Capital Region · Iceland
Perlan
Perlan — 'The Pearl' — is a glass dome museum and observation deck set on top of six geothermal hot water storage tanks on Öskjuhlíð hill, offering 360-degree panoramic views over Reykjavík.
About Perlan
Perlan — 'The Pearl' — is a glass dome museum and observation deck set on top of six geothermal hot water storage tanks on Öskjuhlíð hill, offering 360-degree panoramic views over Reykjavík.
History & Background
The six circular tanks beneath Perlan store millions of liters of hot geothermal water for Reykjavík's heating and hot water supply. The striking glass dome was added in 1991 by architect Ingimundur Sveinsson, transforming the functional water tanks into a city landmark. Perlan reopened in 2017 as 'Wonders of Iceland' — an interactive natural history museum featuring an indoor ice cave, Northern Lights show, and planetarium.
Key Facts
- ✔Sits atop six geothermal water tanks holding 4 million liters each
- ✔Glass dome added in 1991
- ✔360° observation deck with views over Reykjavík
- ✔Houses 'Wonders of Iceland' museum with indoor ice cave
- ✔Located on Öskjuhlíð hill — highest point of urban Reykjavík
