Perlan, a striking architectural landmark in Reykjavík, is one of Iceland’s premier cultural and scientific attractions. Originally built as a set of hot water storage tanks, Perlan has been transformed into a unique museum and exhibition space that offers visitors a blend of natural wonders, interactive exhibits, and stunning panoramic views of the city. The building is crowned by a large glass dome, which houses a revolving restaurant and an observation deck providing 360-degree views of Reykjavík, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean.
One of the key attractions at Perlan is the Wonders of Iceland exhibit, which includes a realistic indoor ice cave, a planetarium, and immersive displays about Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal energy. The Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show is particularly popular, offering a spectacular visual experience that brings the magic of the aurora borealis to life. Perlan also features a modern café, gift shop, and regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Reykjavík.
Facts & Figures
Perlan was established in 1991 after years of planning, transforming six water tanks into a museum and cultural center. The building itself is 25.7 meters tall, with a glass dome that spans 20 meters. Two of the six tanks are still used for hot water storage, while the remaining four have been repurposed for museum exhibits. Perlan is located on Öskjuhlíð Hill and offers a 360-degree observation deck with breathtaking views of Reykjavík.
- Height: 25.7 meters
- Opened: 1991
- Location: Öskjuhlíð Hill, Reykjavík
- Key Features: Ice Cave, Planetarium, Glaciers Exhibit
- Water tanks: 6 (2 still in use)
- First exhibition: 2017 (Nature Exhibition)
History of Perlan
History of Perlan starts with the first hot water tank built in 1939 on Öskjuhlíð Hill. Since that time, these tanks supplied hot water to the Reykjavík area for decades. In the 1990s, it was time for renewal. Instead of dismantling tanks, it was decided to reconstruct them to publicly open space. The architect of this glass dome structure sitting atop the six tanks was Ingimundur Sveinsson, and Perlan opened in 1991. Along with the revolving restaurant and observation deck, this glass dome quickly became symbolic of modern Reykjavík.
Perlan has gone through various makeovers since its opening, but perhaps a new era really began in 2017 when exhibits of natural history came aboard. The exhibitions allow visitors insights into Iceland's unique geology, its wildlife, and other natural wonders that feature glaciers, volcanoes, and northern lights. With the addition of the world's first indoor ice cave to the growing list of attractions, it became the first place worldwide where guests could experience the inside of a glacier without leaving the city.
Perlan Museum
Perlan Museum is home to spectacular nature exhibitions worth visiting on your tour around Reykjavík. Here are a few of the main ones to consider.
Ice Cave and Glaciers Exhibition
One of the star attractions at Perlan is the exhibition entitled Ice Cave and Glaciers, where visitors may actually take a walk through an artificial ice cave. Composed of 350 tons of snow, the structure of the cave is a simulation of real glacier ice, precisely as nature would have created it. It provides insight into the various problems with which Icelandic glaciers are faced as a result of climate change.
Áróra Planetarium
The Áróra Planetarium offers an immersive experience of the northern lights. Through stunning visuals and surround sound, visitors can witness the beauty of the auroras while learning about the science behind them. You learn where Northern lights come from, how they form and hear ancient stories about them. The lights virtually dance all around you, in Icelandic nature and in outer space. It’s a beautiful story about the Northern lights, voiced by the goddess of dawn.
Forces of Nature Exhibition
The Forces of Nature exhibition goes in-depth into the volcanic and geothermal activity of Iceland, showing just how dynamic the geological features of the island are. It allows visitors to experience through hands-on exhibits the powerful earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hot springs. All the forces of the island in one place.
Volcano Show
The Volcano Show — which is for many the highlight on the itinerary — takes you through the fierce history of Iceland's volcanic eruptions, from ancient eruptions to modern of volcanoes such as Eyjafjallajökull and Katla. An amazing show about Iceland's explosive past.
Other Exhibitions
Perlan’s other exhibitions include an exploration of Iceland’s wildlife, such as the Látrabjarg cliff with its nesting seabirds, a virtual fish tank, and a section dedicated to Iceland’s extinct glacier, Ok. The museum also houses The Icelandic Museum of Natural History, which offers detailed displays of the country’s natural wonders, including rocks, lakes, and even polar bears.
Perlan Observation Deck
Perlan boasts a 360-degree observation deck with views of Reykjavik and its surroundings that are unparalleled. From here, you can see landmarks of the Hallgrímskirkja Church, the Esja mountain range, and on good days, even the far-off Snæfellsjökull Glacier located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The place is perfect for photographers and aficionados who look for ways to frame Iceland's capital in all its beauty.
Perlan Restaurant & Cafe
Perlan has both a restaurant and a cafe that can suit different tastes. The restaurant, located on the top floor, is a rotating one, which means that guests can oversee the whole city while having their meal; the cafe houses Icelandic delicacies and snacks, along with the famous ice cream from Perlan. It is an ideal place to rest after going around the museum or seeing the view from the observation desk.
Make sure to taste the ice cream, it’s one of the best in Iceland.
Parking
Perlan has comfortable visitor parking right next to the facility's main entrance. The parking is free of charge, which makes this a very accessible destination if traveling by car in Reykjavík. There is also a dedicated disabled parking close to the entrance.
From the car park visitors can also walk and explore Öskjuhlíð where you’ll find sites from World War II including a fuel storage area, a bunker and ruins.
Where is Perlan in Reykjavík?
Perlan is located on Öskjuhlíð Hill, with a scenic view that lets visitors see Reykjavík in all its panoramic glory. It lies about 3 km (1.9 miles) away from downtown Reykjavík.
For GPS guides, the coordinates are 64°07'45.7"N 21°55'08.8"W
How to Get There?
Perlan is easily accessible by car, bus, or tour. If driving yourself, know there is free parking on-site. Public transport is another option: bus lines 18 and 13 are the routes that will get you closest to Perlan.
If you're looking to put the driving in the hands of an experienced driver then Travel Reykjavík offers visitors a Private Reykjavík City Tour that includes a visit to the Perlan Museum.