Sportbarinn Olver

In a country where the weather regularly conspires against outdoor recreation, a reliable sports bar becomes an essential institution. Sportbarinn Olver has filled that role in Reykjavik since 1984 -- predating even the legalisation of beer in Iceland -- and it remains the undisputed first choice for watching live sport in the capital.

What to Expect

Located inside the Glaesibaer shopping centre in the Laugardalur neighbourhood, Sportbarinn is far larger than it appears from the entrance. The interior sprawls across five separate halls, each equipped with its own screens, giving the venue the ability to show up to nine different sporting events simultaneously. In total, over 20 televisions are scattered throughout the space, ensuring a decent viewing angle from virtually every seat.

The atmosphere on match days is electric, particularly when Iceland's national football team is playing or when a big Premier League fixture is on. Icelanders are famously passionate sports fans, and Sportbarinn concentrates that energy into a space that buzzes with genuine excitement. On quieter evenings, it transforms into a perfectly pleasant neighbourhood pub with table service and a relaxed vibe.

The Menu

Nobody visits Sportbarinn for a gastronomic experience, and the kitchen makes no pretence otherwise. The menu is built for grazing while your eyes stay fixed on the screen: burgers, chicken wings, loaded nachos, pizza, and a selection of shareable platters. Everything is competently executed and generously portioned. The burgers, in particular, are a cut above what you might expect from a sports bar.

The beer selection is solid, with Icelandic craft options on tap alongside international lagers. Prices are reasonable for Reykjavik, and there are usually drink specials running during major events.

Practical Tips

Glaesibaer is about 3 km east of downtown Reykjavik, easily reached by bus or a ten-minute drive. If you are staying in the city centre and relying on public transport, the number 14 bus runs regularly along Sudurlandsbraut and stops right outside. There is also ample free parking at the shopping centre.

For major matches -- Champions League nights, Premier League derbies, Iceland international fixtures -- get there early. The place fills up fast, and the best seats go to those who plan ahead. For regular league matches and midweek fixtures, you can generally walk in and find a comfortable spot without difficulty.

Sportbarinn is not the kind of place that will feature in any "hidden gems of Reykjavik" listicle. It is, however, exactly the kind of place that every city needs: a reliable, welcoming, well-equipped venue for watching sport with a beer in hand and fellow fans for company. After four decades in operation, it has earned its reputation.