Perlan

On top of Öskjuhlíð hill stands Perlan (The Pearl). It stands on top of six huge storage tanks which contain natural hot water, each of which can contain four million liters of water, averaging 85°C. Perlan was built in 1988, it was originally designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson. A glass dome was constructed on top of the large water tanks and under the dome is a rotating 5 star restaurant with a 360 degree view over the city of Reykjavík and its surrounding. The Pearl is a remarkable building and unique in the world.

What to do in Perlan?

There are many interesting things to do in Perlan such as visit the Wonders of Iceland exhibition, experience a 360 degree view of Reykjavík and its surroundings from the observation deck, or perhaps enjoy a panoramic cup of coffee.

Perlan – Wonders of Iceland

Perlan – Wonders of Iceland provides deep insight into Iceland’s unique nature.

In the summer of 2017, Perlan opened the glacier Exhibition, the first part of the Icelandic Natural Wonders exhibition, where you can learn about the history and the future of Iceland’s glaciers. You also have the chance to experience walking through one of them. It’s a great experience, one we fully recommend.

The glacier exhibition tells the story of glaciers, their history and future, and gives visitors the amazing opportunity to experience travelling through one of them. The Museum developed a method to accurately replicate an ice cave dug through a glacier.

The Forces of Nature exhibit lets you see, hear and feel the power of our Earth. Volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy comes alive at your fingertips. Other exhibits showcase Iceland’s coastlines, oceans and freshwater springs. A state-of-the-art planetarium features a show about the northern lights and their importance to Iceland.

Highlights of Perlan

Planetarium with a northern lights show
Real indoor ice cave, 100-meter long
Modern nature exhibitions and interactive exhibits
Látrabjarg Cliff with lifelike birds, 10-meter high
360° observation deck
Restaurant and cafe with great views
Ice cream parlour with homemade ice cream

Is the viewing deck accessible to public?

Yes, it is. Perlan has a 360 degree viewing deck on the fourth floor.  The viewing deck offers an awesome view of Reykjavík and the neighbouring communities and the mountain ranges around the city, e.g. the picturesque Mount Esja. On clear days you can even see the lofty  Snæfellsjökull mountain across the bay on Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Is there an entrance fee to Perlan?

Perlan is open every day of the week between 09:00am and 10:00pm and there there’s an entrance fee. The fee to the exhibits also includes access to the viewing deck.