The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is my favorite building in Reykjavik. It has many wonderful features, but the main hall of Eldborg stands out. No matter what event or concert I attend, entering that deep red hall is always a special occasion.
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The award-winning architecture of Harpa in Reykjavik
Henning Larsen Architects worked with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson to design the Harpa. The stunning building is well worth visiting to view the masterful architecture. Consider the unique glass exterior and the Eldborg mentioned above. It is no wonder the building won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2013.
Harpa in Reykjavik is the center of the city’s cultural life
All its halls are designed to have superb audio regardless of the music performed. Harpa is the venue for the most significant concerts and conferences in Iceland. It is also the residence of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. Its concerts are always enjoyable, and Icelanders can take pride in its orchestra.
Harpa is bustling. With the addition of the five-star hotel Reykjavik Edition, which opened next door, it will become even busier. One of the people working tirelessly to ensure that Harpa gets the attention it deserves is Ásta Ólafsdóttir, Harpa’s Director of Sales, Business Development and Marketing and a travel industry veteran.
Hey Ásta, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview. What, in your mind, makes Harpa so popular among travelers and locals alike?
Harpa has an amazing attraction, as one of Reykjavik‘s monumental buildings. The unique architecture, beautiful facade, and building size create curiosity and longing to explore it further. Harpa creates a magical atmosphere where artists, musicians, conference guests, travelers, and locals gather under one roof with their agenda, creating a dazzling energy like no other.+
What is your favorite thing about Harpa?
There are so many things that come to mind. There is the building and the story it has created. It revolves around Harpa as a venue and the perseverance it took to complete Harpa despite the financial crisis in 2008. The talented people who contribute to the Harpa experience in some way are my favorite too. There are talented people who work behind the scenes. Some take care of the building and sell tickets, and then the artists perform in events and shows.
All events get equal attention, no matter their size. Harpa is a canvas where artists and our team work together to create beautiful art.
The program at Harpa in Reykjavik is delightfully varied
Many people visit Harpa just to see its stunning architecture, but what events or programs take place that you think will especially appeal to travelers in the coming months? Many interesting concerts and artists are performing in 2023. Harpa is the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, which performs in Eldborg every Thursday from August – June.
One of our signature concerts this year is by Anne-Sophie Mutter, the world-renowned violinist. She will perform in Eldborg with the string ensemble Mutter Virtuosi on January 27th, 2023.
We are proud to offer various programs for travelers. Circuleight is an innovative and interactive innovative installation where Harpa partnered with Artechouse. Circuleight features designs and real-time interactive visuals inspired by eight elements of Icelandic nature, creating beautiful art under a decisive score of original music by Högni Egilsson.
How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes combines a play and stand-up comedy, where you will learn to walk, talk and behave like a regular Icelander and have a good laugh. This show has been an enormous success and has performed in Harpa since 2012.
The Mulinn jazz club – performs most Wednesday evenings in winter. It’s a great ending to a fun day sightseeing to enjoy their performance and a drink.
What are your favorite places and activities here in Iceland?
My favorite places are Westman Islands, my hometown. Another favorite are the Westfjords where they practice slow travel and are in the moment. Hiking the Icelandic highlands and hiking the mountains are one of the most healing experiences.
What advice do you have for those visiting Iceland for the first time?
Don’t over plan your trip – make room for the unexpected. Remember the logistics – you don’t travel fast on Icelandic roads, and don’t try to go too far within a day. Money spent on guided tours is well spent; embrace the guide’s knowledge and ask many questions. Do as the locals do, shower before entering a public bath or swimming pool. Do these things, and the locals will embrace you 😉
