Iceland, Iceland

The Freezer

A world-class theater sits hidden in this remote town in West Iceland.

Just three hours from Reykjavik in the tiny Icelandic town of Rif, sits a world-class theater known simply as The Freezer. So named because it is housed in an old fish factory freezer, this cultural gem is the brainchild of Kári Viðarsson.

Launched in 2010, The Freezer is a cozy bar, hangout spot, theater, performance space, and a hostel. When it comes to programming the entertainment, Viðarsson is no slouch. During the summer months, there is an event taking place every single evening.

The Freezer, which shows performances in English, runs shows three to four nights a week. A fan favorite is the ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ musical, which takes places in the shadow of the Snæfellsjökull glacier (where the Jules Verne novel’s protagonists began their journey inward).

On other nights, the Freezer hosts movie nights, and music nights, often playing host to some of Iceland’s biggest artists. While wintertime is quieter for this remote theater, The Freezer still features music on Friday nights, movie night on Sundays, and happy hour from 6 to 8 pm, daily.

Viðarsson is also the mastermind/artist-curator behind the murals that adorn The Freezer’s facade, and the old fish factory in the tiny town of Hellissandur just a few miles down the highway from Ríf. His dream is to someday host a street festival that will feature theater, music, and art.

“Growing up here, I would have liked to be exposed to so much more creativity,” Viðarsson says, “this will hopefully inspire local kids to become artists themselves.”