Perlan

Overview

Perlan (The Pearl) is a futuristic glass-dome museum and exhibition centre perched atop Öskjuhlíð hill, built over six massive former hot-water storage tanks. It houses immersive exhibitions on Iceland's natural wonders, including a real indoor ice cave and a planetarium.

Highlights

• Indoor Ice Cave: A 100-metre tunnel carved from 350 tonnes of snow and ice, replicating the experience of exploring an Icelandic glacier.
• Planetarium: A state-of-the-art 8K projection system screening shows about the Northern Lights, volcanism, and the Icelandic night sky.
• Forces of Nature: Interactive exhibits on volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, and geothermal energy, with a simulated earthquake experience.

History

The original Perlan was built in 1991 as a monument over the hot-water tanks that store geothermal water for the city's district heating. In 2017 it was transformed into a world-class natural history museum with ISK 3 billion in investment.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: Allow 2–3 hours to see all exhibitions and the observation deck.
• Observation Deck: The outdoor 360° viewing platform is free to access even without a museum ticket.
• Getting There: Take bus 18 or walk up through the wooded Öskjuhlíð hillside.