Gaukurinn
Reykjavik's legendary live music venue and pub, hosting everything from underground rock shows to stand-up comedy in a gritty, welcoming space.
If Reykjavik has a soul, you will find a piece of it at Gaukurinn. This gloriously unpretentious venue on Tryggvagata has been the beating heart of the city's underground music and comedy scene for years, and stepping through its doors on any given evening is one of the most reliably entertaining things you can do in the capital.
The Venue
Gaukurinn is not a restaurant in any traditional sense. It is a bar and live performance space, and it makes no apologies for that. The interior is dark, a little rough around the edges, and decorated with the accumulated character of a thousand sweaty gigs. The stage is small and intimate, which means that whether you are watching a three-piece punk band or a stand-up comedian, you are close enough to feel part of it.
The sound system is surprisingly good for a venue of this size, and the acoustics work in favour of the performers rather than against them. On a busy Saturday night, with the room packed and a local band tearing through their set, there is an energy here that the slicker, more tourist-oriented bars in Reykjavik simply cannot replicate.
What Happens Here
The programme is eclectic. On any given week you might find live rock and punk concerts, stand-up comedy in both Icelandic and English, karaoke nights, drag shows, and the occasional poetry reading. Gaukurinn is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and has long been a safe space for anyone who feels out of place in the more conventional nightlife spots.
Check the website or social media before you go -- there is almost always something on, and some events sell out. Cover charges for ticketed events are reasonable, typically ISK 1,500 to 3,000.
The Drinks
The beer selection is solid, with a good range of Icelandic craft brews alongside the standard offerings. Cocktails are competent without being fancy. Prices are standard for Reykjavik, which means they are high by international standards, but that is true everywhere in the city. Happy hour, if offered, is worth timing your arrival around.
Practical Advice
Eat before you come. Gaukurinn is not the place for dinner -- it is the place for after dinner. Arrive early if you want a seat for a popular show, and be prepared for the room to get warm and loud as the evening progresses. The location on Tryggvagata is a short walk from the harbour and Ingolfstorg, placing it perfectly for a post-dinner wander into the Reykjavik night.
This is not a venue for everyone. If you want quiet cocktails and harbour views, look elsewhere. But if you want to see where Reykjavik's creative energy lives, Gaukurinn is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Gaukurinn known for?
- Gaukurinn is one of Reykjavik's oldest and most important live music venues. It hosts rock concerts, punk shows, stand-up comedy, karaoke nights, and drag shows. It is a cornerstone of the city's alternative cultural scene.
- Does Gaukurinn serve food?
- Gaukurinn is primarily a bar and live venue rather than a restaurant. Light bar snacks may be available, but the focus is firmly on drinks and entertainment. Eat before you arrive.
- What time does Gaukurinn open?
- Gaukurinn opens at 16:00 every day. On Fridays and Saturdays it stays open until 03:00, while weeknight closing is 01:00.
- Is there a cover charge at Gaukurinn?
- It depends on the event. Some live music nights and comedy shows have a cover charge, typically ISK 1,500-3,000. Karaoke nights and regular bar evenings are usually free entry.
- Is Gaukurinn LGBTQ+ friendly?
- Very much so. Gaukurinn is known as one of Reykjavik's most inclusive venues, regularly hosting drag shows and LGBTQ+ events. Everyone is welcome.
- Where exactly is Gaukurinn?
- Gaukurinn is at Tryggvagata 22, near the harbour end of the city centre. It is a short walk from Ingolfstorg square and the Harpa concert hall.
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