Harpan
Reykjavík's geometric glass concert hall designed with Olafur Eliasson — the most striking building in Iceland, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
About
About Harpan
Reykjavík's geometric glass concert hall designed with Olafur Eliasson — the most striking building in Iceland, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Walk through Harpa's crystalline foyer for free — the changing light on the geometric glass panels is one of Reykjavík's best free experiences.
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Photo Gallery
Background
History & Background
Construction of Harpa began in 2007 and the building officially opened in May 2011. The project was developed by the Icelandic government and the City of Reykjavík as the first purpose-built concert hall in the capital. The building quickly became a symbol of Iceland’s cultural recovery following the financial crisis and today serves as one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is one of Reykjavík’s defining modern landmarks. Opened in 2011 on the waterfront, the building was designed by Henning Larsen Architects with Batteríið Architects, while its geometric glass façade was developed in collaboration with artist Ólafur Elíasson. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and hosts concerts, conferences, festivals and other events. Much of the public interior can be explored without attending a performance, making the building itself a worthwhile stop for architecture, harbour views and changing light across the glass façade.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Harpa transformed Reykjavík’s waterfront when it opened in 2011. Its faceted glass exterior changes character with the weather and light, while the interior functions as one of Iceland’s main venues for music and large cultural events.
💡 Did You Know?
Harpa's geometric façade was co-designed by Olafur Eliasson, the Icelandic-Danish artist famous for weather project installations at Tate Modern.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature
Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.
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Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ Glass façade light reflections at sunset
Harpa’s glass panels reflect the changing light of the harbour and Mount Esja, creating one of the most photogenic moments in Reykjavík during sunset.
One of the best photography moments in Reykjavík, especially during sunset and evening light.
✦ Free entry cultural landmark
Visitors can enter Harpa’s public areas freely and explore the building without purchasing a concert ticket.
✦ Best evening photo location in Reykjavík
Harpa becomes especially photogenic after sunset when the glass façade lights up in changing colours.
✦ Home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Harpa hosts performances by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and international artists throughout the year.
✦ Perfect bad-weather activity
Harpa is an excellent indoor stop during rain, wind, or snow while exploring downtown Reykjavík.
✦ Central waterfront location
Located between the Old Harbour and downtown Reykjavík, Harpa is easy to combine with a walking route through the city centre.
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Location
📍 Location
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