Bergen: Magic Ice Bar Entry Ticket with Welcome Drink

Rating: 3.9/5 (92 reviews)
Location: Vestland County, Norway
Price: $30 per person
Supplier: Magic North AS

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Introduction

Thinking about adding a chilly surprise to your Bergen itinerary? We’ve looked into the Magic Ice Bergen experience, a popular attraction offering visitors a taste of the Arctic without leaving the city. While we haven’t personally braved the sub-zero temperatures, this tour consistently attracts travelers wanting a fun, photogenic, and quick break from Bergen’s scenic streets.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its uniqueness—an ice gallery with Norwegian-inspired sculptures, the chance to sip a drink in an ice glass, and the colorful LED lighting creating a surreal atmosphere. It’s perfect for a short, memorable stop that offers a stark contrast to Bergen’s lush fjords and cobblestones.

One consideration? The space is relatively small, and the cold limits how long you’ll want to stay comfortably. If you’re after a lengthy visit or large-scale installations, this might feel a bit limited. Still, if you’re curious about icy art and want an experience that’s both playful and photogenic, it’s well worth the visit.

This tour suits travelers looking for a quick, fun activity that’s easy to fit into an afternoon or evening—especially if you’re craving something quirky and memorable.

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Key Points

Unique Arctic Atmosphere: Experience a sub-zero world filled with stunning ice sculptures inspired by Norwegian artists.
Photogenic Experience: LED lighting and intricate ice art make for great photos and memorable moments.
Included Drinks: Sip a signature cocktail served in an ice glass, adding to the novelty.
Warm Gear Provided: Winter poncho and gloves help you stay cozy even when the temperature drops.
Limited Duration: The small size and cold environment mean most visitors spend around 10 minutes inside.
Price-Value Balance: At $30, it’s a unique photo stop, but some reviews suggest the sculptures and space could be larger for the price.

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What to Expect at Magic Ice Bergen

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted and given a warm welcome, along with winter gear—poncho and gloves—to shield you from the chilling environment. Expect to step into a sub-zero room that’s carefully maintained at around -5°C to -8°C. The ice sculptures, inspired by both Norwegian and international artists like Edvard Grieg, dominate the space with their finely carved details. As you wander through the gallery, LED lights cast colorful glows on the sculptures, creating a magical, almost otherworldly ambiance. The combination of music, lights, and art makes this more than just an icy display—it’s a visual experience.

The Sculptures and Art

The sculptures are the star here. While some visitors felt the collection could be expanded—“there weren’t enough” as one reviewer mentioned—what’s there is crafted with care, offering a variety of shapes and motifs. The sculptures are illuminated with LED lighting, which enhances their details and makes each piece pop visually. Expect to see Norwegian icons and works inspired by classic artworks, making it a delight for art lovers and casual visitors alike.

The Ice Bar and Signature Drink

One of the highlights? The ice bar, where you’re served a signature cocktail in an ice glass. The experience of sipping your drink in a freezing setting adds a fun, almost sci-fi element to the visit. However, some guests have noted that the drink might sometimes come in a plastic glass instead of ice, which can be a letdown if you’re eager for full immersion. Still, the novelty of the ice glass alone makes for a cool photo op and a fun story.

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Duration and Atmosphere

The entire experience is brief—most visitors spend around 10 minutes inside, making this a perfect quick activity. As one reviewer pointed out, “the cold doesn’t allow you to stay more than 10 minutes.” The space is small, which can feel a bit crowded during peak hours, and the cold may become uncomfortable if you linger too long without proper gear. That’s why the inclusion of ponchos and gloves is such a thoughtful touch.

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Practical Details and Tips

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

All ages are welcome, making it a family-friendly option. If you’re between 18-30, be prepared to show ID if you want to be served alcohol at the bar. The last entrance is 30 minutes before closing, so plan accordingly.

What to Bring

Bring along passport or ID card for age verification, and warm clothing beyond the provided gear if you plan to stay longer outside the exhibit. Remember, the environment inside is cold, and some guests have mentioned that they wish they’d dressed more warmly.

Price and Value

At $30, the experience is priced similarly to other specialty attractions. While it’s certainly fun and visually impressive, some reviews suggest that the sculptures and overall size could be larger or more elaborate to justify the cost. Nevertheless, for many, the experience’s novelty and Instagram-worthiness make it worth the price.

Booking and Flexibility

You can reserve your ticket with the option to pay later, giving you flexibility in planning. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, which is handy if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

While most reviews praise the uniqueness of the ice sculptures and LED-lit gallery, some travelers found the experience a bit underwhelming in terms of size and sculpture variety. One guest shared, “It could be ace with a few tweaks,” pointing to the small space and limited sculptures. Others appreciated the fun factor—“a tasty cocktail in a completely ice-covered place is one of those experiences to do at least once in a lifetime,” noted a visitor.

A common theme was the importance of dressing appropriately. Several travelers mentioned they wished they’d brought extra layers or more robust winter gear to stay warm longer, with one saying, “We didn’t prepare properly with ponchos and gloves, and it’s really cold inside…”

The Sum Up

In the end, Magic Ice Bergen offers a brief but striking glimpse into a frozen world of art and novelty. It’s a great stop for those craving a quick, photogenic experience or wanting to add a quirky highlight to their Bergen trip. The inclusion of a signature ice glass cocktail and the colorful lighting make it memorable, even if the space is compact.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a fun detour—especially if you’re into arts, photography, or just want to experience something out of the ordinary in a short span of time. It’s not a sprawling ice palace, but rather a concentrated dose of icy awe with a dash of Norwegian charm.

If your goal is to enjoy a relaxed, long-lasting experience, this might not be the best fit. But if you want a quick activity to break up your day or add some cool photos to your album, it delivers exactly that.

FAQ

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. Just be mindful that the environment is cold, so bring warm clothing if they plan to stay inside for a while.

How long does the visit typically last?
Most visitors stay around 10 minutes, as the space is small and the cold can become uncomfortable after a short period.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
Yes, you receive a signature cocktail served in an ice glass as part of the ticket. Some reviews mention that the drinks might sometimes come in plastic glasses, so don’t be surprised if not every drink is served in ice.

What should I wear?
Wear warm clothes and bring extra layers if possible. The provided poncho and gloves help, but additional clothing will make your visit more comfortable.

Can I visit with a group?
Absolutely. It’s suitable for individuals, couples, families, or small groups. Just note that during peak times, it can get crowded.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the information doesn’t specify, the small size and enclosed environment suggest it’s best suited for those able to navigate a short, cold walk.

What is the best time to visit?
Visiting in the afternoon might mean fewer people and a calmer experience, as suggested by some travelers.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during busy periods. You can reserve online and keep flexible with pay-later options.

In summary, Magic Ice Bergen is a fun, brief escape into a frosty art wonderland—perfect for a quick photo stop or a novel experience on your Bergen trip. It offers enough to be memorable without taking up too much time, especially if you’re prepared for the cold.