capital-region · Iceland
Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
About Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
Perlan ('The Pearl') is Reykjavík's natural history museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, housed in a distinctive glass dome atop six massive geothermal hot water tanks. The museum's star attraction is Iceland's only indoor ice cave, a 100-metre real ice tunnel carved into the building. Exhibitions cover glaciers, volcanoes, geology and Icelandic nature. The observation deck offers 360° views over Reykjavík, and the building itself is an architectural landmark.
History & Background
Öskjuhlíð was chosen as the site for geothermal hot water storage tanks in the 1930s. The current six-tank structure with glass dome completed 1991. Revolving restaurant operated 1991–2017. Wonders of Iceland museum opened 2017 after major renovation. The building is now one of Reykjavík's most recognisable landmarks.
Did You Know?
- Glass dome atop 6 massive hot water tanks
- 100m real ice cave kept at -10°C year-round
- 350 tonnes of ice in the cave
- 360° observation deck with outdoor terrace
- Second-best view in Reykjavík after Hallgrímskirkja
Tours Near Perlan — Wonders of Iceland Museum
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Perlan ('The Pearl') is Reykjavík's natural history museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, housed in a distinctive glass dome atop six massive geothermal hot water tanks.
Did You Know?
The ice cave at Perlan is made from real glacier ice — but ironically, climate change is melting Iceland's real glaciers faster than they can be studied. Perlan's artificial cave may outlast the natural ones.
The Pearl on the Hill
Perlan was built to store hot water pumped from deep underground — but someone decided that if you're going to build six giant tanks on a hill, you should put a glass dome on top and make it beautiful.
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Observation Deck at Sunset
The outdoor observation terrace at sunset offers arguably the best panoramic view in Reykjavík — and unlike Hallgrímskirkja, there's space to sit and watch.
The Forest Walk Below
Öskjuhlíð hill is covered in planted forest with walking trails — a rare sight in Iceland. The paths from Perlan down to Nauthólsvík beach are genuinely beautiful.
Practical Information
Best Time
Afternoons for best observation deck light
Duration
2–3 hours
Access
Öskjuhlíð hill, 2 km from city centre — bus or drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ice cave really ice?
Yes — 350 tonnes of real compacted snow and ice kept frozen at -10°C. Dress warm.
How much is admission?
Around 5,900 ISK adults, 2,900 ISK children 6–15. Check perlan.is for current prices.
