Laugardalsvöllur
Reykjavík, Iceland
Kórinn
Kópavogur Iceland
Kórinn is a state-of-the-art indoor multipurpose auditorium and sports facility located in Kópavogur, the second-largest city in Iceland. Opened in 2007, the venue was a pioneer in Icelandic sports infrastructure, providing a high-quality indoor environment to combat the country’s harsh North Atlantic climate. While primarily known as a football stadium that meets strict FIFA international standards, Kórinn is equally famous as Iceland’s largest indoor concert arena. With a total area of over 14,000 square meters, it serves as a vital community hub for sports, music, and large-scale cultural events.
Capacity
2.050
History of the Venue
The development of Kórinn in the mid-2000s marked a significant shift in how Icelandic sports were organized, allowing for year-round training and competition regardless of snow or wind. Since its inauguration in 2007, it has been the fortress of Handknattleiksfélag Kópavogs (HK). Beyond sports, the venue carved out a unique niche as the only indoor space in Iceland capable of hosting massive international music tours. In 2016, Justin Bieber performed two sold-out shows here, and more recently in March 2026, the arena hosted Icelandic sensation Laufey for two historic nights as part of her European tour.
Architecture and Design
The facility is divided into specialized zones, with the main football hall featuring a full-size artificial turf pitch that satisfies all FIFA requirements for international play. The architecture emphasizes high ceilings and a vast open-span structure to accommodate both the trajectory of a football and the complex rigging required for modern concert productions. The auditorium was specifically designed with concert acoustics in mind, a rarity for large sports halls, ensuring that sound quality remains crisp even at high volumes.
Atmosphere and Matchday Experience
The matchday experience at Kórinn is uniquely « Icelandic »—intimate, sheltered, and community-focused. For HK matches, the 2,000-seat stand provides an excellent view of the technical play on the turf. Because it is an indoor venue, the atmosphere is concentrated; the chants of the supporters echo off the roof, creating a much louder environment than at an outdoor stadium of similar size. During major concerts, the floor is covered, and the capacity expands to a staggering 19,000, transforming the quiet sports hall into a pulsing, world-class arena.
Location and Accessibility
Kórinn is situated in the southeastern part of Kópavogur, in a modern residential and commercial district.
– By Car: It is easily accessible from the Route 1 (Ring Road) and the Reykjanesbraut highway, with significant parking available around the complex.
– Public Transport: Several Strætó bus lines serve the Kópavogur area; fans typically take the bus to the Hamraborg hub and transfer to local lines heading toward the Vallakór district.
– Walking/Cycling: The area is well-served by Iceland’s extensive network of paved footpaths, making it accessible for locals in the Kórinn and Salurinn neighborhoods.
Origin of the Name
The name Kórinn is derived from the Icelandic word for « The Choir, » but in this context, it also refers to its location in the « Kór » district of Kópavogur (where many streets end in -kór). The name reflects the dual purpose of the building: a place for the « choir » of fans to sing for their team and a venue designed specifically for the acoustic demands of musical performances.
How to get to Kórinn
To reach Kórinn from downtown Reykjavík, the most common route is by car or bus. If using public transport, check the Strætó app for the most direct route to the Vallakór stop. For international visitors arriving for concerts, many event organizers arrange dedicated shuttle buses that run between the Reykjavík City Hall or BSI Bus Terminal and the arena.
Best seats, view and atmosphere
For football matches, the main grandstand offers a classic side-on view of the pitch. Because there are only 2,000 seats, you are guaranteed to be close to the action. For concerts, the best views are typically from the front-of-stage standing area, though the permanent seating provides a comfortable elevated perspective. Thanks to the acoustic design, there are very few « dead zones » for sound in the entire hall.
Where to eat and drink near Kórinn
The arena features basic kiosks for snacks and sodas during matches. For more variety, the nearby Smáralind shopping mall (the largest in Iceland) is just a 5-minute drive away and offers a wide array of restaurants, from American diners to sushi spots. For a local pre-match experience, fans often gather at nearby neighborhood cafes in Kópavogur before heading to the hall.
Good to know
Kórinn is a very safe and highly organized venue. One of the biggest advantages is that you never have to worry about the weather—no matter how cold it is outside, the interior is climate-controlled and comfortable. For large concerts, arrive early as security checks for 19,000 people can take time. If you are attending a sports event, check if the match is in the main hall or on the « Gervigras » (outdoor artificial turf) field located immediately adjacent to the building.
