Live Action Roleplay (LARP) Events in Iceland
Iceland's live action roleplay (LARP) scene has grown into a vibrant community in recent years. From LARP events in Iceland set in medieval fantasy worlds to modern horror storylines, players across the country (especially in the capital) are embracing immersive, narrative-driven games. While smaller than some European scenes, LARP in Reykjavík and surrounding areas thrives with dedicated groups and events. Below is a comprehensive list of active in-person LARP events currently held in Iceland, including both Icelandic- and English-language games. (All events are narrative-focused and in-person, excluding pure online or historical reenactments.)
Find a LARP outside of Iceland
Reykjavík Medieval Fantasy LARP Group (Íslenskt LARP)
Location
Reykjavík (Öskjuhlíð area)
Primary Language
Icelandic
Genre/Theme
Medieval Fantasy (ongoing campaign)
This is Iceland's main LARP community, which meets regularly for a medieval fantasy live-action campaign in Reykjavík. The group gathers outdoors in Öskjuhlíð (a wooded area in the city) on Sundays during the summer months. Games feature classic fantasy elements – warriors, orcs, magic, and adventure – with an emphasis on collaborative storytelling over competition. The community has grown rapidly since its founding in 2013, now numbering hundreds of members (typically ~50 participants per game). Newcomers are welcome, though most play is in Icelandic. The group organizes both small skirmishes and larger story events and uses safety check-ins following Nordic LARP traditions. Official link: The community coordinates via the Facebook group "Íslenskt LARP – rauntímaspunaspil" (Icelandic Live Roleplay).
Midnight Sun – Vampire Chronicle (Reykjavík)
Location
Reykjavík
Primary Language
English (18+ only)
Genre/Theme
Modern Horror (Vampire: The Masquerade)
Midnight Sun is an ongoing World of Darkness LARP chronicle set in Reykjavík's dark underworld. It uses the Vampire: The Masquerade rules system, with players portraying various vampires thriving during Iceland's long nights. This troupe focuses on personal horror, intrigue, and immersive storytelling in a modern gothic setting. Games are typically held indoors in the capital area and are adults-only (ages 18+). While locals comprise the core of the group, Midnight Sun is marketed to international participants – the game is run in English, and the organizers encourage foreign LARPers in Iceland to join. (In fact, the group's name and materials are in English.) Interested new players must contact the organizers in advance to create a character and join the chronicle. Official link: Reach out via email (midnightsunlarp@gmail.com) or the Midnight Sun LARP Facebook group.
Heimar og Himingeimar (Hafnarfjörður Costume & LARP Festival)
Location
Hafnarfjörður (greater Reykjavík area)
Primary Language
Bilingual (Icelandic with English-friendly content)
Genre/Theme
Multi-genre Costume Festival (Fantasy & Sci-Fi)
Heimar og himingeimar (meaning "Worlds and Galaxies") is an annual costume and gaming festival that incorporates LARP-style activities. Held over a weekend at the Hafnarfjörður Library, this family-friendly event transforms the venue into various imaginative worlds. Visitors can step into a fantasy tavern, duel Star Wars villains, and watch Viking-age battles – all in one place. The three-day festival features workshops on making foam weapons and costumes, cosplay contests, and live combat demos with safe LARP weapons for both kids and adults. It's a colorful celebration of roleplay and cosplay, where "life is a stage" and all ages are encouraged to dress up and play. International visitors are welcome – information is available in English, and many activities transcend language. Admission is typically free. Official link: See the Hafnarfjörður Library's event page or the Heimar og Himingeimar Facebook event for yearly dates (usually the last weekend of August).
Summer LARP at Skemmtigarðurinn (Reykjavík)
Location
Reykjavík (Skemmtigarðurinn amusement park)
Primary Language
Icelandic (with some English)
Genre/Theme
Medieval Fantasy (one-day event)
Hosted at Skemmtigarðurinn (an amusement park in Reykjavík), this is a beginner-friendly LARP event designed for newcomers and families. Held in July, the event offers a casual medieval-fantasy adventure in a theme-park setting, complete with safe foam weapons and simple missions. It's advertised as "great fun for the whole family" and an opportunity to "Come LARP this summer in Iceland", inviting tourists and locals alike to try live role-play. The scenario and rules are kept accessible for all ages, making it an easy entry point into LARP. Veteran Icelandic LARP organizers run the activities, ensuring a safe and entertaining experience for kids and adults. This event is often promoted by the local gaming community as an introductory LARP day, and it highlights the inclusive spirit of the Icelandic LARP scene. Official link: Announcements are made via the LARP á Íslandi Facebook page and the park's social media each summer.
LARP Event Locations in Iceland
Reykjavík
The capital city hosts the majority of Iceland's LARP events, including the Medieval Fantasy LARP Group in Öskjuhlíð, Midnight Sun Vampire Chronicle, and the Summer LARP at Skemmtigarðurinn.
Hafnarfjörður
This town in the greater Reykjavík area is home to the annual Heimar og Himingeimar costume and LARP festival, held at the Hafnarfjörður Library.
Accessibility
Most LARP events in Iceland are concentrated in the capital region, making them easily accessible for both locals and international visitors staying in Reykjavík.
LARP in Iceland: Community Overview
Each of these events showcases a different facet of LARP in Iceland, from gritty vampire intrigues in Reykjavík to epic fantasy battles in the woods. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Icelandic LARP community offers a warm welcome – be it in Icelandic or English – to step into a story and embark on an adventure. LARP events in Iceland continue to grow, so keep an eye on these groups' websites and social pages for the latest updates on upcoming events and how to join.
Language Accessibility
While some events are primarily in Icelandic, there are English-friendly options like Midnight Sun and bilingual events like Heimar og Himingeimar that welcome international participants.
Seasonal Considerations
Many Icelandic LARP events take advantage of the summer months, particularly the outdoor Medieval Fantasy campaign and the family-friendly Summer LARP at Skemmtigarðurinn.
Community Growth
Iceland's LARP scene continues to expand, with increasing numbers of participants and a growing variety of genres and events available throughout the year.
Sources
  • Catherine Magnúsdóttir, Reykjavík Grapevine, interview with Icelandic LARPers (July 2024)
  • Vísir.is (Icelandic news): Coverage of Reykjavík LARP group (2015)
  • Unglist 2023 Festival Program (Reykjavík City Youth Art Festival) – description of Midnight Sun LARP event
  • Hafnarfjörður Town – Heimar & Himingeimar festival announcement (Aug 2024)
  • LARP á Íslandi (Facebook page) – community event post (July announcement)