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Perlan is Iceland's largest nature museum, set inside a glass dome on a hilltop above Reykjavík. Iceland sits on the boundary of two drifting tectonic plates, which is why it has so many volcanoes, earthquakes, and glaciers. Perlan is where that story becomes clear, with interactive exhibits that explain the forces shaping the land you came to see.
The experience is hands-on rather than passive. You can walk through a 100 m (328 ft) indoor ice cave built from 350 tons of real snow, descend into the Volcano Exhibition for a simulated journey 2,000 m (6,562 ft) below the surface, and watch Áróra, an 8K Northern Lights planetarium show. A 360° observation deck wraps around the top with wide-reaching views over the city. A visit is a great way to enrich your trip before or after you head out of Reykjavík for an adventure, giving real context to the landscapes you'll see in the field.
Availability
All Year
Duration
Flexible
Departs From
Reykjavik
Level
Easy
Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Visit Perlan's Wonders of Iceland exhibition, where interactive displays and multimedia presentations explain the natural forces that shape the country. Walk through the world's first indoor ice cave, a 100 m (328 ft) tunnel built from more than 350 tons of snow gathered from the Bláfjöll mountains.
From the ice cave, head into the museum's themed exhibits. Forces of Nature explores volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy. Head down to the basement-level Volcano Exhibition, a walkthrough that pairs the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption story with Into the Volcano—an immersive simulator that drops you 2,000 m (6,562 ft) below the surface on a kinetic glass platform. Travel beneath Icelandic waters in The Ocean's cinematic experience, and look up at a model of Látrabjarg, Europe's largest seabird cliff. Catch Áróra, Perlan's Northern Lights show, projected in 8K across the planetarium's full dome.
Walk Perlan's 360° observation deck for panoramic views over Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains. On the 5th floor, the dome restaurant has been freshly redesigned, with a menu by some of Reykjavík's top chefs. A café sits on the same floor. The 4th floor has Perlan's ice cream parlor, which makes its own flavors on site.
Perlan Museum opening hours:
Opening hours are from 09:00 to 21:00 every day except during the holiday season and occasional events.
