What To Do This Week | Swim-In Film Screening, Museum Night and Other Events
2026-02-02 - 09:57
Many people call midwinter the darkest and dullest time of the year. Maybe elsewhere—but not in Reykjavík. For culture vultures eager to experience the rich and diverse cultural life of Iceland’s capital and beyond, this week offers the perfect opportunity. Explore our day-by-day suggestions and get ready for an exhilarating ride. Monday, 2 February Manuscripts at Árni Magnússon Institute. Photo: Golli. Neskirkja, a lecture on manuscripts, 13.00 Let’s start your week on an academic note, shall we? Author and adjunct lecturer Katelin Parsons will discuss manuscripts and rare recordings discovered across North America. This event explores the lives, work, and legacy of Icelandic rhyme poets in the West, and how their poetry survived, adapted, and, in some cases, exists nowhere else. More information here. Tuesday, 3 February Photo: Troll.is Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour, Vík, 9.30 Ice caves are among Iceland’s lesser-seen natural features, found only in specific conditions and locations. Some tour operators, including Troll.is, offer Super Jeep tours that provide access to these remote sites. One such journey leads to the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Southern Iceland. The route crosses black sand plains and mountain landscapes, with views of Mt. Hafursey, a filming location for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The cave itself is a naturally formed, year-round feature marked by blue ice and layers of volcanic ash. More information is available from Troll.is. Wednesday, 4 February Mergur, a play at Tjarnarbíó, 20.00 Directed by Katrín Lóa Hafsteinsdóttir, Mergur is a new stage production that addresses the supernatural aspect of Icelandic nature. Bordering on esoteric and sci-fi, the play incorporates choral singing, drawing from the country’s folk tradition. According to the press release, Mergur creates a portal “beauty meets grotesque”. More information about the play and tickets are available here. Thursday, 5 February A swim-in screening at Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar, 18.00 Watching movies while soaking in warm water is a very Icelandic leisurely activity. Started by RIFF (Reykjavík International Film Festival), Swim-In Cinema combines Iceland’s two most beloved entertainments. The next screening is Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally (1989). It’s a rare chance to see this iconic film on a wide screen, set within the beautiful indoor surroundings of Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar swimming pool. Friday, 6 February Museum Night 2026 at Reykjavík Art Museum, 17.00 During Safnanótt (Museum Night in Icelandic), museums and cultural institutions open their doors with a variety of events, exhibitions and live experiences for all ages. The capital’s hub of contemporary art, Reykjavík Art Museum, has prepared a diverting programme: from audiovisual concerts to artist talks and curator’s tours. Whether you are a local art enthusiast or wish to educate yourself, the Museum Night will give a solid introduction to the Icelandic contemporary art scene. After all, isn’t it fun hanging around the sacred museum space in the late evening? Saturday, 7 February Andervel, a concert at Mengi, 20.00 Andervel is the music project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist José Luis Anderson. Born and raised in Mexico, Anderson creates a unique brand of folk music, seen through the lens of multicultural identity. On his latest single ‘Ég finn’, the Reykjavík-based artist continues his poetic exploration of identity, belonging, and cultural adaptation. This will be a heartwarming addition to your Saturday. Check this link for tickets. Sunday, 8 February Rubin Pollock, an album launch at Iðnó, 20.00 Rubin Pollock is best known as the guitarist of Kaleo and has also collaborated with a wide range of other artists. This release, however, marks the first time he steps forward under his own name, venturing into new musical territory. At Iðnó, Pollock will premiere the new album live, joined by his friends and fellow multi-instrumentalists Tómas Jónsson, Magnús Trygvason Elíassen, Ómar Guðjónsson, and Tum Árnason. More information and tickets are here.