Den Danske Kro, known locally as the Danish Pub or "Danska Kráin", is one of the most popular bars in Reykjavik. Located just off the main Laugavegur Street, it brings a slice of Copenhagen to Iceland’s capital, complete with Danish décor, drinks, and a friendly atmosphere.
We stopped by as part of our “European bar tour of Reykjavik,” our informal Reykjavik pubcrawl centered around themed bars. The evening had started out with a visit to the Irishman Pub, kicking things off with Guinness and darts, and was now setting sail for Denmark.
At this point, our group had grown from three to four with the addition of one more friend, and we were ready for round two at Den Danske Kro!
"Something is Cozy in the State of Denmark"
You'll see so many Danish references at Den Danske Kro, like these glorious painted columns by the entrance!
Even before stepping inside, the theme of Den Danske Kro is clear. The entrance is framed by painted columns depicting Tivoli Gardens and the Nyhavn harbor, instantly setting the tone. On warm days, the outdoor patio is a great spot for a cold beer, with heaters keeping things comfortable when the evening gets chilly.
Inside, the décor feels both cozy and playful. Walls are covered with photos representing Danish landmarks and Hans Christian Andersen. Candles flicker from wine bottles on every table, and dark wood furniture makes the space inviting.
One of the quirkiest details I could find was a large photo of Viggo Mortensen staring at guests in the ladies’ bathroom. I can’t vouch for the same quality of decor in the men’s bathroom, but touches like these give the pub real character!
Drinking the Danish Way
Most of the group went for the obvious choice: a round of Carlsberg. I, however, was craving something a bit sweet, so I went with a Sommersby cider, which was crisp and refreshing.
Thankfully, Den Danske Kro has some of the top Reykjavik happy hour offers, running every day from 4 PM to 7 PM, and we just caught the end of it.
The Danske Kro has a whole menu of Danish-themed cocktails, which I’d recommend trying if you want something more adventurous. If you’re curious, Thursdays are the best time to try them, as it's when Den Danske Kro runs its special cocktail nights.
They’re a fun change from the usual options and fit perfectly with the pub’s theme. For anyone who likes variety, that’s the night to come!
Darts, Drinks, and a Busy Evening Crowd
As we enjoyed our drinks, the bar got progressively busy, which didn't come as a surprise. While we didn’t catch it ourselves that night, the pub is well known for its live music and sing-along sessions, where everyone joins in on familiar classics.
Now, I've had my fair share of the late-night sing-alongs at Danske Kro in the past, but for this visit, we stuck with a few rounds of darts, which are just as popular.
If you want to play, arrive early or be prepared to wait for your turn. It’s a great way to pass the time with friends!
By the time we left, it was clear why Den Danske Kro has remained such a fixture in Reykjavik’s nightlife through the years. It’s lively without being overwhelming, and the mix of Danish drinks, quirky décor, and entertainment gives it plenty of personality.
If you’re bar-hopping in Reykjavik, it’s an easy stop to recommend, whether for a Carlsberg, a themed cocktail, or just a night of music and laughter in good company.
Den Danske Kro was the perfect middle stop on our European pub crawl through Reykjavik, and the next stop? England!
Conclusion: Den Danske Kro was a lively and memorable stop on our night out. The mix of fun drinks, cozy décor, and friendly atmosphere made it easy to relax. It offers warmth, character, and a lot of fun. I’d happily come back for a cold drink on the patio, a Thursday cocktail night, or just to soak up the vibe with friends.
