About Epal Harpa
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre (often called simply “Harpa”) is Reykjavík’s flagship venue for concerts and events. It opened in 2011 on the old harbour waterfront and quickly became an iconic landmark. The design, by Danish firm Henning Larsen with local architects and artist Ólafur Elíasson, features a stunning glass facade — a glittering lattice of colored panels that mirror Iceland’s rugged landscape. Harpa’s main Eldborg Hall seats about 1,730 people and is famed for its world-class acoustics. Inside the multi-story building are several other halls (Silfurberg, Norðurljós, Kaldalón, etc.), each with flexible seating for different event sizes. The name “Harpa” (Icelandic for harp) reflects its musical purpose; since opening it has hosted the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and countless international performers. Harpa has earned major awards for its architecture and acoustics and stands as a cultural centrepiece for Reykjavík.
Harpa’s calendar is packed year-round. You’ll find classical symphony concerts, chamber music, jazz and international pop/rock shows, dance performances, film screenings, art exhibitions and trade conferences all here. Regular highlights include the Iceland Symphony Orchestra’s concert series, large choral and opera performances, and community events like Reykjavík Culture Night. Families enjoy special children’s shows and holiday concerts. Ticket prices range widely: small recitals or educational programs can cost just a few thousand Icelandic krónur (ISK), while major concerts or musicals often run in the ISK 8,000–15,000 range or higher. Discounts for students, seniors and children are common where available.
Tickets can be purchased online or at Harpa’s box office. The box office is on the ground floor lobby (front entrance) and operates daily (typically around 10:00–18:00). On days with evening performances, it stays open later. Since popular shows often sell out, it’s smart to book well in advance. The resident Iceland Symphony Orchestra offers subscription packages for its season series. When booking, note that Harpa uses reserved seating with price tiers: orchestra and front balconies cost more than rear or side seats. Always use official channels to avoid any ticketing scams.
The seating in Harpa is comfortable and acoustically optimized. Eldborg Hall’s floor and two balconies are steeply tiered so that even the back rows see clearly. Acoustically, the best experience is often along center rows of the main floor or first balcony. Side or very rear seats see less of the stage, but sound is well-tuned throughout. All seats in Eldborg are fixed (no standing-room here). Smaller halls operate differently: Silfurberg can be arranged theater-style or open-floor, and Norðurljós is very flexible; these can be rearranged with or without chairs depending on the event. Very few seats are obstructed — the hall was built so that each audience member has an excellent audio-visual view.
Getting There and Parking
Harpa is very centrally located. Its address is Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík. It sits on Reykjavík’s old harbour. By public transit, the Lækjartorg bus stop (Austurstræti/Lækjargata) is just north of Harpa. Virtually all city buses stop there (e.g. routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11) every 10–30 minutes. The Hop-On-Hop-Off and sightseeing buses also stop directly at Harpa. From the BSÍ bus terminal or from Keflavík Airport (via airport shuttle to BSÍ), take a local bus (like line 3 or 6) one stop toward Lækjartorg and walk north. By car, Harpa has an underground garage with 545 spaces operating 24/7. Enter at Austurbakki; parking is paid (roughly ISK 300–400 per hour). Street parking nearby is metered. Taxis and ride-share can drop off or pick up at the front entrance. (The drive from Keflavík Airport takes about 45–50 minutes.)
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, show your ticket at the entry scanners. Staff may visually inspect bags. The lobby areas are bright and spacious, lined with glass and wood. Audience attire is usually smart-casual (jeans and a nice top are common; some dress more formally for symphony nights). Harpa offers a few amenities: on the ground floor is Hnoss Bistro (a casual café-restaurant open daily), and on the 4th floor is La Primavera Ristorante (Northern Italian cuisine with harbour views). A bar/café serves coffee, snacks and drinks in the lobby. A complimentary coat check is available during events (look for it near the main escalator on level 2). Restrooms and water fountains are on each level. There is also a shop (Rammagerðin) selling Icelandic crafts and souvenirs. Harpa provides free Wi-Fi in public areas, though the signal may be weaker inside the halls.
Nearby Amenities
Harpa’s location means countless amenities are within a short walk. Immediately outside is Reykjavík’s famous Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand. Along the Old Harbour promenade (5 minutes away) are eateries like Tapas Barinn, Kaffi Babalu, and seafood restaurants by the docks. Two blocks inland is Lækjargata street with bakeries and cafés. A 5–10 minute walk north brings you to Laugavegur street, lined with restaurants and pubs serving global and Icelandic cuisine. Hotels in the area include the Reykjavik Marina Hotel and the upscale Reykjavik EDITION (both under 5 minutes’ walk), and the Radisson Blu 1919 or Center Hotels (a quick taxi ride). Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses are also nearby. For late-night transport, Reykjavík has night buses on weekends or you can easily hail a taxi outside Harpa.
What Makes This Venue Special
Harpa is special not just for its events but for its design and cultural significance. Its multi-sided glass exterior by Ólafur Elíasson changes color with the sky and lights up at night, making the building itself a work of art. Inside, the grand atrium with high ceilings and wood panels creates a unique “concert hall cathedral” atmosphere. Harpa won Europe’s prestigious Mies van der Rohe architecture prize in 2013 and is often described as a modern Icelandic jewel. It also has historical meaning: completed after Iceland’s financial crisis, its opening became a symbol of recovery. Performers love Harpa’s acoustics and audiences praise its comfort and beauty. With stunning ocean views and top-notch facilities, Harpa offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan to arrive early (doors open ~20–30 minutes before start) to find your seat and relax. Keep phones silent (no photos or video during a performance). Briefcases and larger backpacks are discouraged in the halls; small personal bags are fine. If attending a formal concert, consider dressing up a bit (business casual is common); otherwise casual wear is acceptable. Layers are wise in winter – outside can be cold, but inside is toasty. Harpa staff are friendly and helpful; if you need wheelchair assistance or a hearing device, let them know in advance. Note that smoking and vaping are prohibited indoors. Finally, take a moment to enjoy the venue itself: stroll the lobby or step outside onto the plaza for incredible views of the lit-up city and sea at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harpa and what kind of events does it host?
Harpa is Reykjavík’s main concert and conference centre, opened in 2011 on the city’s old harbour. It hosts an extremely wide range of events: symphony orchestra and chamber music concerts, opera and choir performances, jazz, rock and pop shows, plus theater, dance, film screenings and conventions. In short, nearly any cultural or business event can take place in Harpa’s halls.
How do I buy tickets for Harpa events?
Tickets are sold through Harpa’s official box office and website. You can purchase them online in advance or at Harpa’s on-site box office, which is open daily. Popular performances often sell out quickly, so it’s wise to book as soon as tickets are available. Subscriptions or season passes are sometimes offered for recurring series. Always buy only from Harpa or authorized sellers to ensure your tickets are valid.
Where is Harpa’s box office and what are its opening hours?
The box office is located on Harpa’s ground floor, near the main lobby entrance. It is typically open every day from about 10:00 to 18:00 local time. On concert nights it stays open later. (Note: hours may be shorter on major holidays.) You can pick up pre-ordered tickets or buy any tickets still available for that evening’s show.
How many seats does Harpa have and how are they arranged?
Harpa’s largest hall, Eldborg, holds about 1,730 seats across four levels (stalls plus balconies). All those seats face the stage and are reserved. There are no standing areas in Eldborg. The other halls are smaller: for example, Silfurberg can hold several hundred (depending on layout) and Kaldalón about 165–195 seats. These smaller halls often rearrange seats for different events. All seating in Harpa’s halls is tiered or sloped so that most people have a clear view of the stage.
Which seats offer the best view and sound?
In Eldborg, central seats in the middle rows (orchestra level or first balcony) are generally best for both sight and sound. These positions give you a broad perspective of the stage without being too far. Side or very rear seats cost less but you are farther from the stage. Harpa was designed for evenly distributed sound, so even the back seats hear well. In smaller halls, sit near the stage if possible. If an event is general admission, arriving early will help you secure a front spot.
How do I get to Harpa by public transport?
Harpa is easily reached by Reykjavík buses. The nearest stop is Lækjartorg (corner of Austurstræti/Lækjargata), which is just a 2-minute walk from Harpa. Many city routes stop there, including lines 1, 3, 4, 6, 11, and others. Hop-on hopping tour buses also stop at Harpa. From the BSÍ bus station or the airport shuttle, take a local bus to Lækjartorg. Note that late-night buses run on weekends. Otherwise you can take a taxi or ride-share directly to Harpa’s front doors.
Is there parking available at Harpa?
Yes. Harpa has an underground parking garage (two levels, 545 spaces) open 24/7. Enter at Austurbakki 2. There is a height limit (barely over 2 meters) so very tall vehicles may not fit. Parking is paid; expect about ISK 300–400 per hour. If the Harpa garage is full, there is a large public garage under Hafnartorg next door. Street parking nearby is limited and metered at all hours. Bicycles can be parked at racks outside Harpa.
Is Harpa wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely. Harpa was built to be fully accessible. Elevators connect all levels (from parking to the top floors). Each main hall has reserved wheelchair seating (these must be booked in advance). Companion seats are provided next to wheelchair spots free of charge. Accessible restrooms are on every level. Harpa also offers assistive hearing equipment and accessible seating for visually-impaired patrons. Service animals (like guide dogs) are welcome.
What food and drink can I find inside Harpa?
Inside Harpa there are a couple of dining options. On the ground floor is Hnoss Bistro (a café-restaurant open daily) serving Icelandic-inspired dishes and drinks. On the 4th floor is La Primavera Ristorante (serving Northern Italian–style meals with harbour views); it’s good for pre-show dinner (reservations advised for big concerts). In the lobby there is also a bar/café that sells coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Note that outside food or alcohol is not allowed in the performance halls (bottled water is okay).
What restaurants and bars are near Harpa?
Harpa’s waterfront location means many eateries are a short walk away. Right outside is the famous Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand. Within a few minutes on the Old Harbour promenade are spots like Tapas Barinn (Spanish tapas), Kaffi Babalu (homey café) and various seafood grills at the docks. A few blocks north is Lækjargata with bakeries and cafes. Laugavegur street is about 10 minutes on foot – it’s filled with pubs and restaurants (Icelandic, international, etc.). In the evenings, brothers like Modern Break, Pablo Discobar and others also open nearby. There’s little shortage of options in every direction.
What hotels are near Harpa?
Several hotels are within walking distance. The Reykjavík Marina Hotel and the new Reykjavík EDITION (both luxury boutique hotels) are under 5 minutes’ walk along the quay. A bit farther (10–15 minutes on foot or a short taxi) is the Radisson Blu 1919 and Center Hotels like Arnarhvoll or Skjaldbreið. Budget travelers often use on KEX Hostel or guesthouses near the harbor. In short, most downtown hotels are a quick walk or drive from Harpa.
Are cameras and phones allowed in Harpa?
You’re welcome to take photos and video in Harpa’s public spaces (the atrium and plazas are very popular for photography). However, during a performance you should not use cameras or recorders — no flash or filming. Phones should be silenced once the show begins. So feel free to snap images of the building before or after the show, but please refrain from photography during the performance.
Can I bring food or drinks into the auditorium?
No. Outside food and beverages (other than sealed water bottles) are not allowed in the performance halls. You may have food or drink in the lobby, but once inside the auditorium it should be clear. This rule helps keep the halls clean and minimizes distractions. There are water fountains in the lobby if you need a drink before entering.
Is there a coat check or cloakroom?
Yes. Harpa provides a free coat check during events. You’ll find it near the main escalator on level 2 (lower atrium). Hang your coat on a numbered hanger and keep the ticket stub. Note that the coat check typically closes just as the performance starts. Make sure to retrieve your coat before you leave for home.
Is there a dress code for Harpa events?
There is no strict dress code at Harpa. Attendees usually wear smart-casual attire. For evening concerts or opera, some people dress a bit fancier (e.g. collared shirt or dress), while for casual or daytime events jeans and a nice shirt are common. Dress in layers in cold months. The main thing is comfort — you will be sitting for a while — so avoid overly tight or uncomfortable clothing.
When should I arrive before the show starts?
Plan to arrive at Harpa at least 20–30 minutes before showtime. Harpa generally opens its doors well before the performance, which allows time for coat check, restroom use, buying any refreshments, and finding your seat. Latecomers may have to wait in the lobby until a natural break in the program. Arriving early also gives you a chance to appreciate the venue itself before darkness and silence fall.
Are children allowed in Harpa events?
Children and families are welcome at most Harpa events. Many concerts and shows are designed for all ages, and child tickets are often available at discount. However, some evening rock or dance events may have an age restriction (e.g. 18+ for certain concerts). Check the event description or ticket details: if an age limit is in place, it will be listed. Otherwise, kids just need their own ticket and adult supervision.
Why do people call it “Epal Harpa”?
“Epal Harpa” is simply a nickname. Epal is an Icelandic home-furnishings chain that opened a store at Harpa’s ground level, so locals laughingly combined the names. The official name is just Harpa Concert Hall. If you see “Epal Harpa” on an event listing, it refers to the same Harpa building at Austurbakki 2.
