KEX Reykjavik
A former biscuit factory transformed into Reykjavík’s most creative, character-filled hostel, where industrial heritage, vintage design, and local culture come together.
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A brilliantly repurposed biscuit factory where industrial architecture meets eclectic vintage design.
● More cultural clubhouse than traditional hostel, attracting locals, musicians, artists, and travelers alike.
● One of Reykjavík’s most authentic social hubs, with live music, great food, craft beer, and an unmistakably creative atmosphere.
From Biscuit Factory to Cultural Landmark
KEX Reykjavik proves that some of the city’s most inspiring places aren’t luxury hotels at all. Housed inside the former headquarters of Iceland’s largest biscuit manufacturer, the building has been transformed into one of Reykjavík’s most vibrant gathering places while preserving its industrial character and wonderfully imperfect soul. Rather than polishing away its past, KEX embraces it. Original factory details, exposed concrete, weathered timber, reclaimed materials, vintage signage, and salvaged furnishings create interiors that feel collected over decades rather than carefully staged. It’s messy in the best possible way.
Industrial Design with Personality
Every corner feels different. Worn leather sofas sit beside antique cabinets, reclaimed wood tables, factory lighting, vintage typewriters, old maritime objects, and eclectic artwork sourced from Iceland and beyond. Nothing matches perfectly—and that’s precisely the point. The layered interiors create a warm, lived-in atmosphere somewhere between an artist’s loft, a neighbourhood café, and a boutique hotel. It feels unmistakably Reykjavík: creative, relaxed, slightly eccentric, and completely authentic.
More Than Just a Hostel
Although KEX is often described as a hostel, that barely captures the experience. Accommodation ranges from sociable dormitories to comfortable private rooms, allowing both backpackers and design-conscious travelers to enjoy the same unique atmosphere. Shared kitchens, relaxed lounges, and practical facilities make longer stays easy, while the thoughtful design ensures the property never feels purely functional. It’s a place where community naturally happens.
The Living Room of Reykjavík
The real heart of KEX is its lively public spaces. The café-bar serves excellent coffee from morning until late evening before seamlessly evolving into one of the city’s favourite gathering spots for craft beer, cocktails, and live music. Locals mix effortlessly with international guests, while concerts, DJ nights, exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events ensure there’s always something happening. Even those staying elsewhere in Reykjavík often end up spending their evenings here.
Perfectly Positioned
Located just a short walk from Laugavegur, Harpa Concert Hall, the harbour, and many of Reykjavík’s best restaurants, galleries, bars, and music venues, KEX places guests right in the middle of the city’s creative scene. The hostel feels deeply connected to its neighbourhood rather than separated from it, making it an ideal base for exploring both Reykjavík itself and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes beyond.
Why it Works
KEX Reykjavik captures the creative spirit of Iceland’s capital better than almost anywhere else. By transforming an industrial landmark into a welcoming cultural hub filled with vintage character, local creativity, and genuine community, it has become far more than a hostel. Warm, unpretentious, and full of personality, KEX offers the kind of authentic experience that polished luxury hotels often struggle to recreate.
