Reykjavík - Iceland

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 8

at the Reykjavík Arts Festival on 30 May 2026

The musical highlight

Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 in Reykjavík: a grand evening at Harpa, Reykjavík's modern concert hall.

This masterpiece has never been performed in Iceland before. The symphony was nicknamed the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’ early on because it requires an unusually large number of performers. This concert will also mark Eva Ollikainen's farewell as chief conductor. She has been chief conductor and artistic director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra since 2020.

Excerpt from the list of performers:

Conductor: Eva Ollikainen

Soloists: Bryndís Guðjónsdóttir, Álfheiður Erla Guðmundsdóttir, Dísella Lárusdóttir, Anna Kissjudit, Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir, Simon O'Neill, Ólafur Kjartan Sigurðarson, Tómas Tómasson

Choirs: Der Motettenchor, Hljómeyki, Philharmonia Choir, Langholtskirkja Choir, Kársnes School Choir

Discover Reykjavík

Before the concert, take a stroll around the Old Harbour. The glass façade of the Harpa, designed by Ólafur Elíasson, reflects the water and sky, and in the evening the honeycomb structure glows like a work of art in its own right.

For a sweet break, Café Babalú is located right in the centre. Those who extend their stay can experience the Golden Circle with Þingvellir, Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall. For days off the beaten track, we recommend Snæfellsnes with a night at Hótel Búðir. Here you can experience the sea, black beaches and bright nights in their purest form.

Your travel options

Option A: Hotel Borg, 4 stars

The Hotel Borg opened in 1930 and is located on Austurvöllur, the central square between the Parliament and the Cathedral in the old city centre. Inside, classic Art Deco design awaits you. Harpa, the concert hall at the harbour, is about a ten-minute walk away.

If you want to relax after a busy day, you can use the small spa with sauna.

Room category: double room or single room

Travel dates: 29 May to 1 June 2026 (4 days / 3 nights)

Included: Category A concert ticket for Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 8 on 30 May 2026 at 5 p.m. at Harpa

Travel price: from €840 per person in a double room

Single room from €1,320

Option B: The Reykjavík EDITION, 5 stars

The Reykjavík EDITION hotel is located directly on the old harbour. From here, you can see across the water to Esja, the striking mountain north of the city. The design is modern with light woods and Icelandic lava stone. Your room has a spacious balcony or terrace.

The rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of the harbour and city. Harpa is about a 5-minute walk along the quay.

Room category: Double room or single room

Travel dates: 29 May to 1 June 2026 (4 days / 3 nights)

Included: Category A concert ticket for Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 8 on 30 May 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Harpa

Travel price: from €1,330 per person in a double room

Single room from €2,530

Travel details

Concert: Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 8

Harpa Concert Hall, Saturday 30 May 2026 at 5 p.m., Category A

Accommodation: according to selected option

An extension is possible.

Your individual journey

Flight from your desired airport to Keflavík. Onward journey to Reykjavík by private transfer or Flybus. We will advise you on the best connections and reserve your flight and transfer.

What is included?

• Three nights' accommodation according to your chosen hotel option
• Category A concert ticket for Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8 at Harpa on 30 May 2026
• Music Travel Hideaways Special: our favourites and travel tips for Reykjavík and the whole of Iceland will be sent to you with your travel confirmation

We are happy to plan additional nights in Reykjavík. Recommendations: Golden Circle as a day trip or Snæfellsnes with a stay at Hótel Búðir. A rental car can be booked through Music Travel Hideaways.

For a non-binding booking enquiry

You can find the general itinerary for your tailor-made trip to Iceland here: Reykjavik, Classical Iceland