert hall and cultural centre on Reykjavík’s harbour, Harpa brings together a glass façade, Nordic light and urban life. It is worth visiting even without a performance: for the architecture, sea views and ever-changing waterfront atmosphere.
- Ticket
- Free entry
- Estimated duration
- 1h
- Difficulty
- Accessible to all
- Crowd level
- Moderately busy
Safety warning
Harpa is easy to visit, but the seafront and outdoor area can be very windy and slippery in rain or icy conditions. In the underground car park, take care on ramps and polished surfaces. If you go outside to photograph the façade from the harbour, bear in mind that gusts on the waterfront can be stronger than they appear from the city centre.
At a glance
- If you want to explore Harpa at a relaxed pace, avoid the busiest time for major tourist arrivals and visit in the morning or late afternoon.
- Check the official calendar if you are interested in concerts, guided tours or family activities.
- Even for a short visit, bring a windproof layer: outside by the harbour, the wind chill can feel much more intense than just a few streets inland.
A glass threshold between city and harbour
Harpa is one of the places that best captures contemporary Reykjavík. Overlooking the waterfront, between the historic centre and the harbour, it is not just a concert hall: it is a public building designed to be passed through, admired and enjoyed even without a ticket in hand. Since opening in 2011, it has become a cultural landmark as well as a very tangible part of the city, almost a link between Reykjavík and the sea.
The façade and the light
The façade, developed by Ólafur Elíasson together with the architects of Henning Larsen and Batteríið, is why many people come here even for a brief stop. The glass cells shift with the weather and the angle of the sun: at times they reflect the harbour and mountains, while at others they seem to absorb the grey of the sky. The geometry evokes crystalline forms and, seen from outside, also recalls the basalt columns so common in Icelandic landscapes.
A building to use, not just photograph
Inside, Harpa houses concert halls, events, dining options, a design shop and often activities for families. The public spaces are freely open during building opening hours, so you can come in simply to see the lobby, shelter from the wind or look out over the harbour through the large windows. If you want to understand the architecture and acoustics more fully, guided tours offer more depth than a self-guided visit, but they are not always scheduled year-round.
What to know before you go
Harpa is accessible and easy to visit, but the experience changes considerably when an event is taking place: some areas may be livelier or partly in use. Practically speaking, the main thing not to underestimate is the wind along the waterfront. Even when the city centre feels calm, the air here can be colder and more biting. Personal photography is generally tolerated within reasonable limits; organised shoots, video and concert recordings require permission.
Getting there
Harpa is at Austurbakki 2, on Reykjavík city centre’s waterfront. It is easy to reach on foot from Lækjartorg, Laugavegur, the Sun Voyager and the Old Harbour. If arriving by car, there is a 24-hour underground car park with direct access to the building; the square in front of the entrance is for short stops only.
Weather & conditions
Harpa is a reliable year-round visit because its public spaces are indoors, but the weather greatly changes the outdoor experience. In rain or under low cloud, the façade reflects the harbour’s grey tones; in winter or evening light, it becomes far more multifaceted. Wind on the waterfront can be strong, and in winter the pavements and square can become slippery from freezing rain or ice.
Photography tips
The most successful images often come in side light, during the blue hour or just after rain, when the glass multiplies reflections and sky colours. Try both the frontal view from the square and angled perspectives from the waterfront. Inside, wide-angle lenses and geometric lines work well, but organised shoots, video and concert filming require permission; do not set up equipment that obstructs passage.
Practical info
Visit planning
20 min
Minimum
45 min
Ideal
90 min
Extended
Suitable for
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00–18:00
- Tuesday
- 10:00–18:00
- Wednesday
- 10:00–20:00
- Thursday
- 10:00–20:00
- Friday
- 10:00–20:00
- Saturday
- 10:00–20:00
- Sunday
- 10:00–18:00
Avoid during
Services & access
- Parking
- Toilets
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller friendly
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restroom
Access & rules
Accepted payments
Terrain
Recommended gear
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm layers
- Waterproof shoes
- Gloves in winter
Traveler reviews
Updated July 7, 2026
4.6
9,256 reviews · Google Places
Frequently asked questions
Can you enter Harpa without a ticket?
Yes. Harpa’s public spaces can be visited freely during the building’s opening hours. Concerts, events in the halls, guided tours and some indoor experiences require a separate ticket. If there is a major event on, the atmosphere may be busier and some areas may be less quiet.
How much time do you need to visit Harpa?
For a quick visit, 20–30 minutes is enough to see the façade, step into the lobby and look out towards the harbour. For a more relaxed visit, including photos, allow 45–60 minutes. If you add a coffee, the shop, a performance or a guided tour, you can easily stay longer.
Is there parking on site?
Yes. Harpa has a two-level underground car park, open 24 hours a day and directly connected to the building. Parking is paid, and the square in front of the entrance is not a car park but a short-stop area. Dedicated spaces are available for people with disability parking permits.
Is Harpa accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Generally, yes. The building has step-free access, lifts including connections to the car park, and indoor spaces that are convenient for pushchairs. For some events, designated wheelchair spaces in the halls need to be booked in advance through the box office, but independently visiting the public areas is normally straightforward.
Is a guided tour worth doing?
Yes, especially if you are interested in the architecture, acoustics and the story behind the project. Guided tours allow access to areas not included in a self-guided visit, including Eldborg hall when available. Scheduled dates are more frequent in summer, so it is worth checking the official calendar before relying on this option.
Can you take photos freely?
For personal, discreet photography, usually yes, provided it does not interfere with the building’s normal use. Harpa does, however, require permission for organised shoots, video filming and concert recordings. If you are travelling with a tripod, lights or a small setup, bear in mind that you may need to ask for permission in advance.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, more so than it may appear from outside. Harpa often hosts family-friendly activities and has a dedicated sound space, Hljóðhimnar, designed for children and families. The spaces are large and easy to move around, but during very busy events there may be more noise and, at times, access controls in specific areas.
Tours/activities related to Harpa
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