Perlan Wonders of Iceland - white and red concrete building near green grass field mountain during daytime
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Perlan Wonders of Iceland

4.5
·10k reviews·Reykjavík, Iceland

Experience Iceland's wonders: glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights, all under a stunning glass dome with panoramic city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesday evenings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Perlan Wonders of Iceland - white and red concrete building near green grass field mountain during daytime

Perlan Wonders of Iceland

Best Time

Wednesday evenings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience Iceland's wonders: glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights, all under a stunning glass dome with panoramic city views.

4.5
(10k reviews)

"A must visit! If you want to know the history of this amazing country, its volcanic activity and northern lights them worth a visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Dress warmly for the ice cave!

It's -15°C inside! Bring a thick jacket or rent one to fully enjoy the glacier exhibit.

🎟️ Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry, especially for the popular planetarium shows.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glacier Exhibition

Glacier Exhibition

Ice Cave

Step into a real ice cave with a temperature of -15°C, showcasing Iceland's glaciers and their importance.

Northern Lights Planetarium Show

Northern Lights Planetarium Show

Planetarium

Experience a captivating show about the Aurora Borealis, offering a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Volcano Exhibition

Volcano Exhibition

Exhibition Area

Learn about Iceland's powerful volcanic activity through engaging and interactive displays.

Panoramic Observation Deck

Panoramic Observation Deck

Top Floor

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Reykjavik and its surroundings from the unique revolving deck.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Secure your tickets online before your visit to avoid queues, especially during peak times. This ensures a smoother entry and guarantees your spot for popular shows like the Northern Lights planetarium.

Dress for the Ice Cave

The Perlan's ice cave is kept at a chilly -15°C (5°F). While the rest of the museum is comfortable, bring extra layers or a warm jacket specifically for exploring the ice cave to fully enjoy this unique exhibit.

Best Times

When
Wednesday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the rush, enjoy shows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Perlan Museum - yes or no?

🧥 Dress warmly for the ice cave!

It's -15°C inside! Bring a thick jacket or rent one to fully enjoy the glacier exhibit. Reddit

🎟️ Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry, especially for the popular planetarium shows. Reddit

reddit.com

Please help! Question about Perlan Wonders of Iceland

reddit.com

Perlan Museum Recs?

🚶 Walk from downtown

Perlan is a pleasant walk from Reykjavik city center, offering scenic views along the way. Reddit

⏰ Allow 2-3 hours

Plenty to see and do, including exhibits, shows, and the observation deck. Reddit

reddit.com

Perlan

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Dress warmly for the ice cave!

It's -15°C inside! Bring a thick jacket or rent one to fully enjoy the glacier exhibit. Reddit

🎟️ Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry, especially for the popular planetarium shows. Reddit

🚶 Walk from downtown

Perlan is a pleasant walk from Reykjavik city center, offering scenic views along the way. Reddit

⏰ Allow 2-3 hours

Plenty to see and do, including exhibits, shows, and the observation deck. Reddit

🍰 Enjoy the cafe

Top floor cafe offers great cake selection and city views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Perlan for its engaging and educational exhibits, particularly the immersive ice cave and captivating Northern Lights show. The breathtaking panoramic views from the observation deck are a major highlight, and the dining options, including the revolving restaurant and cafe, add to the overall positive experience. Some find navigation within the museum could be clearer, and the ice cave requires significant warm clothing.

"Great place to spend a few hours learning more about this fabulous country!!! The exhibits are very nice. The lava and glacier exhibits are fun! The restaurant has delicious food and the dining area rotates slowly! The views from the observation deck are breathtakingly beautiful. Love from Kentucky! Get tickets early!!!"

Benjamin Boggs

"A wonderful quiet evening visit on a Wednesday. Got to browse the galleries, sit through the video shows, and explore the ice cave in relative peace and quiet. Incredible views from the observation deck around the top. Walked on foot from the town centre."

John Beech

"Great visit. Lots of staff to help you on arrival and as you go through the museum. Gave us good suggestions to make our day flow. We loved the Volcano show and the Aurora show - really well put together. The ice cave was fun too. The exhibits were interesting and interactive. The views from the observation deck were very good. We really enjoyed the day and would recommend a visit."

Janet Roos

What People Like

Immersive ice cave
Northern Lights show
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

Navigation can be unclear
Need warm clothes for cave

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can easily walk to Perlan from downtown Reykjavik, which takes about 20-30 minutes and offers nice views. Alternatively, local buses serve the area, or you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service for a quicker journey. Reddit

Yes, Perlan offers ample parking facilities for visitors who choose to drive to the attraction. This is convenient if you are exploring Iceland by car.

Several local bus routes stop near Perlan, making it accessible via Reykjavik's public transportation system. Check the local bus schedules for the most convenient routes.

While Perlan is in Reykjavik, it's not typically part of the standard Golden Circle route. However, it's an excellent addition to your Reykjavik exploration before or after your Golden Circle day trip.

Perlan is located in Reykjavik, approximately 45-50 minutes drive from Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Airport transfer buses will take you to Reykjavik, from where you can reach Perlan.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on which exhibitions and shows you wish to access. It's recommended to check the official Perlan website for current pricing and package deals. Booking online in advance can sometimes offer discounts. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or want to see specific shows like the Northern Lights planetarium. This helps avoid long queues and ensures availability. Reddit

Tickets typically grant access to the various exhibitions, including the Glacier Exhibition, Volcano Exhibition, and the Wonders of Iceland exhibit. Access to the planetarium shows and the observation deck may be included in certain packages or require separate booking. Reddit

Perlan generally opens daily, but specific hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official Perlan website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit. Reddit

Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the entrance, but booking online is advised to guarantee entry and potentially save time, especially during busy periods. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Glacier Exhibition with its real ice cave, the immersive Northern Lights planetarium show, and the interactive Volcano Exhibition are highly recommended. The panoramic observation deck also offers stunning views. Reddit+1

Yes, the ice cave is kept at a constant temperature of -15°C (5°F). It's crucial to wear warm clothing, including a thick jacket and gloves, to comfortably explore this exhibit. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at Perlan to fully explore the exhibitions, watch the shows, and enjoy the views from the observation deck. Reddit

The planetarium shows, particularly the Northern Lights show, and the Volcano show are very well-produced and informative, offering a great way to learn about Iceland's natural phenomena. Reddit

Perlan is very family-friendly with interactive exhibits that engage children. The ice cave and the planetarium shows are often highlights for younger visitors. Ensure they are dressed warmly for the ice cave.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Perlan features a fine dining restaurant with a revolving floor offering panoramic views of Reykjavik. It's a popular spot for a special meal. Reddit

The restaurant offers a fine dining experience, often focusing on Icelandic cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Reservations are highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe on the top floor, which is a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee or a treat while taking in the city views. They are known for their cake selection. Reddit

While specific menus can change, fine dining restaurants and cafes in Iceland typically offer vegetarian options. It's advisable to check the restaurant's menu online or inquire directly about vegan choices.

Generally, you can access the cafe and restaurant areas without purchasing museum tickets, though you might need to go through the main entrance. It's always good to confirm this with Perlan staff.

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic observation deck offers incredible cityscapes, especially during sunset or sunrise. The unique architecture of Perlan itself, the ice cave, and the interactive exhibits also make for great photos. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside the exhibits, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the displays or for the comfort of other visitors. Always check for signage. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos inside the ice cave, but be mindful of the cold and moisture. Ensure your camera is protected from condensation when moving between the cold cave and warmer areas. Reddit

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides beautiful lighting for cityscapes. Midday offers clear views, while evenings can be magical with city lights. Reddit

Tripods might be restricted in certain areas, especially during busy times, to avoid obstructing pathways. It's best to check Perlan's specific photography policy or inquire with staff upon arrival.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Perlan is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive exhibits, especially the Volcano and Glacier displays, are designed to capture children's attention and make learning fun. The real ice cave, though cold, is a thrilling experience for kids, and the Northern Lights planetarium show is often a mesmerizing highlight. Reddit Remember to dress children in warm layers for the ice cave to ensure their comfort. The observation deck also provides a great vantage point for kids to spot landmarks in Reykjavik. Reddit

Consider booking a family package if available, and allow ample time for exploration, as kids might want to revisit their favorite exhibits. The cafe on the top floor is also a good spot for a family break with snacks and drinks. Reddit

🧑‍🎓 Budget Travelers

While Perlan offers a premium experience, budget-conscious travelers can still make the most of it. Walking from downtown Reykjavik is a free and scenic way to reach the attraction. Reddit Focus on the exhibits that are most important to you; consider purchasing tickets for specific sections rather than a full package if your budget is tight. Reddit The observation deck offers incredible views and is often included in basic admission, providing great value for photography and sightseeing without the cost of the restaurant. Reddit

Packing your own snacks and water can help save money, though the cafe offers a nice treat if you decide to indulge. Look for any potential discounts or special offers on their website before your visit. Reddit

couples

Perlan offers a romantic and engaging experience for couples. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the fascinating exhibits on Iceland's natural wonders, followed by a visit to the revolving restaurant for a memorable fine dining experience with stunning city views. Reddit Alternatively, share a coffee and cake at the top-floor cafe while taking in the panoramic vistas. Reddit The observation deck is also a perfect spot for couples to enjoy a sunset or evening cityscape together. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Iceland's Natural Wonders

Perlan offers a unique opportunity to experience Iceland's diverse natural phenomena under one roof. The Glacier Exhibition is a standout, featuring a real ice cave chilled to -15°C (5°F). Visitors can walk through this icy tunnel, learning about the formation and importance of Iceland's glaciers. It's a surprisingly immersive experience, though bringing extra layers is highly recommended to truly enjoy the cold. Reddit

The Wonders of Iceland exhibit provides a comprehensive look at the country's geological marvels. This includes detailed displays on volcanic activity, showcasing the raw power that shapes the island. Complementing these exhibits is the Northern Lights planetarium show, which offers a stunning visual journey through the aurora borealis, a phenomenon many visitors hope to see in person. Reddit These exhibits are designed to be educational and engaging, making them accessible for all ages. Reddit

Beyond the exhibits, the panoramic observation deck provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of Reykjavik and its surrounding landscape. The deck itself rotates slowly, offering a dynamic perspective of the city. This is an ideal spot for photography and appreciating the scale of Iceland's capital. Reddit

The Perlan Experience: Beyond the Exhibits

Perlan is more than just a museum; it's an architectural marvel and a culinary destination. The building itself, with its iconic glass dome, is a landmark in Reykjavik. The revolving restaurant on the top floor offers a fine dining experience with unparalleled views, making it a popular choice for special occasions. Reddit

For a more casual experience, the top-floor cafe is a delightful spot to relax. Visitors often praise their selection of cakes and pastries, making it a perfect place to pause and enjoy the scenery. Reddit The presence of helpful staff throughout the museum also enhances the visitor experience, with many guests noting their friendly assistance and good suggestions for navigating the attractions. Reddit

While the exhibits are the main draw, the overall atmosphere of Perlan, combined with its dining options and stunning views, creates a memorable visit. It’s a place where education, entertainment, and gastronomy converge, offering a well-rounded experience of Iceland's wonders. Reddit

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