Perlan
Varmahlíð, Reykjavik, Iceland, 105
The mirrored glass dome of Perlan shines from its position on Öskjuhlíð hill, just outside Reykjavík. Comprising a glass hemisphere sitting atop six massive hot water tanks, the building offers panoramic views of Reykjavík and the surrounding areas. Inside, it houses a restaurant, a viewing deck, a planetarium, and the Perlan Museum, which brings to life Iceland’s epic—and ephemeral—natural wonders.
The basics
Visitors can purchase The Pearl (Perlan) tickets for the observation deck only or for the Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition, which includes access to the observation deck.The Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition features a 328-foot (100-meter) man-made ice cave that replicates those found in nature as well as an interactive Iceland exhibit on glaciers. Other exhibitions include a planetarium and the Land, Coast, and Ocean exhibit, which features a bird cliff replica, virtual fish tank, and simulated earthquake.
For an extra special experience, opt for an after-hours The Pearl (Perlan) tour of the museum, during which you’ll be guided through the ice cave and glacier exhibition after the daytime crowds have gone. Visitors can also dine at Perlan’s glass-dome Út í bláinn restaurant, offering excellent views over Reykjavik and beyond—and if you’re lucky, perhaps even the aurora borealis.
Things to know before you go
Spot sites, including the Snæfellsjökull glacier, Keilir volcano, and Mount Esja, from the telescopes on the observation deck.
Perlan’s ice cave maintains a temperature of 14°F (-10°C). Vests are provided to keep guests warm.
The entire museum, including the ice cave, is wheelchair accessible.
In addition to the Út í bláinn restaurant, Perlan also houses a café, ice cream parlour and gift shop.
How to get there
Perlan is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. Free shuttle buses run between Perlan and the Harpa Music Hall downtown every 30 minutes during open hours. Walking paths also lead up Öskjuhlíð Hill from Reykjavik Natura Hotel, Reykjavik University, the Vodafone stadium, and the gas station at Bústaðavegur.
When to get there
Perlan is one of Reykjavik’s top attractions and can be busy at times. The best time to come is during summer when you have longer sunlight hours and higher odds of enjoying clear views from the observation deck.
The ice cave at Perlan
The first of its kind in the world, this indoor ice tunnel is designed to replicate natural ice caves found amid Iceland’s glaciers. The level of light, the temperature, and even the sounds of the man-made cave echo those present in natural ice caves. Walking through the ice cave at the Perlan Museum should take roughly 10–15 minutes.
Ways to explore
Perlan tickets include access to the observation deck, a planetarium show about the northern lights, and the Ice Cave and Glacier exhibition, which features a 328-foot (100-meter) man-made ice cave that represents those found in nature. Other exhibitions include a replica of one of Europe’s largest seabird cliffs, a virtual fish tank, and a simulated earthquake. Visitors can also dine at Perlan’s glass-dome restaurant, which offers excellent views over Reykjavík and beyond—and if you’re lucky, perhaps even the aurora borealis.
Accessibility
Perlan is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, light jacket for the observation deck
What to wear
Casual clothes, comfortable shoes for walking and standing
Not allowed
Outside food and drinks in exhibit areas, disruptive behavior
Amenities
Restaurant, café, gift shop, restrooms, parking, observation deck, luggage storage
Address
Perlan is just south of Reykjavík’s city center, near Reykjavík Airport (RKV). It is incredibly easy to access—you can get there by car, bus, or taxi, or you can simply walk.
Driving
Perlan is atop Öskjuhlíð hill in Reykjavík, about 10 minutes by car from the city’s downtown area. Free parking is available on-site. If you prefer to take a cab, you can book a ride via the Hopp or Hreyfill apps.
Public transportation
The museum is a stop on Reykjavík’s hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus. You can also take the public bus system, Strætó; routes 13 and 18 stop a short walk from Perlan.
Best times to visit
Late afternoon and evening are nice for sunset views from the observation deck, and in winter, you could catch the northern lights.
Best days to visit
Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, but there’s no bad time to visit.
Best months to visit
The winter months (October to March) mean possible aurora viewing, though summer brings midnight-sun views and clear, warmer weather.
Special events
Check out seasonal exhibits, special astronomy shows, rotating temporary exhibitions, and more.
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