Sónar Reykjavík – Iceland 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Sónar Reykjavík, part of the global Sónar festival series, began in 2013 as an extension of the pioneering Sónar Barcelona, which launched in 1994 to celebrate electronic music and digital culture.
• Cultural Significance: The festival is a cultural beacon, showcasing Iceland’s vibrant electronic music scene alongside international talent, fostering a global exchange of innovative sounds and visual arts. It reflects Reykjavík’s reputation as a creative hub, blending music with Iceland’s unique natural beauty.
• Growth Over the Years: Since its inception, Sónar Reykjavík has grown from a niche event into a must-attend festival, hosting over 3,500 guests nightly at Harpa Concert House. It has featured artists like Jon Hopkins, Orbital, and Charlotte Adigéry, cementing its status as a key platform for cutting-edge electronic music.
• Global Influence: As part of the Sónar network, which has hosted over 100 editions worldwide, the Reykjavík edition emphasizes experimental and avant-garde music, integrating technology and art to push creative boundaries.
• Community Impact: The festival supports Iceland’s Electronic Music Scene (EMS) and collaborates with local organizations like Xplore Iceland, promoting both established and emerging artists while enhancing Reykjavík’s cultural tourism.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • Multiple stages at Harpa Concert House feature electronic music genres, including techno, house, ambient, and experimental, with past performers like Bad Gyal, Danny Brown, and Underworld.
  • Live performances and DJ sets from a mix of international stars and Icelandic artists, showcasing talents like those from the Icelandic EMS collective.
  • Sónar+D program, integrating talks, panel discussions, and workshops on music, technology, and innovation, featuring industry leaders and creatives.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • The festival transforms Harpa’s underground parking garage into a nightclub for intimate DJ sets, creating a unique contrast with Iceland’s winter darkness.
  • Immersive visual installations and light shows synchronized with performances, enhancing the audiovisual experience.
  • A focus on community and experimentation, fostering connections between artists, audiences, and local culture.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Performances occur during peak Northern Lights season, allowing attendees to view the Aurora Borealis through Harpa’s glass facade, weather permitting.
  • Pop-up performances in Reykjavík’s old harbor area, with views of Faxaflói Bay and potential whale sightings, adding a natural spectacle.
  • Interactive Sónar+D exhibitions, showcasing cutting-edge technology like AI-driven music production or virtual reality art installations.

Date & Duration

• Dates: February 13–15, 2026 (based on historical patterns in February; exact dates TBD, check sonarreykjavik.com for confirmation).
• Duration: 3 days, with performances and events scheduled across day and night sessions.
• Schedule Notes: Daytime Sónar+D talks and workshops, evening concerts, and late-night DJ sets in the underground nightclub.

Venue / Location

• City: Reykjavík, Iceland.
• Main Venue: Harpa Concert House and Conference Centre, a stunning glass building inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscapes, with a capacity of 3,500 per night.
• Notable Areas:
  • Five stages, including two main concert halls, an underground parking garage nightclub, a scenic stage with harbor views, and a seated hall for 199 guests.
  • Outdoor areas near Harpa for street performances and food stalls, weather permitting.
  • Sónar+D exhibition spaces within Harpa for interactive tech and art displays.
• Google Maps Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Z3bX9kJ5Y6zZ8vK7).
• Accessibility: Harpa is fully wheelchair-accessible, with elevators, ramps, and designated seating areas.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via the official website (sonarreykjavik.com) and ticketing platforms like Tix.is, with secure payment options.
  • On-site at Harpa’s box office during the festival, subject to availability.
  • Festival passes (3-day or single-day) and VIP packages available; group discounts may be offered for Sónar+D attendees.
• Admission Type: Paid admission; no free entry for main events, though some street performances may be free.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Minimum Pricing: $50 USD for single-day tickets (based on historical pricing, adjusted for 2026; exact prices TBD).
  • Maximum Pricing: $150 USD for 3-day festival passes (based on historical pricing; exact prices TBD).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • VIP passes ($200–$300 USD, estimated) include priority entry, access to exclusive lounges, and meet-and-greets with artists.
  • Sónar+D tickets (estimated $100–$200 USD) provide access to workshops, talks, and exhibitions, with discounts for students or professionals.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • info@sonarreykjavik.com (general inquiries and ticketing).
  • press@sonarreykjavik.com (media and press inquiries).
  • sonar.responds@sonar.es (ethical concerns or festival policies, as per Sónar’s global contact).
• Phone: +354 527 2000 (Harpa Concert House, English support available); +34 93 301 4040 (Sónar Barcelona HQ for international queries).
• Website: https://sonarreykjavik.com (festival details); https://sonar.es (global Sónar network).
• Social Media:
  • @SonarReykjavik (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for lineup announcements and live updates.
  • @SonarFestival (Instagram, global account) for broader Sónar content.
• Key Staff:
  • Advanced Music SL team oversees programming, with local Icelandic curators from Xplore Iceland and EMS.
  • Contact Harpa’s event team for venue-specific inquiries.
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email press@sonarreykjavik.com for media passes and interviews.
  • Volunteers: Apply via info@sonarreykjavik.com; roles include ticketing, crowd management, and Sónar+D support (details TBD by December 2025).
• Note: Response time is 24–48 hours. English and Icelandic support available.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Sónar Reykjavík celebrates Iceland’s electronic music heritage, rooted in artists like Björk, while embracing global trends in techno and experimental sounds.
  • The festival fosters a collaborative spirit, with local artists performing alongside international headliners, reflecting Iceland’s inclusive cultural ethos.
• Music:
  • Expect a diverse lineup spanning techno, house, ambient, trap, and avant-garde electronic music, with live sets and DJ performances.
  • Icelandic artists contribute ethereal, nature-inspired sounds, while international acts bring high-energy beats and innovative productions.
• Costumes:
  • Performers and attendees often wear avant-garde, futuristic outfits, with neon colors, LED accessories, and Icelandic wool elements reflecting local fashion.
  • DJs may sport minimalist, tech-inspired attire, while visual artists incorporate interactive wearables for immersive performances.
• Local Customs:
  • The festival embraces Reykjavík’s laid-back, creative vibe, with attendees encouraged to engage in open discussions at Sónar+D forums.
  • Icelandic hospitality shines through communal dancefloors and pop-up events, fostering a sense of unity among diverse audiences.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Skyr: Creamy Icelandic yogurt, served plain or with berries, available at Harpa’s café or nearby vendors.
  • Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): A hearty Icelandic dish with lamb, root vegetables, and herbs, offered at food stalls or restaurants like Sandholt.
  • Pylsur: Icelandic hot dogs with remoulade, mustard, and crispy onions, a popular quick bite near Harpa.
  • Fermented Shark (Hákarl): A traditional delicacy for adventurous eaters, available at select vendors or nearby eateries.
  • Brennivín: Iceland’s signature schnapps, served chilled at bars in Harpa or local pubs like Kaffibarinn.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Plant-based dishes like roasted root vegetables, vegan skyr bowls, and falafel wraps, with increasing options at venues like Gló.
  • Craft Beer: Icelandic brews from Borg Brugghús or Einstök, available at Harpa’s bars or nearby taprooms.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Keflavík International Airport (KEF), 50 km from Reykjavík (45–60 minutes by Flybus, taxi, or rental car).
  • Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) for connecting flights, 2 km from Harpa (10-minute taxi or bus).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Strætó lines 1, 3, or 6 stop near Harpa (Hlemmur or Lækjartorg stations).
  • Shuttle: Flybus from KEF to Reykjavík (BSÍ terminal), then a short taxi or bus to Harpa ($20–$30 USD).
  • Walking: Harpa is a 10–15-minute walk from central Reykjavík (e.g., Hallgrímskirkja or Lækjartorg).
• Parking:
  • Limited parking at Harpa; paid lots nearby at Austurbakki or Skúlagata ($2–$5 USD per hour).
  • Pre-book parking via Parka.is for convenience during peak festival times.
• Other Options:
  • Taxis (Hreyfill, BSR) or ride-sharing apps like Bolt cost $10–$15 USD from central Reykjavík.
  • Bike rentals (e.g., Reykjavík Bike Tours) offer eco-friendly transport, with paths to Harpa.

Accommodation Options

• Hallgrimskirkja View Apartments:
  • Central Reykjavík, 15-minute walk to Harpa, with modern apartments and views of Hallgrímskirkja church.
  • Rates: $100–$200 USD per night.
• Hotel Reykjavík Centrum:
  • In the city center, 10-minute walk to Harpa, offering cozy rooms and Icelandic breakfast.
  • Rates: $120–$250 USD per night.
• Fosshotel Reykjavík*:
  • A 4-star hotel near Harpa, with panoramic views, a gym, and on-site dining.
  • Rates: $150–$300 USD per night.
• Kex Hostel:
  • Budget-friendly, trendy hostel 10 minutes from Harpa, with dorms and private rooms.
  • Rates: $30–$100 USD per night.
• Sandhotel:
  • Boutique hotel in central Reykjavík, 12-minute walk to Harpa, with luxury rooms and proximity to Sandholt Bakery.
  • Rates: $200–$350 USD per night.
• Airbnb Options:
  • Apartments or guesthouses in downtown Reykjavík, ideal for groups or budget travelers.
  • Rates: $50–$150 USD per night.
• Booking Tips:
  • Book 6–12 months in advance due to high demand during February’s Northern Lights season.
  • Check sonarreykjavik.com for partner hotels with festival discounts.