Language/Icelandic/Culture/Djammið-How-to-Party-in-Reykjavík

How to Party in Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is renowned for its weekend party scene that goes strong into the wee hours, and even spills over onto some of the weekdays (especially in summer). Djammið in the capital means going out on the town, or you could say pöbbarölt for a 'pub stroll'. (This should not be confused with the infamous countryside rúntur, which involves Icelandic youth driving around their town in one big automotive party.)

Much of Reykjavík's partying happens in cafes and bistros that transform into raucous beer-soaked bars on weekends, and at the many dedicated pubs and clubs. But it’s not the quantity of drinking dens that makes Reykjavík’s nightlife special – it’s the upbeat energy that pours from them.

Thanks to the high price of alcohol, things generally don’t get going until late. Icelanders brave the melee at the government alcohol store Vínbúðin (www.vinbudin.is ), then toddle home for a prepub party. Once they’re merry, people hit town around midnight, party until 5am, queue for a hot dog, then topple into bed or the gutter, whichever is more convenient. Considering the quantity of booze swilling, the scene is pretty good-natured.

Rather than settling into one venue for the evening, Icelanders like to cruise from bar to bar, getting progressively louder and less inhibited as the evening goes on. ‘In’ clubs may have long queues, but they tend to move quickly with the constant circulation of revellers.

Most of the action is concentrated near Laugavegur and Austurstræti. Places usually stay open until 1am Sunday to Thursday and 4am or 5am on Friday and Saturday. Expect to pay around 1200kr to 1600kr per pint of beer, and cocktails hit the 2000kr to 2800kr mark. Some venues have cover charges (around 1000kr) after midnight, and many have early-in-the-evening happy hours that cut costs by 500kr or 700kr per beer. Download the smartphone app Reykjavík Appy Hour.

Things change fast – check Grapevine (www.grapevine.is) for the latest listings. You should dress up to fit in, although there are some more relaxed pub-style joints. The legal drinking age is 20 years.

Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: People, Iceland Timeline & Dialects.

Sources

Book: Learn to Speak Icelandic: without even trying, Stephen Hernandez

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