Harpa Concert Hall
If you're visiting Reykjavík, Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one place you really should see. It's a big glass building right on the water, with walls that change color as the light moves through the day. Inside, four concert halls host live shows all year round, and best of all, walking in is completely free.
Just a 10-minute walk from the main shopping street and right next to the old harbor, Harpa has something for every kind of visitor. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time there.
The Architecture and Design of Harpa
Harpa opened in 2011 and is now one of the most photographed buildings in Reykjavík. Henning Larsen Architects came up with the overall look of the building. Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson then built the glass walls using steel frames and colored panels. At night, 714 LED lights turn on outside and fill the harbor with different colors.
The shape of the glass blocks was inspired by Iceland's volcanic rock. These are the six-sided columns of basalt you can see at Reynisfjara Beach on the South Coast. The building cost around 164 million euros to complete and won the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2013, one of the most prestigious architecture prizes in Europe.
Related: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland: Your Guide
Why Was Harpa Built?
Harpa was built as part of a big plan to bring life back to Reykjavík's waterfront. The idea was to give the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera a proper home. It would also serve as a conference center big enough to hold international events.
The Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavík, Iceland, stands about 43 meters (141 feet) tall. Its total floor area covers around 28,000 square meters (300,000 square feet).
Top Things to Do at Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa is one of the busiest cultural venues in the Nordic region. Here's what you can do during your visit.
1. Attend a Concert or Live Performance
Harpa's schedule features over 1,400 events every year, from the Icelandic Opera and classical symphonies to electronic music and stand-up comedy.
- Diverse Lineup: Catch international touring acts or local favorites across four specialized halls.
- The Symphony's Home: The Iceland Symphony Orchestra performs 90+ concerts every season, running from September to June.
- Eldborg Hall: Harpa's main hall seats up to 1,800 guests. It is known for some of the best acoustics in Europe.
2. Explore the Iconic Architecture for Free
You do not need a ticket to enter Harpa's foyers. Once inside, you will find:
- Geometric Glass Facade: Over 714 glass panels reflect the harbor, sky, and city in a colorful, repeating pattern.
- Dynamic Colors: The dichroic glass shifts between clear and bright colors depending on the angle of the sun.
- Interactive Light: In the evening, the facade mirrors the movement of the Northern Lights through thousands of built-in LEDs.
Best Time: Late afternoon for golden-hour reflections, or after dark to see the exterior light show.
Related: Northern Lights in Iceland: All About Aurora Borealis
3. Take Photos Inside and Outside
Harpa is one of the best places in the city for photos. Here is what to look for:
- The Glass Walls: Get close to the outside of the building to see the honeycomb shapes.
- Reflections: Inside the lobby, the glass creates sharp patterns and shadows on the floor.
- Morning Light: Visit early in the day when the sun lights up the inside of the building with natural light.
Tip: Come back after dark. The building glows with the LED light show on the facade.
4. Enjoy the Harbor Views
The building looks out over the harbor on all sides, where you can enjoy the views from almost any window. You will see:
- The Old Harbor: Watch the colorful fishing boats and whale-watching ships come and go.
- Mount Esja: Look across the bay to see the massive snow-capped mountain that frames the city.
- Quiet Seating: Find a bench near the windows on the ground floor to sit and watch the waves and the city.
Best Spot: The fourth-floor balcony or the outdoor terrace for an open view of the ocean.
5. Shop for Local Goods
Harpa offers a wide range of local goods. Before you leave, stop by the shops inside the building.
- Rammagerðin: This shop inside Harpa has a carefully chosen range of Icelandic wool clothing, local music, and art books.
- Authentic Finds: Unlike standard gift shops, these products are made by local makers, including handmade jewelry and home decor.
- Quality Souvenirs: It is a great place to find a world class gift that is actually made in Iceland.
Tip: It is an easy stop for a last-minute gift before you head to the airport.
6. Let the Kids Explore the Sound Pillars
One of the best hidden gems inside Harpa is the interactive sound area, and it is completely free to visit during opening hours. Known as the Sound Pillars (Hljóðhimnar), this is a fantastic spot for families with younger children.
Here is what to expect:
- Kids can "build" their own concert by testing the sounds of different instruments and placing them on an interactive board
- Once placed, all the instruments play together at the same time, creating the effect of a real live orchestra
- A separate sound area lets visitors listen to the calls and sounds of different animals found in Iceland
- Fully hands-on and designed for curious young minds
Tip: A great way to keep kids engaged while you explore the rest of the building. Budget an extra 20 to 30 minutes if you are visiting with children.
7. Visit as Part of a Walking Tour
Harpa is a well-known building on most city routes. Here is what to expect:
- Guided Tours: Many city walking tours and food tours stop here to see the architecture. You can join a guided walking tour as part of a multi-day package for a thorough introduction to the city.
- Easy Access: The Hop-On Hop-Off bus has its own stop directly at the front entrance, making it an easy starting point for exploring on your own.
- Local Insights: Guides share the building's history and design, from its start in 2007 to its opening in 2011. Many multi-day tours include a full day to explore these city center stops.
- Exploring Beyond: From Harpa, you can easily walk along the Sculpture and Shore Walk, a waterfront path that leads to the famous Sun Voyager Sculpture.
Best Time to Visit Harpa
Visit in the evening to see the LED light shows on the glass facade. During the day, the sun creates patterns that move across the lobby floors.
Harpa is open every day of the year, except on some public holidays, making it a warm place to stop indoors during the winter. If you have concert tickets, aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to use the coat check and find your seat before the doors close.
Helpful Tips For Visitors
Here's what you need to know before visiting Harpa:
- Location and address: Harpa is located at Austurbakki 2 in Reykjavík's Miðborg neighborhood, on the waterfront. Most downtown hotels are within a 10 to 15-minute walk.
- Time to budget: Plan for one to two hours if you're exploring the building. Add two to three hours if you're attending a performance or dining.
- Opening hours: The building is open daily, but hours vary by season and events. Check the official website before your visit.
- Easy to combine: Harpa is close to the Old Harbor, Laugavegur shopping street, and Hallgrímskirkja church. It works well as a stop between other downtown activities.
- Harpa is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities: Ramps and elevators are available throughout the building, providing easy access to all floors and venues.
How to Add Harpa to Your Iceland Itinerary
Most people visit Harpa at the start or end of their trip. It sits at Austurbakki 2, a short walk from the Old Harbor and 15 minutes up the hill to Hallgrímskirkja Church. It is a warm place to rest indoors between outdoor activities.
After a day of waterfalls and glaciers, a live symphony or opera performance gives you a direct look at Iceland's cultural life. Many vacation packages in Iceland include a stop at Harpa as part of a wider city tour. Check the official Harpa event calendar before you arrive and book early, as popular shows sell out fast.
