By 
Harpa Concert Hall is a cultural hub and architectural marvel here in Iceland. So, you can be sure that the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre will be intriguing to both architect enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
This article explores why this award-winning work of art has millions flocking to it each year, why it needs to be on your upcoming Iceland trip itinerary, and what you can expect from your visit.
Where is Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland?
Harpa Concert Hall sits in the heart of the capital city of Reykjavik, next to the harbor overlooking the water. If you would like to enter the exact address into your GPS, it’s Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavik.
Harpa Concert Hall: An Introduction
Harpa Concert Hall officially opened its doors in May 2011 and has been an iconic Icelandic landmark ever since for a variety of reasons relating to its impressive design and musical repertoire. It boasts four halls, an 1800-seater auditorium, various conferencing facilities and meeting rooms, boutiques, catering services, a restaurant, and a bistro. But despite its stellar reputation today, it had a bit of a rocky start.
A Turbulent Start
The ideology of a Reykjavik opera house already had its inception in the 1880s, yet active construction only started in 2007. Unfortunately, the construction began on the cuff of what we now know as the economic crash of 2008. Iceland found itself in an economic crisis, buckling under crippling debts.
With the government standing strong on no bailouts, completing the construction of Harpa Concert Hall was pretty low on the priority list, and with no funds, the half-finished building kind of became a symbol of the times. The population was pretty divided on the project, with some finding the eye-sore a public and international humiliation while others thought it's best to rather be safe than sorry and close the taps on governmental spending.
Eventually, the decision was made to rather turn the derelict Harpa into a symbol of hope, and the government fully financed its completion. The European Court of Justice also ruled in Iceland’s favor, stating that the country has not broken any laws by refusing to compensate some of its European counterparts after the collapse of Landsbanki Islands bank. This judgment merely confirmed that the country (and the project) was on the right track.
The Incredible Harpa Concert Hall Architecture
If you ever take a look at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre photos floating around on the internet and that are proudly displayed on tourist materials, you’ll see that this modern, almost cubistic structure has a glistening glass facade (matching the glistening water around it) with a strange honey-comb-like look to it.
A total of 714 glass panels of various shapes and sizes were used, and the LED lighting adds another layer to the already impressive aesthetics once it gets dark. This incredible display was the ultimate group effort between various experts in their fields:
- Olafur Eliasson – An Icelandic-Danish artist.
- Henning Larsen – Head designer, leading the Danish Architectural Firm, Henning Larsen Architects.
- Batteriid Arkitektar – The Icelandic architectural firm that assisted Henning Larsen Architects.
- Artec Consultants Inc. (now Arup Inc.) – A New York Firm that took care of all the acoustic design inside Harpa Concert Hall.
- IAV – The general contractors responsible for the actual construction of the building.
Since its construction, Harpa has walked away with numerous awards for its unique design and state-of-the-art acoustic technology. Some of its most prestigious awards include:
- 2018 – USITT Architecture Award
- 2016 – Best Meeting and Conference Centre in Europe awarded by Business Destinations
- 2013 – Mies van der Rohe (European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Award)
- 2011 – Best Performance Space Design awarded by Travel&Leisure
- 2010 – One of the 10 Best Concert Halls and Inspiring Structures of the Millennium awarded by Gramophone
- 2010 – World Architecture Award
The Melodious Side of Harpa Music Hall
Another big part of Harpa’s fame is the musical role it plays here in Iceland. In fact, some of Iceland’s biggest acts not only perform here but have Harpa as their headquarters. These include:
The Iceland Symphony Orchestra (aka ISO)
This Harpa resident boasts over 100 concerts each season and is known for their wide range of musical skills, from performing age-old classics with internationally acclaimed classical musicians to giving top performances in various other genres in collaboration with other renowned artists from around the world.
The Icelandic Opera
Although the Icelandic Opera sadly is no more, we have to give credit where credit is due, and it was due for over 13 years. The Icelandic Opera was a resident of Harpa right from the beginning when it opened in 2011. It gave world-class performances that garnered a lot of support, worldwide recognition, and many prestigious awards. Unfortunately, 2024 marked the end of an era at Harpa when the Icelandic Opera stopped operations. Luckily, there are still plenty of high quality programs to enjoy in this venue.
The Reykjavik Big Band
This is essentially the smaller and more informal version of the symphony orchestra. While equally as talented, highly skilled, and technically trained, this band has been part of a wide range of musical projects with various other musicians, composers, and bands, with no limitations when it comes to genres.
Maximus Musicus
Maximus Musicus is one of the most beloved characters in a series of children’s books. Maximus was the brainchild of Hallfridur Olafsdottir (the principal flutist in ISO for many years), boasting illustrations by Thorarinn Mar Baldursson (a viola player in ISO to this day).
While the books were once mostly a favorite among Icelandic children, they have grown in popularity among international little readers. It may seem strange to mention Maximus as a Harpa resident, but that is very much the case. Except for his creators, Mazimus also brings his musicality to Harpa with the Maximus Musikus Project aimed at children.
It teaches them about music, musicians, and musical instruments, and even hosts a few concerts with Maximus as an honored guest. This is also why you might spot a few littles running around Harpa looking for a mouse hole (no need to start searching for pest control).
Diverse range of events
Harpa's role as a cultural epicenter in Iceland extends far beyond its architecture and resident musical groups. It is a vibrant hub for a diverse range of events, including:
- Iceland Airwaves Music Festival: This internationally renowned festival showcases both established and emerging Icelandic and international artists, with many performances taking place at Harpa. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant Icelandic music scene and discover new talent.
- Unique Icelandic Events: Harpa hosts a variety of events that celebrate Iceland's unique culture and traditions. These may include traditional Icelandic music performances, storytelling events, and exhibitions showcasing Icelandic art and design.
- International Conferences and Conventions: Harpa's state-of-the-art facilities attract international conferences and conventions, bringing together experts and thought leaders from around the world.
- Community Events: Harpa is also a venue for local community events, such as film screenings, lectures, and workshops.
These diverse events, combined with Harpa's stunning architecture and world-class acoustics, make it a truly exceptional cultural destination.
Planning Your Trip to Harpa Concert Hall: Important Visitor’s Information
The below information will help you plan your trip to Harpa:
Getting to Harpa Concert Hall
Since Harpa is so conveniently located within the capital city, your go-to for getting to the Concert Hall should be either walking or using our public transport. If you’re planning on walking, just double-check how long the walk will take (and add a few extra minutes for the unexpected along the way) so you can allocate the appropriate time for your Harpa outing in your trip itinerary.
When it comes to public transport, our Stræto buses will get you there in no time. Just keep in mind that buses run every 15 minutes during peak hours, but after hours, they only run every 30 minutes. You can check exactly which bus to take on the Stræto website. If you are planning on spending at least a couple of days in the capital, we highly recommend you get yourself a Reykjavik City Card.
The Reykjavik City Card gives you free entry at some of our most famous attractions, amazing discounts on others as well as various tours and services, and also gives you the right to unlimited and free travel via our city buses, excluding the no. 55 bus.
Going on Guided Tours
Once you’re at Harpa, you’ll also have the option of going on a guided tour. You can choose from the following:
General Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center Tours
These tours have an experienced guide at the helm, giving you the insider take on Harpa and all it has to offer. Dates and times are displayed on the Harpa Concert guided tour website page, and tickets can even be bought online from there. Or you can simply pop a mail to tours@harpa.is to find out when tour dates and times are.
Private Guided Tours
What makes these guided tours so special is that they are all done by musicians with in-depth knowledge and a deep love for Harpa and everything it stands for. If you have any questions or would like to make a booking, you’re welcome to do so at tours@harpa.is.
Private Guided Tours (with the Focus on its Unique Design)
These private tours are just as special since they are done with an architect as your guide. So, if you’re an architecture aficionado or an architect, this is definitely an extremely insightful tour you don’t want to miss. Bookings are also done via tours@harpa.is.
Private Guided Tours (with a Show)
These guided tours don’t end with a bang but in song! Not only will you get the lowdown on all things Harpa during your guided tour, but you’ll also get your own private performance at the end, with the performers also sharing some musical history and knowledge. Once again, all inquiries and bookings should be made via tours@harpa.is.
The Harpa Concert Hall Schedule
If you’re thinking of taking in a show and not just admiring the building, you can check out what’s on the Harpa events calendar and schedule via their Whats On website page. You can even filter by event type, month, etc.
Opening Hours of the Reykjavik Concert Hall
Harpa’s opening hours vary and follow no distinct pattern, so they can be tricky to keep track of and navigate. Opening hours are as follows:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays = 10:00 – 18:00
- Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays = 10:00 – 20:00
*The box office is open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 18:00 every day
**Opening hours of the restaurants and shops vary and are not always the same as Harpa’s opening hours.
Entry Fees to Harpa Concert Hall
Checking out Harpa Concert Hall is free and you won’t need to pay any entry fees to just take a look around. But keep in mind that all shows and concerts will require a ticket (of which prices vary), and the guided tours, which are between 45 and 60 minutes, will cost from 5200 ISK ($38.00/€34.90), depending on the tour you choose.
When visiting
Given Harpa's prime location in Reykjavik, it's easy to explore the city's vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty. For a memorable dining experience, consider visiting the nearby restaurants, such as Fish Market or Kopar, renowned for their fresh seafood and innovative cuisine. To avoid crowds, plan your visit during the off-peak seasons, such as spring or autumn. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky from Harpa's rooftop terrace, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Harpa Concert Hall’s Special Focus On Sustainability
Harpa takes its social responsibility very seriously and has actively taken steps to become a sustainable institution that implements measures to fight against climate change. Its “green” journey already began in 2015 with clearly defined environmental goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Iceland reach its target of carbon neutrality by 2030.
Harpa also uses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals when creating its sustainability strategy and uses it as a regulatory standard. In 2021, Harpa published a Climate and Environmental Policy, making their intentions clear and more official. In 2022, Harpa placed special emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives, after which the first annual sustainability report was made public after the 2023 annual general meeting.
This is to be as transparent as possible and for the public to hold them accountable. Since then, Harpa has continued to review and publish environmental policies and projects with timed targets to make their success measurable.
Come and Experience Breathtaking Design and Mesmerizing Music at Harpa Concert Hall
Most visitors to the island will begin or end their trip in Reykjavik, so there really is no excuse not to explore the capital city and its wonders. And while doing so, it would be a cultural sin not to make a stop at Harpa Concert Hall.
If you have the time (and the money), we also suggest you catch one of the concerts and go on a guided tour to dive further into Harpa and what it signifies to us Icelanders. If you’re planning on road-tripping around the island, we recommend renting a campervan in Iceland for the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel. If you’ve visited Harpa beforehand, we know you’ll be leaving the capital with a song in your heart.
Just ensure you’re not also leaving with Maximus Musicus, who will surely also become your firm favorite. Safe travels, and may you leave with the mesmerizing music of Harpa Concert Hall still ringing in your ears!
