Hotels
New Year's Eve in Reykjavik 2026, with bonfires, fireworks and hotels
Reykjavik celebrates with bonfires across the city, a comedy show that empties the streets and fireworks from half past eleven. These are the hotels in the centre, from Austurvöllur to Hallgrímskirkja, with guest ratings.
7 November 20266 min
Picolo Editorial
In short about New Year's Eve in Reykjavik 2026
New Year's Eve in Reykjavik follows a fixed rhythm. Families gather at neighbourhood bonfires at 8.30pm, the city goes quiet for the comedy show Áramótaskaup from 10.30pm, and the fireworks start as soon as it ends, around 11.30pm. The biggest show is in front of Hallgrímskirkja, the church on the hill above the centre.
Our first choice: Hotel Borg on Austurvöllur square, two minutes from the Parliament House, with 9.4 out of 10 from guests. Check availability and prices at Hotel Borg
What happens on New Year's Eve in Reykjavik?
8.30pm: bonfires are lit at ten places around the city, including Ægisíða by the sea and Geirsnef, according to the City of Reykjavík for New Year's Eve 2025.
10.30pm: Áramótaskaup, the year's comedy review, is broadcast on RÚV, the national broadcaster, and the streets empty while most of the country watches.
About 11.30pm: the fireworks begin as soon as the show ends and carry on past midnight, according to Visit Reykjavík.
Where to watch: Reykjavík Grapevine names the square in front of Hallgrímskirkja for the biggest show, but the fireworks can be seen from shores and hills all over the city.
After midnight the bars and clubs stay open, so central hotels let you walk home at any hour.
When should you book a hotel for New Year's Eve in Reykjavik?
Book as soon as you know your dates. Central hotels are in high demand over New Year, and some may set a minimum stay. Book dinner at the same time, because many Icelanders eat at home with family on New Year's Eve and fewer restaurants are open. Bring warm clothes: you will be outdoors for the bonfire and the fireworks.
The hotels in central Reykjavik
Walking times are from Expedia.
The Reykjavik EDITION
The Reykjavik EDITION stands on the harbour, one minute from Harpa.
Hotel Borg: on Austurvöllur
Hotel Borg is the art deco hotel on Austurvöllur, the square in front of the Icelandic Parliament, two minutes from the Parliament House and three from City Hall. It opened in 1930 and is still the grand old address in the city centre. Guests rate it 9.4 out of 10. It suits anyone who wants to be in the heart of the old town, with bars and restaurants on every side.
Check availability and prices at Hotel Borg
The Reykjavik EDITION: by Harpa
The Reykjavik EDITION stands on the harbour, one minute from Harpa, the glass concert hall, and about fourteen minutes' walk from Hallgrímskirkja. Rooms on the harbour side look out over the water and the mountains. Guests rate it 9.4 out of 10. It suits couples who want to see the fireworks over the harbour.
Sand Hotel
Sand Hotel is on Laugavegur, five minutes from Hallgrímskirkja.
Sand Hotel: five minutes to Hallgrímskirkja
Sand Hotel is on Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street, about five minutes' walk from Hallgrímskirkja, which makes it the closest of these hotels to the biggest fireworks show. It is a mid-sized design hotel, and guests rate it 9.4 out of 10. It suits anyone who wants to walk up the hill at 11.30pm and be back in a few minutes.
Check availability and prices at Sand Hotel
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel: between the harbour and the old town
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel is on Hafnarstræti, one minute from Laugavegur, five from Harpa and five from City Hall. It is a smaller hotel with a bar, and guests rate it 9.6 out of 10, the highest score here. It suits couples who want a quieter base in the centre.
Check availability and prices at Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
What Picolo would choose
What Picolo would choose: Hotel Borg for the old town, Sand Hotel to be closest to Hallgrímskirkja, and The Reykjavik EDITION for the harbour.
Why: Borg is on Austurvöllur and scores 9.4 out of 10. Sand is five minutes from the church where the biggest show is. The EDITION is one minute from Harpa, with the harbour in front. The trade-off: Konsulat has the highest score, 9.6, but it is a smaller hotel without the views of the EDITION.
For more hotels in the city, see the best hotels in Reykjavik. Hoping for the aurora too? See the northern lights in Iceland. For other cities to celebrate in, see New Year city breaks.
Our pick for New Year's Eve in Reykjavik
Hotel Borg: New Year on Austurvöllur
Hotel Borg is the hotel we would choose for New Year in Reykjavik. The art deco hotel on Austurvöllur has been the grand address in the city centre since 1930, and it stands two minutes from the Parliament House and three from City Hall, with bars and restaurants all around the square. From here it is a walk up Skólavörðustígur to Hallgrímskirkja for the biggest fireworks show. Guests rate the hotel 9.4 out of 10.
Frequently asked questions about New Year's Eve in Reykjavik
What time are the fireworks in Reykjavik on New Year's Eve?
The fireworks start at about 11.30pm, as soon as the comedy show Áramótaskaup ends on RÚV, and carry on past midnight. They are set off by people all over the city. Reykjavík Grapevine names the square in front of Hallgrímskirkja as the place for the biggest show.
Where are the New Year's Eve bonfires in Reykjavik?
The City of Reykjavík lit ten bonfires at 8.30pm on New Year's Eve 2025, including Ægisíða by the sea, Geirsnef and Gufunes. Locals go to the bonfire nearest their home after dinner. Check the city's website in late December for the 2026 list and times.
What is Áramótaskaup?
Áramótaskaup is a comedy review of the past year, broadcast on RÚV, the national broadcaster, from about 10.30pm on New Year's Eve. Most of Iceland watches it, so the streets go quiet for an hour. RÚV has also broadcast a version with English subtitles on its second channel.
Which hotel is closest to Hallgrímskirkja?
Of the hotels in this guide, Sand Hotel on Laugavegur is closest, about five minutes' walk from Hallgrímskirkja according to Expedia. The Reykjavik EDITION is about fourteen minutes away, by the harbour. Both have guest ratings of 9.4 out of 10, and both are in the city centre.
Sources
The New Year's Eve programme comes from the City of Reykjavík, Visit Reykjavík and Reykjavík Grapevine. Walking times, facilities and guest ratings come from Expedia, last checked 7 November 2026. The picks in "What Picolo would choose" are Picolo's own.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Our picks are made independently by our editors.
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